Transcriptional Landscape of the Microenvironment in Bone Marrow Fibrosis at Single Cell Level

Although the molecular alterations in hematopoietic cells which drive the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) have been largely defined, reactive cellular alterations in the non-hematopoietic compartment remain rather obscure and have not been studied at single cell level. We therefore profiled enriched non-hematopoietic bone marrow cells by scRNAseq in bone marrow (BM) fibrosis compared to healthy marrow. BM fibrosis was induced by transplantation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with overexpression of Thrombopoietin (ThPO) into lethally irradiated mice. As ThPO-overexpression robustly leads to reticulin fibrosis in all mice (100%), we were able to study 1) pre-fibrosis (5 weeks after transplantation; reticulin fibrosis grade 0) and 2) manifest bone marrow fibrosis (10 weeks after transplantation, reticulin grade 2-3). The analysis revealed a total of 8 distinct clusters: 1-4) subpopulations of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC-1: adipogenic, MSC-2: osteogenic, MSC-3: transition, MSC-4: interferonhigh), 5) osteoblastic lineage cells (OLCs), 6) arterial endothelial cells (ECs) and 7-8) Schwann cell precursors (SCP-1: non-myelinating SCPs; SCP-2: myelinating SCPs). Exposure to ThPO overexpressing HSPCs resulted in an overrepresentation of adipogenic MSCs at the expense of all other MSC subclusters. Differential gene expression analysis revealed a functional reprogramming of the "adipogenic" expanding MSCs with down-regulation of hematopoiesis-support and induction of a secretory phenotype including upregulation of various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins driving fibrosis. Interestingly, only two MSC subclusters gained significant ECM expression indicating myofibroblast differentiation. Expansion of OLCs in BM fibrosis suggested a differentiation of the underrepresented MSC subpopulations into osteolineage cells which was confirmed by pseudotime analysis. Myelinating SCPs, highly expressing interleukin-33 (IL-33), showed the largest expansion in fibrosis. IL-33 is described to play a significant role in solid organ fibrosis by having both pro- and anti-fibrotic effects. Nerve injury triggers the expansion of myelinating and non-myelinating Schwann cells to promote repair, suggesting that mSCPs increase as compensatory and regenerative mechanism for the previously described MPN-induced sympathetic neuropathy. Dissection of cellular and molecular alterations in pre-fibrosis and manifest fibrosis demonstrated that only one MSC subpopulation was already significantly expanded in the pre-fibrotic phase, but only showed minor transcriptional changes. The upregulation of ECM proteins, osteogenesis as well as proinflammatory genes were hallmark features of manifest fibrosis. Interestingly, the overrepresentation of IL-33 expressing mSCPs was more pronounced in the pre-fibrotic phase, indicating that the expansion is a regenerative phenomenon failing in the stages of manifest fibrosis. Our findings were validated in the clinically relevant JAK2(V617F)-induced model of myelofibrosis. In conclusion, we here identified two distinct MSC subsets that are pro-fibrotic and contribute to osteosclerosis in PMF. The functional reprogramming of these MSCs in the bone marrow niche was accompanied by expansion of mSCPs with regenerative capacities, most likely caused by neural damage and Schwann cell death triggered by mutant HSCs. Disclosures Crysandt: Amgem: Other: travel grant; Pfizer: Other: travel grant; Gilead: Other: travel grant; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; celgene: Other: travel grant. Koschmieder:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers-Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: 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; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Shire: Consultancy, 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; AOP Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; CTI: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis Foundation: Research Funding.

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Efficacy, Safety, and Confirmation of the Recommended Phase 2 Dose of Ruxolitinib Plus Panobinostat in Patients with Intermediate or High-Risk Myelofibrosis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.711.711 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 711-711 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Jean-Jacques Kiladjian ◽

Florian H Heidel ◽

Alessandro M. Vannucchi ◽

Vincent Ribrag ◽

Francesco Passamonti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

High Risk ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Phase Iii ◽

Spleen Volume ◽

Bone Marrow Fibrosis ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Expansion Phase ◽

Marrow Fibrosis

Abstract Background: Myelofibrosis (MF) is a clonal neoplastic disease resulting in bone marrow fibrosis, splenomegaly, and debilitating constitutional symptoms. The Janus kinase (JAK) pathway is often dysregulated in MF, and agents targeting this pathway have demonstrated efficacy in this disease. Ruxolitinib (RUX), a potent JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, demonstrated superiority in spleen volume reduction, symptom improvement, and survival compared with the control arm in the phase III COMFORT-I and COMFORT-II studies. Panobinostat (PAN), a potent pan-deacetylase inhibitor (pan-DACi), inhibits JAK signaling through disruption of the interaction of JAK2 with the protein chaperone heat shock protein 90. In phase I/II studies, PAN has shown splenomegaly reduction and improvement of bone marrow fibrosis. The combination of RUX and PAN demonstrated synergistic anti-MF activity in preclinical studies. These preliminary results led to the initiation of a phase Ib study evaluating the combination of RUX and PAN in patients (pts) with MF. The updated results from the expansion phase of this trial are presented here. Methods: Eligible pts had intermediate-1, -2, or high-risk primary MF, post-polycythemia vera MF, or post-essential thrombocythemia MF by International Prognostic Scoring System criteria, with palpable splenomegaly (≥ 5 cm below the costal margin). The primary objective was determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended phase II dose (RPIID). Secondary objectives included safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics. Exploratory endpoints included assessment of improvement in bone marrow fibrosis and reduction of JAK2 V617F allele burden. The treatment schedule was RUX (5-15 mg) twice daily (bid) every day and PAN (10-25 mg) once daily 3 times per week (tiw; days 2, 4, and 6) every other week (qow) in a 28-day cycle. Following dose escalation and identification of the potential RPIID, additional pts were enrolled into the expansion phase and treated at this dose. Results: As of March 14, 2014, a total of 61 pts were enrolled (38 escalation phase and 23 expansion phase). The median duration of exposure to PAN and to RUX was 24.6 weeks and 24.0 weeks, respectively, for pts treated in the expansion phase. Three DLTs were observed in the escalation phase (grade 4 thrombocytopenia [n = 2], grade 3 nausea [n = 1]). No MTD was reached. The RPIID was confirmed to be RUX 15 mg bid and PAN 25 mg tiw qow in May 2014. Among the 34 pts treated at the RPIID, grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) regardless of causality included anemia (32%), thrombocytopenia (24%), diarrhea (12%), asthenia (9%), and fatigue (9%). AEs led to discontinuation in 6% of pts treated at the RPIID. Two pts treated at the RPIID died due to causes unrelated to study treatment (1 due to myocardial infarction and 1 due to progression of myelofibrosis). Among the pts treated at the RPIID, 79% showed a >50% decrease in palpable spleen length, with 100% decrease (non-palpable spleen) being observed in 53% of pts. Additionally, 48% of pts treated at the RPIID in the expansion phase achieved ≥35% reduction in spleen volume (Figure). These results are similar to those observed for spleen volume response at 24 weeks among pts who received single-agent RUX on the phase III COMFORT-I (41.9%) and COMFORT-II (32%) studies. Conclusions: The combination of the JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor RUX and the pan-DACi PAN was well tolerated and resulted in high rates of reductions in splenomegaly in pts with intermediate- and high-risk MF. Although a relatively larger proportion of patients experienced spleen volume reductions at week 24 as compared to the COMFORT studies, the smaller sample size, shorter follow up times and potential differences in the patient populations preclude definitive comparisons. Similar to COMFORT-I and II trials, hematological AEs, specifically anemia and thrombocytopenia, were the most common AEs observed in pts treated with the combination therapy. Pts continue to be treated in the expansion phase at the RPIID. Updated safety, efficacy, and exploratory analyses on bone marrow fibrosis, JAK V617F allele burden, and biomarkers, including cytokines, will be presented. Figure Change in Spleen Volume in Expansion Phase Figure. Change in Spleen Volume in Expansion Phase Disclosures Kiladjian: Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AOP Orphan: Honoraria, Research Funding. Heidel:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Ribrag:Celgene: Consultancy; Pharmamar: Consultancy; Epizyme: Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Servier: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Conneally:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Kindler:Novartis: Consultancy. Acharyya:Novartis: Employment. Gopalakrishna:Novartis: Employment. Ide:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. Loechner:Novartis: Employment. Mu:Novartis: Employment. Harrison:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria; CTI: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria; SBio: Consultancy; Shire: Speakers Bureau.

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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 ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2810.2810 ◽

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.

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Thrombopoietic Agents in the Treatment of Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): Clinical Treatment At 2 Centers

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.2230.2230 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 2230-2230

Author(s):

Kavitha Ramaswamy ◽

Loan Hsieh ◽

Hatice Melda Ürekli ◽

Diane J. Nugent ◽

James B Bussel

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Platelet Count ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Rescue Therapy ◽

Bone Marrow Fibrosis ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

The Mean ◽

Marrow Fibrosis

Abstract Abstract 2230 Introduction: Thrombopoietic agents (TPO-A) are widely used in adults for difficult ITP. However only 1 study has been published describing the use of a TPO mimetic (Nplate) in 22 children with ITP. This study is a post hoc analysis of 32 children (<21yr) who received clinical treatment (off study) with either Nplate or Promacta. Methods: All children described are from 2 centers:,Weill Cornell in New York (n=22, 9 on Nplate, 13 on Promacta) and Childrens Hospital Orange County (10, all on Nplate). All patients in this abstract were treated off study although some had previously participated in the AMGEN195 (Pediatric) followed by AMGEN 213 (long term maintenance) studies. Responses (taken from the published study) were defined as platelet count (plt ct) > 50k on 2 consecutive weeks, plt increase ≥ 20k on 2 consecutive weeks, and the percent of weeks at ≤ 50k independent of rescue therapy. Rescue therapy e.g. IVIG, steroids, plt transfusion, resulted in counts being considered “non-responder” for 2 full weeks after initiation of treatment. Bone marrows were evaluated for reticulin fibrosis (RF) using consensus grades 0–3. Several patients had more than one marrow during treatment; in these cases, the most recent on-therapy marrow was used. Results: The median age of patients on Nplate was 10 years of age (2–19) while for those on Promacta it was 16 years (5–19). Of the 32 patients treated with TPO-A, 24 responded with a plt ct ≥ 50k twice; 19/32 received Nplate and 15/19 responded; 13/32 received Promacta and 9/13 responded. Plt increases ≥ 20k were seen in 23 of 32 patients. The number of patients whose platelet count was ≥ 50k for at least 50 percent of visits was 20/32. The mean number of previous treatments for responders to Nplate was 3.2 while for Nplate non-responders it was 2.25. For Promacta, the mean for responders was 2.9 treatments and for non-responders 3 treatments. Younger patients did not seem to respond as well to treatment with either TPO-A (see table). Nplate patients received treatment for a mean of 19.2 weeks; for patients treated with Promacta it was 13.7 weeks. Baseline bone marrows were available in 17 patients of whom 6 had grade 1 reticulin fibrosis (RF). There were 10 children with marrows performed after the start of TPO-A: 2 with RF score=0, 7 with score=1+, and 1 with score=2+ Adverse events (AEs) other than bone marrow fibrosis and bleeding (lack of efficacy) were all 1–2+ and not related to TPO-A. In particular, no thrombosis or development of malignancy was seen. In conclusion, TPO-A were an effective treatment of chronic ITP in the 32 consecutive children retrospectively analyzed here from 2 centers. Younger children in this study seemed not to respond as well as older children, in contrast to small numbers of young children in published data who responded very well. No major changes were seen in the bone marrows but a formal baseline and on therapy study in children is needed to assess this issue. AEs were infrequent and tolerable. Additional studies with both Nplate and Promacta, either planned or in progress, are needed to clarify the response rates, AEs eg bone marrow fibrosis, and effects in subgroups of children. Disclosures: Bussel: Portola: Consultancy; Eisai: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Cangene: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding; Immunomedics: Research Funding; Ligand: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Shionogi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sysmex: Research Funding.

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Bone Marrow Fibrosis In Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) Patients Treated With Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists (TRA) – a Single Center Long-Term Follow-Up

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.3527.3527 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 3527-3527

Author(s):

Waleed Ghanima ◽

Julia Turbiner Geyer ◽

Christina Soo Lee ◽

Attilio Orazi ◽

Leonardo Boiocchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Single Center ◽

Duration Of Treatment ◽

Bone Marrow Fibrosis ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Marrow Fibrosis

Abstract Introduction TRAs increase platelet counts by stimulating the TPO-receptor. A known effect of TRA treatment is increased bone marrow fibrosis (MF). This study explored extent of MF, its clinical relevance, and incidence of phenotypic or karyotypic abnormalities in TRA-treated ITP patients. Methods This single-center study was carried out at the Platelet Disorders Center of Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC), NY, USA. Eligibility criteria were: diagnosis of ITP; treatment with a TRA (romiplostim, eltrombopag, AKR 501 (Eisai) or Shionogi agent), ≥ 1 bone marrow biopsy (BMB) performed during TRA treatment. BMBs were performed every 1–2 years as standard f/u procedure for our ITP patients on TRA. MF grade was assessed from MF-0 to MF-3 according to the European Consensus Grading System in 141 BMBs acquired prior to (n=15), during (n=117) and after (n=9) TRA-treatment from 66 patients. Fifty disease-free staging BMBs served as controls. BMBs were separately reviewed by 3 pathologists to assess the grade of MF and then reviewed concurrently as needed to reach consensus. The study was approved by the IRB of WCMC; informed written consent was obtained from patients. Results Median (Q1-Q3) age at the time of 1st BMB was 38 years (18-63); 34 males 32 females. 32 patients had > 2 on-treatment BMBs. The distribution of MF-grades is shown in the figure. The proportion of MF-0 decreased from 67% in pretreatment biopsies (BM0) to 21% in the first set of BMBs (BM1); in the 15 patients with pre- and on-treatment BMBs there was a significantly higher number of MF-0 in BM0 as compared to BM1 (10/15 vs. 3/15;p=0.016) suggesting that TRAs induce fibrosis in treated patients. In patients with multiple on-treatment BMBs (n=32), first on-treatment BMB was graded as MF-1 in 24. In the last set of biopsies (BM-Last) 8 had progressed to MF-2/3, 12 remained MF-1, and 4 became MF-0 illustrating the unpredictability of the future course of MF from the first on-treatment marrow. Nonetheless, a higher number of MF-2/3 BMB was found in BM-Last as compared to BM1 [10 (31%) vs. 3 (9%) of 32; p=0.039]. In 5 patients with MF-2/3 BMB, TRA were discontinued: on f/u 2 had less fibrosis, 1 remained the same, and 2 are awaiting f/u BMB. BMB was graded MF-0 in 54% and MF-1 in 46% of control BMB; no difference was found in the proportion of MF-0/1 and 2/3 in BM0 compared to controls, but increased MF-2/3 was seen in BM-last compared to controls (p<0.001). At BM-last in patients dichotomized by MF-0/1 vs. MF-2/3, differences in hemoglobin levels (13.6 vs. 12.4 g/dl, respectively), absolute neutrophil counts (4.8 vs. 7 x109/L), platelet counts (92 vs. 123 x109/L), and LDH levels (212 vs. 219 U/L) were not significantly different. Of the following 6 clinical factors: age, duration of disease, duration of treatment, splenectomy status, type and dose of agent; only age was significantly higher in patients with MF-2/3 as opposed to MF0/1 at time of BM-last [57 vs. 38 years; p=0.01]. There was a tendency toward longer duration of treatment in patients with MF-2/3 as compared to MF-0/1 (3.6 y vs. 2.7y; p=0.16). Flow cytometric immunophenotyping of BMB in 89 examinations did not reveal emergence of clonal abnormalities. Cytogenetic analysis in 72 BMBs did not show any clonal karyotypic abnormalities. Conclusions This large single center experience indicates that TRAs induce some degree of MF as supported by: 1) decreasing fraction of MF-0 after initiation of TRA, 2) decreasing fraction of MF-0/1 (normal grades of MF) in subsequent on-treatment BMBs, 3) increasing fraction of MF-2/3 (pathological grades) in patients with multiple on-treatment BMBs. Only older age was associated with higher grades of fibrosis. However, MF remained stable in most patients within the range found in normal individuals. Higher grades of MF (MF-2/3) observed in some patients were not clinically significant based on peripheral blood counts. Overall, since a number of patients developed MF-2 and even MF-3, this suggests a risk of progressive fibrosis in approximately 20% of patients. No neoplastic immunophenotypic or karyotypic abnormalities emerged during treatment with TRAs. Annual or bi-annual follow-up with BMB should be carefully considered in TRA-treated patients. Discontinuation of TRA should be encouraged in those who develop/progress to MF-3 and possibly even MF-2 to avoid potential further progression of MF Disclosures: Bussel: Amgen: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Cangene: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding; IgG of America: Research Funding; Immunomedics: Research Funding; Ligand: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Eisai: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Shionogi: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Sysmex: Research Funding; Symphogen: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Dynamic Stromal Changes in Myelofibrosis Patients Pre/Post JAK Inhibition Is Revealed in Clinically Archived Bone Marrow Biopsies By Smooth Muscle Actin (SMA)-CD34 Dual Immunohistochemistry

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2021-151458 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 3286-3286

Author(s):

Katelyn Wang ◽

Iran Rashedi ◽

James T. England ◽

Rashmi S. Goswami ◽

Larissa Liontos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Muscle Actin ◽

Analysis Pipeline ◽

Bone Marrow Fibrosis ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Bone Marrow Biopsies ◽

Marrow Fibrosis

Abstract The natural history of BCR-ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) is progression towards an overt myelofibrotic (MF) phase with variable risk to develop secondary acute myeloid leukemia. Current treatments include Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) which can temporarily alleviate MF-related symptoms but are non-curative and most patients eventually progress to a more advanced stage. Given the negative prognostic impact of bone marrow fibrosis in MPNs and generally poor outcome post JAKi failure, it would be important to identify in situ biomarkers that address the initiation, perpetuation and early reversal of the fibrotic reaction. The current clinical standard for bone marrow fibrosis assessment involves reticulin/trichrome stains that detect relatively static extracellular matrix products rather than the fibrosis driving cells directly. To address this, we have developed a smooth muscle actin stromal-vascular (SMA-CD34) dual immunohistochemical (IHC) technique amenable to morphologic scoring and complemented with a CellProfiler image analysis pipeline. SMA was prioritized over other validated stromal IHC markers given work by others in experimental models demonstrating SMA+ myofibroblasts to be the differentiated output of critical fibrosis inducing Gli1+ 'driver' mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells in MPN. Herein, we demonstrate the feasibility of our translational approach using a clinically annotated cohort of MF patients from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre MPN Registry. After selecting for high quality (>1.0 cm) paired pre and post JAKi biopsies amenable to image and transcriptome-based analysis, the pilot cohort was comprised of 13 cases with 38% high-risk, 54% intermediate-2 and 8% intermediate-1 risk by DIPSS. Driver mutations were JAK2 V617F (77%), CALR (15%) and other (8%). JAKi therapies included ruxolitinib (31%) + pelabresib (23%), momelotinib (15%), itacitinib (15%) and pacritinib (8%). The SMA-CD34 stromal assessment at baseline revealed distinct interstitial myofibroblast patterns and vascular perturbations not captured by conventional clinical hematopathology assessment (e.g. SMA+ dilated sinusoids). A SMA-CD34 scoring system was developed using a 4-point scale representing normal (0 pts), increased vascularity (1 pt), focal interstitial SMA (2 pts), multifocal interstitial SMA (3 pts) and diffuse SMA (4 pts). Scoring was then performed by blinded hematopathologists. A trend towards JAK2 mutated MF cases demonstrating higher SMA grade at baseline was noted. Interestingly, variable trajectories in SMA scores emerged following treatment with JAKi. Specifically, SMA signals had increased in 15%, decreased in 46% and were stable in 38% post-JAKi when using a morphologic SMA grading scheme. When compared to reticulin fibrosis, the severity of SMA signals had diverged in 1/3 of the cases (e.g. SMA grade decreased, reticulin grade stable). To further complement the SMA-CD34 morphologic grading, a CellProfiler image analysis pipeline was developed yielding a non-vessel associated normalized SMA area metric as a supervised correlate of the clinical SMA scoring system (R 2 = 0.68). Additional supervised and unsupervised bioinformatic approaches for clustering of relevant SMA-CD34 features including an algorithm that informs SMA spatial patterns with respect to niche elements such as arterioles (CD34+SMA+), sinusoids (CD34+) and adipocytes is in development. Lastly, Nanostring Fibrosis V2 panel was employed on a subset that met RNA concentration and quality metrics. Exploratory interpretation showed significant differentially expressed genes in pre vs. post JAKi specimens related to lipid metabolism such as ADIPOR1, SCD, ELOVL6 as well as the chemokine CXCL16. This may suggest a link between fatty acid metabolism and inflammatory differentiation along the SMA-vascular axis in the bone marrow modulated by JAKi treatment. SMA-CD34 IHC stratifies MF bone marrow biopsies differentially from standard WHO reticulin/trichome grading providing a practical formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue-based biomarker for assessing fibrosis related bone marrow niche elements from archived clinical samples. While our pilot numbers precluded statistical evaluation by JAKi-type, clinical response and NGS mutational profile at this time, further studies are underway to validate the SMA-CD34 signature on a larger MF cohort. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Gupta: Sierra Oncology: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; BMS-Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Consultancy; Incyte: Honoraria, Research Funding; Constellation Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy.

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A Phase 2 Study of Cpi-0610, a Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) Inhibitor, in Patients with Myelofibrosis (MF)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-119157 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 5481-5481 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Marina Kremyanskaya ◽

Ronald Hoffman ◽

John Mascarenhas ◽

Srdan Verstovsek ◽

Jennifer Mertz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Inadequate Response ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Spleen Volume ◽

Bone Marrow Fibrosis ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Phase 2 Study ◽

Marrow Fibrosis

Abstract MF is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by abnormal megakaryocytes and elevated proinflammatory cytokines which results in bone marrow fibrosis, progressive hepatosplenomegaly due to extramedullary hematopoiesis, and debilitating constitutional symptoms. Current treatments, including ruxolitinib (the only approved drug for MF), provide symptomatic relief but have limited effects on the underlying disease. Effective therapies with potential MF disease course modification and second line therapies are urgently needed. CPI-0610 has been evaluated in 3 Phase 1 studies in > 140 patients with lymphoma, multiple myeloma and acute leukemias/myelodysplastic syndrome/MF. Although CPI-0610 was tested at doses as high as 400 mg PO QD, the maximum tolerated dose was 225 mg PO QD for 2 weeks on, 1 week off. Clear anti-tumor activity was observed in patients with lymphomas, particularly ABC-DLBCL (Blum et al. TAT conference 2018). Preclinical data on CPI-0610 demonstrated downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines through its effects on NF-κB pathway as well as inhibition of megakaryocyte differentiation. Both of these features are thought to be important in the pathogenesis of MF. In addition, a recent preclinical publication using a mouse model of MF, suggests that BET inhibition reduces inflammatory cytokine production, platelet counts, spleen volume and bone marrow fibrosis, the effects of which were further magnified when combined with ruxolitinib (Kleppe et al. 2018). Taken together, these data suggest that BET inhibitors such as CPI-0610, administered with and without ruxolitinib, have the potential to affect the underlying MF disease and supports further clinical evaluation of CPI-0610 in patients with MF. Therefore, we have embarked on a Phase 2 trial of CPI-0610 as monotherapy or in combination with ruxolitinib. This Phase 2 study aims to evaluate CPI-0610 as a monotherapy and in combination with ruxolitinib in patients with MF who are not eligible to receive a JAK inhibitor or have had an inadequate response to ruxolitinib. The primary objectives are to evaluate spleen volume response by imaging after 24 weeks of therapy and to evaluate the effect on transfusion independence rate. Other key secondary objectives are to evaluate the change in patient reported outcomes and the duration of splenic response. Exploratory objectives include characterizing the effects of treatment on the bone marrow and blood biomarkers. The Phase 2 study has a 2-stage design to enroll up to 35 patients in each arm (monotherapy and combination therapy) if ≥2 responses are observed during stage 1. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02158858. Disclosures Kremyanskaya: Incyte: Research Funding. Hoffman:Formation Biologics: Research Funding; Summer Road: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Merus: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding. Mascarenhas:CTI Biopharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Verstovsek:Italfarmaco: 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, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mertz:Constellation Pharma: Employment. Garner:Constellation Pharma: Employment. Senderowicz:Constellation Pharma: Employment.

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Inhibition of SUV39H Methyltransferase As a Potent Therapeutic Target in Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.1771.1771 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 1771-1771 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Julie Devin ◽

Elena Viziteu ◽

Laurie Herviou ◽

Anja Seckinger ◽

Grandmougin Camille ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Plasma Cells ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Normal Bone ◽

Significant Toxicity ◽

Wide Range ◽

Travel Grant

Abstract Epigenetics is characterized by a wide range of changes that are reversible and orchestrate gene expression. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications play a role in multiple myeloma (MM) by silencing various cancer-related genes. We investigated the epigenetic genes differentially expressed between normal bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC ; N=5) and MM plasma cells from patients (N=206). Using SAM (Significance Analysis of Microarrays) analysis, only 12 genes significantly differentially expressed between BMPC and MM cells (ratio > 2 and FDR (false discovery rate) < 5%) were identified, including the SUV39H1 histone methyltransferase. SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 are regulators of chromatin organization. SUV39H1-dependent trimethylation of H3K9 is essential for maintenance of both pericentromeric and telomeric heterochromatin. SUV39H1 deficiency reduced cell viability severely and is associated to heterochromatin decompaction, loss of silencing, genome instability, and a wide range of defects in cell cycle, cell growth, and meiosis. SUV39H1-mediated H3K9me has been linked to gene silencing of the tumor suppressor genes, such as p15INK4B and E-cadherin, in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Therefore, it is highly possible that the default function of SUV39H1 is to maintain genome stability by limiting the acute activation of oncogenes while its dysregulation could cause tumor formation. We reported that high SUV39H1 expression, in MM cells, is associated with a poor prognosis in two independent cohorts of patients (Heidelberg-Montpellier cohort - N=206 and UAMS-TT2 cohort - N=345). SUV39H1 expression was downregulated by conditional shRNA expression through lentiviral delivery. SUV39H1 knock down significantly inhibits H3K9me3, growth of myeloma cells, induces apoptosis, cell cycle deregulation, reactive oxygen species production and spontaneous accumulation of DNA double strand breaks. According to these results, SUV39H1 depletion sensitizes myeloma cells to melphalan. Chaetocin is a selective inhibitor of SUV39H1. We identified that chaetocin has anti-myeloma effects at low nanomolar doses (range: 4 to 17 nM), on 11 different human myeloma cell lines, that are representative of the molecular heterogeneity of the patients, in association with H3K9 trimethylation inhibition. Furthermore, this significant toxicity of chaetocin in MM was confirmed on primary myeloma cells of 5 patients cocultured with their bone marrow microenvironment without significant toxicity on normal bone marrow cells and hematopoietic stem cells. Interestingly, the IC50 doses of chaetocin in MM were 50 fold lower compared to results published in AML, suggesting H3K9 histone methyltransferases could be a potent therapeutic target in MM. Disclosures Seckinger: EngMab AG: Research Funding; Takeda: Other: Travel grant. Goldschmidt:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millenium: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Hose:EngMab AG: Research Funding; Takeda: Other: Travel grant.

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Value of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Negative Status at Response Evaluation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Combined Analysis of Two Phase III Studies of the German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.23.23 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 23-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gabor Kovacs ◽

Sebastian Boettcher ◽

Jasmin Bahlo ◽

Sandra Kluth ◽

Matthias Ritgen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Clinical Response ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Bone Marrow Involvement ◽

Phase Iii ◽

Two Phase ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Travel Grant

Abstract Introduction: Within clinical trials in CLL, response assessment is based on the NCI 1996 guidelines or its update, the iwCLL 2008 guidelines, respectively. Whereas detailed response criteria with clear cut-off values are provided for the assessment of most parameters, a few parameters such as splenomegaly are not defined quantitatively in the guidelines. In addition, the detection of MRD, which was recommended for clinical trials but not formally included in the definition of response, is gaining increasing importance. Both MRD negativity (with a threshold of <10-4 leukemic cells per leukocytes) and the occurrence of a complete response (CR) predict long progression free survival (PFS). In order to investigate the value of MRD with respect to clinical response, the MRD status was explored in patients (pts) with CR and partial remission (PR) in two phase III trials of the GCLLSG. Furthermore, we evaluated the relevance of residual splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy or bone marrow involvement in MRD negative (-) pts with clinical PR. Patients and Methods: 542 pts from two prospective phase III trials of the GCLLSG (CLL8 trial: fludarabine and cyclophosphamide without (FC) or with rituximab (FCR); CLL10 trial: FCR vs bendamustine and rituximab (BR)) were included in the analysis (Figure 1). The comprehensive dataset included MRD results from peripheral blood at final restaging (RE) (2 months after the end of last treatment cycle), bone marrow (BM), clinical and radiological assessment for organomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Clinical response was defined according to the iwCLL 2008 guidelines. Splenomegaly was determined by physical and radiological examination. Moreover, different cut-off values defining splenomegaly by CT or ultrasound (longest diameter >12 cm and >14 cm) were investigated. PFS was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methodology, and survival curves were compared using two-sided log-rank tests. Additionally hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Significance was set at a p value<0.05. No adjustments for multiple testing were performed. Results: 542 pts were included in the analysis. Their median age was 61 years, median CIRS score 2 (range 0-6), median follow up time 45.9 months (mo) (range 5.5-96.1). 121 pts (22.3%) received FC, 283 (52.2%) FCR and 138 (25.5%) BR. 13.3% of pts had Binet stage A, 52.3 % stage B and 34.4% stage C disease. Among 514 pts with IGHV results, 63.0% had an unmutated status. In 524 pts FISH was available, del(17p) was only found in 1.3% (exclusion criterion in CLL10 trial), del(11q) in 25.0%, 12+ in 10.1%, normal in 25.4%, and del(13q) in 38.2% of the pts. MRD negativity was achieved in 81.8% (175/214) of pts with CR and in 47.9% (157/328) of the pts with PR, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in PFS between MRD- CRs and MRD positive (+) CRs (69.2 mo vs 40.4 mo; HR 0.445, 95% CI=0.282-0.703, p=0.001). Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference between MRD- PRs and MRD+ CRs (61.7 mo vs 40.4 mo; HR 0.537, 95% CI=0.340-0.847, p=0.008). No statistically significant difference between MRD- CRs and MRD- PRs was detected (69.2 mo vs. 61.7 mo; HR 0.822, 95% CI=0.572-1.182, p=0.29) (Figure 2). Of the 157 pts presenting with an MRD- PR, 106 pts were evaluable for remaining CLL involvement: 48 pts (45.3%) had a splenomegaly, 12 (11.3%) lymphadenopathy, 19 (17.9%) bone marrow involvement as the sole abnormality. Only 25.5% (27) of the pts had more than one abnormality. There was no statistically significant difference in PFS between MRD- PRs with single splenomegaly and MRD- CRs (not reached (NR) vs 69.2 mo; HR 0.737, 95% CI=0.387-1.404, p=0.4). Moreover, patients with MRD- PRs and single splenomegaly had a statistically significant longer PFS than MRD+ CR pts (NR vs 40.4 mo; HR 0.348, 95% CI=0.172-0.701, p=0.003). (Figure 3) The difference was independent of the cut-off values used for splenomegaly (12 cm or 14 cm) (p=0.001 and p=0.03). Conclusion: MRD negativity determined in the peripheral blood after end of treatment is a potent predictor of treatment efficacy regardless of the clinical response assessment. The persistence of splenomegaly as sole abnormality post treatment in MRD- patients has no negative influence on PFS. More data are needed to prove the relevance of residual BM involvement and lymphadenopathy in MRD- PR pts. These results support the use of MRD for response evaluation. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Boettcher: Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding, Travel grant Other. Ritgen:Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding, Travel grant Other. Cramer:Mundipharma: Travel grant, Travel grant Other; Roche: Travel grant Other. Maurer:Mundipharma: Travel grant Other. Doehner:Roche: Research Funding. Stilgenbauer:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Kneba:Mundipharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding. Fischer:Roche: Travel grant Other. Hallek:Mundipharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding. Eichhorst:Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Travel grant Other; Mundipharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Travel grant, Travel grant Other; GSK: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Consultancy. Off Label Use: The Combination of Bendamustine and Rituximab is not approved for frontline chemoimmunotherapy of CLL.

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Real-World Data on Incidence, Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Patients with Macrofocal Multiple Myeloma (MFMM) in the Era of Novel Therapies: A Study of the Greco-Israeli Collaborative Myeloma Working Group

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-114106 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 3295-3295 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eirini Katodritou ◽

Efstathios Kastritis ◽

Moshe E. Gatt ◽

Yael C Cohen ◽

Irit Avivi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Proteasome Inhibitor ◽

Research Funding ◽

Steering Committee ◽

Novel Therapies ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Lytic Lesions ◽

Travel Grant

Abstract Macrofocal Multiple Myeloma (MFMM) has been described as a distinct entity of Multiple Myeloma (MM) characterized by young age, lytic lesions and limited bone marrow infiltration by clonal plasma cells (BMPCs), in the absence of other features of symptomatic MM (i.e. anemia, renal insufficiency and hypercalcemia). Few case studies have indicated a possible favorable prognosis of MFMM patients compared to patients with typical symptomatic MM. Our aim was to investigate the incidence, characteristics and outcome of patients with MFMM, under the light of modern therapeutic approach of MM. MFMM definition required: clonal BMPCs <20%, multiple lytic lesions, absence of anemia, renal insufficiency and hypercalcemia and among 4650 MM patients (3%) registered in the MM databases of Greek and Israeli centers during 2001-2017, we identified 140 patients with MFMM (M/F: 93/47, median age: 61, range: 26-89, IgG: 86, IgA: 12, light chain: 21, IgD: 4, non-secretory: 16, IgM: 1). Most of patients with MFMM (60%) were <65 years; 68% had performance status 0-2 according to Eastern Cooperative group (ECOG) scale; 70% had advanced bone disease (>3 lytic lesions). In 20/140 (14%) patients bone plasmacytomas preceded MM diagnosis. In 95/140 (68%) patients bone, soft tissue or mixed plasmacytomas in multiple locations, were present at diagnosis or during MFMM course and this was significantly more frequent compared with standard MM. Median BMPCs infiltration was 14% (range 0-19%); immunoparesis was less common in MFMM (55% vs. 90% in standard MM). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and β2 microglobulin (β2Μ) ≥ 3.5mg/L were found in 9% and 20% of patients, respectively. Cytogenetics by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were available in 60% of patients and high-risk features were found in 11%; overall, adverse prognostic parameters (i.e. high LDH, advanced age, high β2Μ, high risk cytogenetics) were less common in patients with MFMM compared with others (p<0.05). According to the International staging system (ISS) patients were stratified as follows: ISS1:71%, ISS2: 25% and ISS3: 4%. Per Revised ISS the distribution was R-ISS1: 54%, RISS2: 46%, no R-ISS3). Induction therapy included novel agents in 90% of patients (bortezomib-based: 61%, thalidomide-based: 14%, bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone: 4%, lenalidomide-based: 11%); 47% underwent autologous transplantation (ASCT) upfront and 13% at 1st relapse. An objective response (ORR) was achieved in 90%: 70% had at least very good partial response (vgPR), 21% partial response, 6% stable disease and 3% had progressive disease; ORR and achievement of ≥vgPR were significantly higher compared with typical MM (p<0.05). After a median follow up of 52 months (95% CI: 40-64), 33 patients have died (MM progression: 19, lung infection: 8, other causes: 6). Early deaths (<12 months) observed in 5% of patients; 53 patients received 2nd line therapy (proteasome inhibitor-based or lenalidomide-dexamethasone: 79%) and 5 patients received only radiotherapy for plasmacytomas; early relapse (<12 months) was less common in MFMM compared with standard MM (p<0.05). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 46 months (95% CI: 40-52) and 129 months (95% CI: 79-178) respectively, both significantly longer compared with typical MM treated during the same period (p<0.001). In the univariate analysis age <65, early stage disease (ISS1, R-ISS1), 1st line treatment with proteasome inhibitor (PI)-based regimens, ASCT, and standard risk cytogenetics predicted positively for OS in MFMM patients; treatment with PI-based therapies was the only independent predictor for OS in the multivariate analysis (HR: 3.9; p<0.001). In conclusion, MFMM is a rare entity of MM characterized by limited bone marrow infiltration, extended bone lesions and frequent presence of plasmacytomas, prior or during the diagnosis or the course of the disease. MFMM patients are younger have less often adverse prognostic features compared with standard MM and achieve high quality responses when treated with novel therapies. Treatment with PI-based regimens was the strongest predictor for OS in MFMM indicating that it is probably the best therapeutic option for these patients. Disclosures Kastritis: Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Prothena: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Cohen:Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding. Aviv:ABBVIE: Consultancy; ROCHE: Research Funding. Terpos:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: member of steering committee, Research Funding; Genesis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel grant, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel grant, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: member of DMC, Research Funding; Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel grant, steering committee member, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Dimopoulos:Amgen: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria.

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Alisertib (MLN8237), an Oral Selective Inhibitor of Aurora Kinase a, Has Clinical Activity and Restores GATA1 Expression in Patients with Myelofibrosis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-110381 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 688-688 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Naseema Gangat ◽

Brady Lee Stein ◽

Christian Marinaccio ◽

Ronan Swords ◽

Justin M. Watts ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

High Risk ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Mutant Allele ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Allele Burden ◽

Symptom Response ◽

Marrow Fibrosis

Abstract Background: The selective AURKA inhibitor alisertib (MLN8237) exhibits disease modifying activity in murine models of myelofibrosis by eradicating atypical megakaryocytes resulting in reduction of marrow fibrosis (Nat Med 2015). Here, we present long term follow-up results from the investigator initiated pilot study of alisertib in patients with myelofibrosis (clinical trials.gov Identifier NCT 02530619). Methods: 24 patients with DIPSS intermediate 1, intermediate-2, or high risk myelofibrosis who were in need of therapy, refractory/intolerant or unlikely to respond to JAK inhibitors with neutrophil count ≥ 1 x109/L, and platelet count ≥ 50 x109/L, received alisertib (provided by Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc) at a dose of 50 mg twice daily for one week every 21 days. Toxicity assessment was performed by the standard common terminology criteria (Version 4.0). Response was assessed by the international working group for myelofibrosis research and treatment (IWGMRT) criteria. Correlative studies included assessments of JAK2V617F, CALR, and MPL mutant allele burden, degree of fibrosis and GATA1 expression in bone marrow samples obtained pre and post therapy. Results: We enrolled 17 patients with primary myelofibrosis, 4 with post essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis and 3 with post polycythemia vera myelofibrosis. Median age was 72 years with 66% males. 79% of patients were DIPSS intermediate risk, and the remainder were high risk with 15 patients (62.5%) having received prior JAK inhibitor therapy. Driver mutational status was as follows; 58% JAK2V617F, 29% CALR, and 13% MPL mutated. At study entry, 54% of patients demonstrated palpable splenomegaly ≥ 5 cm below the left costal margin, 54% were transfusion dependent with all patients experiencing constitutional symptoms. At the time of data cut-off, patients received a median of 7.5 cycles (range; 1-29 cycles) of therapy. The 7 patients presently on study have received a median of 23 cycles (range; 8-29 cycles). Reasons for treatment discontinuation included progressive disease/lack of response in 11 (65%) patients, toxicity in 4 (24%) patients and refusal of further therapy in 2 (11%) patients.Safety and Efficacy assessments The most common treatment-emergent grade 3/4 adverse events included neutropenia (42%), thrombocytopenia (29%) and anemia (21%), with 4% each experiencing neutropenic fever, diarrhea, vertigo, elevated creatinine and elevated alanine aminotransferase. 22 patients were considered for response evaluation with 4 of 14 patients (29%) with palpable splenomegaly ≥ 5 cm achieving a spleen response, 1 of 13 patients (8%) becoming transfusion independent, and 5 of 22 patients (23%) experiencing symptom response with ≥ 50% reduction in the MPN-SAF total symptom score. However, when response assessment was restricted to 13 patients who had received a minimum of 5 cycles of therapy, spleen responses were observed in 4 of 7 (57%) patients, 1 of 5 (20%) achieved transfusion independence and 5 of 13 (38%) achieved symptom response. All patients presenting with leukocytosis (n=4) and thrombocytosis (n=2) had resolution with therapy. Of the 7 patients presently on study, four patients continue to demonstrate symptom response, two patients with both spleen and symptom response, and another patient with sustained anemia response. Correlative assessments We compared the intensity of staining of GATA1, a factor that is required for maturation, in sequential bone marrow biopsies from six patients at baseline and after a minimum of five cycles and observed a striking increase in the numbers of GATA1-positive megakaryocytes in five of six cases (Figure 1a). In addition, we observed a one grade reduction in marrow fibrosis in 4 of 6 paired samples (Figure 1b). This reduction in fibrosis was accompanied by sustained responses to the drug. Finally, we compared JAK2, MPL or CALR mutant allele burden in eight paired baseline and cycle 5 or 6 samples and observed decreases in 4 of 8 patients (Figure 1c). Conclusions: Alisertib is safe and well tolerated in patients with myelofibrosis with prolonged administration up to 1.7 years. In addition to providing clinical benefit, alisertib restored normal morphology and GATA1 expression in atypical megakaryocytes and reduced marrow fibrosis and mutant allele burdens. These findings demonstrate that AURKA inhibition should be further explored as a therapeutic option in myelofibrosis. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Swords: AbbVie: Employment. Watts:Jazz Pharma: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Research Funding. Frankfurt:Celgene, Jazz, Agios: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Altman:Cyclacel: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Epizyme: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Ariad: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Bayer: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Celator: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; FujiFilm: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Agios: Other: Payment to the institution to conduct the trial ; Astellas Pharma: Other; Genetech: Other: Payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Syros: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; GSK: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Immune Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Boeringer Ingelheim: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work. Rampal:Celgene: Honoraria; Stemline: Research Funding; Incyte: Honoraria, Research Funding; Constellation: Research Funding; Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria. Giles:Actuate Therapeutics Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Crispino:Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Scholar Rock: Research Funding.

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