Simultaneous Kinase Inhibition with Ibrutinib and BCL2 Inhibition with Venetoclax As a Therapeutic Strategy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background: In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), patient outcomes vary considerably by patient age group, specific genetic subtypes, and treatment regimen. Large-scale sequencing efforts have uncovered a spectrum of mutations and gene fusions in ALL, suggesting that combinations of agents will be required to treat these diseases effectively. Previous preclinical studies have shown efficacy of the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax alone or in combination in ALL cells (Chonghaile et al., Can Disc 2014; Leonard et al, STM 2018), and the multi-kinase inhibitor ibrutinib (approved for patients with chonic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL)) has also shown potent activity in subsets of ALL (Kim et al., Blood 2017). However, the combination of ibrutinib and venetoclax has not been evaluated to date in patients with ALL. Methods: We used a functional ex vivo screening assay to evaluate the potential efficacy of the combination of ibrutinib and venetoclax (IBR+VEN) across a large cohort (n=808) of patient specimens representing a broad range of hematologic malignancies. Primary mononuclear cells isolated from leukemia patients were plated in the presence of graded concentrations of venetoclax, ibrutinib, or the combination of both FDA-approved drugs. IC50 and AUC values were derived from probit-based regression for each response curve. A panel of clinical labs, treatment information, and genetic features for tested ALL patient specimens was collated from chart review. Single and combination drug treatment sensitivity were compared within groups by Friedman test, across groups by Mann-Whitney test, and with continuous variables by Spearman rank correlation. Results: Consistent with clinical data and previous literature, IBR+VEN was highly effective in CLL specimens ex vivo (median IC50=0.015 µM). Intriguingly, among specimens from 100 unique ALL patients, we also observed that IBR+VEN demonstrated significantly enhanced efficacy by AUC and IC50 compared to either single agent (p<0.001; median IC50=0.018 µM). In contrast, evaluation of this combination on primary mononuclear cells from two healthy donors showed little to no sensitivity. Breakdown of combination sensitivity (as measured by AUC) by a variety of clinical and genetic features revealed no associations with gender or specimen type. Among continuous variables tested, age was modestly correlated with combination AUC (Spearman r = 0.26) and increased blasts in the bone marrow were associated with increased sensitivity to the combination (Spearman r = -0.41; p = 0.0068). More broadly, specimens from patients with B-cell precursor disease (B-ALL) were more sensitive to IBR+VEN than those with T-cell precursor leukemia (T-ALL) (p = 0.0063). Within the B-ALL patient samples, those harboring the BCR-ABL1 fusion were significantly less sensitive to IBR+VEN than other subtypes of B-ALL (p = 0.0031). Within the T-ALL subset, there was a trend toward reduced sensitivity in patients with evidence of mutations in NOTCH1, though statistical significance was not reached. Evaluation of the combination using an expanded 7x7 concentration matrix in human ALL cell lines revealed varying degrees of sensitivity. For example, IBR+VEN showed enhanced efficacy in RCH-ACV B-ALL cells and showed synergy for the majority of drug-pair concentrations by the highest single agent (HSA) method (ibrutinib, venetoclax, and combination IC50: 0.60, 3.4, and 0.28 uM, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the IBR+VEN combination, currently approved for patients with CLL, also demonstrates impressive efficacy against primary leukemia cells from ALL patients, warranting further investigation as a treatment strategy in the clinic to continue to improve outcomes for patients. Disclosures Leonard: Amgen: Research Funding. Druker:Cepheid: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Other: PI or co-investigator on clinical trial(s) funded via contract with OHSU., Research Funding; Merck & Co: Patents & Royalties: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute license #2063, Monoclonal antiphosphotyrosine antibody 4G10, exclusive commercial license to Merck & Co; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (antibody royalty): Patents & Royalties: #2524, antibody royalty; OHSU (licensing fees): Patents & Royalties: #2573, Constructs and cell lines harboring various mutations in TNK2 and PTPN11, licensing fees ; Gilead Sciences: Other: former member of Scientific Advisory Board; Beta Cat: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Stock options; Aptose Biosciences: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; ALLCRON: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Aileron Therapeutics: #2573, Constructs and cell lines harboring various mutations in TNK2 and PTPN11, licensing fees , Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Other: PI or co-investigator on clinical trial(s) funded via contract with OHSU., Research Funding; Novartis: Other: PI or co-investigator on clinical trial(s) funded via contract with OHSU., Patents & Royalties: Patent 6958335, Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, exclusively licensed to Novartis, Research Funding; GRAIL: Equity Ownership, Other: former member of Scientific Advisory Board; Patient True Talk: Consultancy; The RUNX1 Research Program: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Vivid Biosciences: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Stock options; Beat AML LLC: Other: Service on joint steering committee; CureOne: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy; ICON: Other: Scientific Founder of Molecular MD, which was acquired by ICON in Feb. 2019; Monojul: Other: former consultant; Blueprint Medicines: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Burroughs Wellcome Fund: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Tyner:Petra: Research Funding; Agios: Research Funding; Array: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Syros: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Array: Research Funding; Aptose: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Syros: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Petra: Research Funding; Agios: Research Funding; Constellation: Research Funding; Aptose: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Constellation: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding.

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A Phase 1/2 Study of the Second Generation Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) Compound, KPT-8602, in Patients with Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4509.4509 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 4509-4509 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

R. Frank Cornell ◽

Adriana C Rossi ◽

Rachid Baz ◽

Craig C Hofmeister ◽

Chaim Shustik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Nuclear Export ◽

Research Funding ◽

Low Dose ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Single Agent ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership

Abstract Introduction - Inhibition of Exportin 1 (XPO1) is a novel treatment approach for multiple myeloma (MM). XPO1 mediates the nuclear export of cell-cycle regulators and tumor suppressor proteins leading to their functional inactivation. In addition, XPO1 promotes the export and translation of the mRNA of key oncoproteins (e.g. c-MYC, BCL-2, Cyclin D). XPO1 overexpression occurs in solid and hematological malignancies, including MM and is essential for MM cell survival. Selinexor, the first oral SINE compound, has shown promising anti-MM activity in phase 1 studies but has been associated with gastrointestinal and constitutional toxicities including nausea, anorexia and fatigue. KPT-8602 is a second generation oral SINE compound with similar in vitro potency to selinexor, however, has substantially reduced brain penetration compared with selinexor, and demonstrated markedly improved tolerability with minimal anorexia and weight loss in preclinical toxicology studies. In murine models of MM, KPT-8602 can be dosed daily (QDx5) with minimal anorexia and weight loss. We have therefore initiated a phase 1/2 first-in-human clinical trial. Methods - This phase 1/2 clinical trial was designed to evaluate KPT-8602 as a single agent and in combination with low dose dexamethasone (dex) in patients (pts) with relapsed / refractory MM (RRMM). KPT-8602 is dosed orally (QDx5) for a 28-day cycle with a starting dose of 5 mg. Low dose dex (20 mg, twice weekly) is allowed after cycle 1 if at least a minimal response (MR) is not observed. The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and tolerability including dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), and evidence for anti-MM activity for KPT-8602 single agent and in combination with dex. The pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PDn; XPO1 mRNA) profile of KPT-8602 will also be determined. PDn predictive biomarker analysis and ex vivo drug response assays are underway using tumor cells from bone marrow aspirates before treatment, during and at relapse. These analyses include cell death pathway assays by flow and nuclear/cytoplasmic localization of XPO1, NF-ƙB, IƙBα, IKKα, NRIF and p53 by imaging flow and IHC. Results - As of 01-Aug-2016, 6 pts 2 M/4 F, (median of 6 prior treatment regimens, median age of 71) with RRMM have been enrolled. Common related grade 1/2 adverse events (AEs) include thrombocytopenia (3 pts), nausea (2 pts) and diarrhea (2 pts). Grade 3 AEs include neutropenia (1 pt) and dehydration (1 pt). No grade 4 or 5 AEs have been reported. No DLTs have been observed and the MTD has not been reached. 5 pts were evaluable for responses (1 pt pending evaluation): 1 partial response, 1 minimal response, and 3 stable disease; no pts have progressed on therapy with the longest on for >5 months. The PK properties following oral administration showed that 5 mg of KPT-8602 was rapidly absorbed (mean tmax= 1 hr, mean Cmax= 30.6 ng/mL). The mean AUCinf was calculated to be 141 ng•hr/mL. After tmax, KPT-8602 declined at an estimated mean t½ of 4 hr. At the same dose level, XPO1 mRNA expression was the highest (~2.5 fold) at 8 hr post dose. Conclusions - Oral KPT-8602 is well tolerated in heavily pretreated pts with RRMM. Gastrointestinal and constitutional toxicities observed with twice weekly selinexor have not been observed with 5x/week KPT-8602, including in pts on study for >4 months. PK was predictable and in line with selinexor. These early results show encouraging disease control with pts remaining on therapy. Enrollment is on-going. Disclosures Rossi: Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Baz:Takeda/Millennium: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Signal Genetics: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Hofmeister:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Research Funding; Arno Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding; Signal Genetics, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding; Incyte, Corp: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceutical Company: Research Funding; Teva: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Shustik:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millenium: 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; Amgen: 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. Richter:Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Jannsen: Speakers Bureau. Chen:Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Vogl:Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; GSK: Research Funding; Calithera: Research Funding; Teva: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Acetylon: Research Funding; Constellation: Research Funding. Shacham:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Baloglu:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Senapedis:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ellis:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Friedlander:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment. Choe-Juliak:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment. Sullivan:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Research Funding. Kauffman:Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin and BCL-2, Two Critical Survival Factors, Synergistically Induces Apoptosis in AML Via Rac1-Mediated MCL-1 Inhibition

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-118367 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 1442-1442

Author(s):

Xiangmeng Wang ◽

Po Yee Mak ◽

Wencai Ma ◽

Xiaoping Su ◽

Hong Mu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Progenitor Cells ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Research Funding ◽

Single Agent ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Critical Survival

Abstract Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates self-renewal and proliferation of AML cells and is critical in AML initiation and progression. Overexpression of β-catenin is associated with poor prognosis. We previously reported that inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by C-82, a selective inhibitor of β-catenin/CBP, exerts anti-leukemia activity and synergistically potentiates FLT3 inhibitors in FLT3-mutated AML cells and stem/progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo (Jiang X et al., Clin Cancer Res, 2018, 24:2417). BCL-2 is a critical survival factor for AML cells and stem/progenitor cells and ABT-199 (Venetoclax), a selective BCL-2 inhibitor, has shown clinical activity in various hematological malignancies. However, when used alone, its efficacy in AML is limited. We and others have reported that ABT-199 can induce drug resistance by upregulating MCL-1, another key survival protein for AML stem/progenitor cells (Pan R et al., Cancer Cell 2017, 32:748; Lin KH et al, Sci Rep. 2016, 6:27696). We performed RNA Microarrays in OCI-AML3 cells treated with C-82, ABT-199, or the combination and found that both C-82 and the combination downregulated multiple genes, including Rac1. It was recently reported that inhibition of Rac1 by the pharmacological Rac1 inhibitor ZINC69391 decreased MCL-1 expression in AML cell line HL-60 cells (Cabrera M et al, Oncotarget. 2017, 8:98509). We therefore hypothesized that inhibiting β-catenin by C-82 may potentiate BCL-2 inhibitor ABT-199 via downregulating Rac1/MCL-1. To investigate the effects of simultaneously targeting β-catenin and BCL-2, we treated AML cell lines and primary patient samples with C-82 and ABT-199 and found that inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling significantly enhanced the potency of ABT-199 in AML cell lines, even when AML cells were co-cultured with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The combination of C-82 and ABT-199 also synergistically killed primary AML cells (P<0.001 vs control, C-82, and ABT-199) in 10 out of 11 samples (CI=0.394±0.063, n=10). This synergy was also shown when AML cells were co-cultured with MSCs (P<0.001 vs control, C-82, and ABT-199) in all 11 samples (CI=0.390±0.065, n=11). Importantly, the combination also synergistically killed CD34+ AML stem/progenitor cells cultured alone or co-cultured with MSCs. To examine the effect of C-82 and ABT-199 combination in vivo, we generated a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model from an AML patient who had mutations in NPM1, FLT3 (FLT3-ITD), TET2, DNMT3A, and WT1 genes and a complex karyotype. The combination synergistically killed the PDX cells in vitro even under MSC co-culture conditions. After PDX cells had engrafted in NSG (NOD-SCID IL2Rgnull) mice, the mice were randomized into 4 groups (n=10/group) and treated with vehicle, C-82 (80 mg/kg, daily i.p injection), ABT-199 (100 mg/kg, daily oral gavage), or the combination for 30 days. Results showed that all treatments decreased circulating blasts (P=0.009 for C-82, P<0.0001 for ABT-199 and the combination) and that the combination was more effective than each single agent (P<0.001 vs C-82 or ABT-199) at 2 weeks of therapy. The combination also significantly decreased the leukemia burden in mouse spleens compared with controls (P=0.0046) and single agent treated groups (P=0.032 or P=0.020 vs C-82 or ABT-199, respectively) at the end of the treatment. However, the combination did not prolong survival time, likely in part due to toxicity. Dose modifications are ongoing. These results suggest that targeting Wnt/β-catenin and BCL-2, both essential for AML cell and stem cell survival, has synergistic activity via Rac1-mediated MCL-1 inhibition and could be developed into a novel combinatorial therapy for AML. Disclosures Andreeff: SentiBio: Equity Ownership; Oncolyze: Equity Ownership; Oncoceutics: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharma: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Eutropics: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Daiichi-Sankyo: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties: MDM2 inhibitor activity patent, Research Funding; Aptose: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Reata: Equity Ownership; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; United Therapeutics: Patents & Royalties: GD2 inhibition in breast cancer . Carter:novartis: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding.

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Identification of Effective Targeted Drug Combinations Using Functional Ex Vivo Screening of Primary Patient Specimens

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.865.865 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 865-865 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Stephen E Kurtz ◽

Elie Traer ◽

Jakki Martinez ◽

Andrew Park ◽

Jake Wagner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Kinase Inhibitors ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Single Agent ◽

Hematologic Malignancies ◽

Drug Combinations ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Heat Map ◽

Equity Ownership

Abstract Introduction: The intratumoral heterogeneity of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and other hematologic malignancies presents a challenge in developing effective single-agent targeted treatments. Furthermore, the emergence of genetically heterogeneous subclones leading to relapse suggests that effective therapies associated with discrete genotypes may require drug combinations, each of which modulates distinct pathways. In addition, microenvironmental rescue signals as well as tumor-intrinsic feedback pathways in AML and other hematologic malignancy subsets will necessitate combinatorial therapy approaches. Towards the goal of identifying new therapeutic combinations for AML and other hematologic malignancies, we assessed the sensitivity of primary patient samples to various drug combinations using an ex vivo functional platform. Methods: We have previously screened over 1000 primary patient specimens against a panel of single-agent small-molecule inhibitors. Using these historical drug sensitivity data, we ranked drugs by their IC50, and used these rankings to assemble an initial panel (1) of 44 drug combinations consisting primarily of kinase inhibitors with non-overlapping pathways. Primary patient samples (n = 74) with various hematologic malignancies were assessed for sensitivities to these combinations by culturing cells in the presence of fixed molar concentrations of the drugs over a dose series. Sensitivity was assessed by a viability assay on day 3 using a tetrazolium reagent. IC50 values for samples sensitive to a combination were sorted according to disease type and compared to those for each single agent to derive an index of effectiveness. Based on data from panel 1, we generated a second panel (2) consisting of 44 drug combinations, including new combinations of kinase inhibitors as well as combinations of drugs from different classes, such as bromodomain inhibitors, BH3 mimetics, proteasome inhibitors, IDH1/2 inhibitors coupled with kinase inhibitors. Primary patient samples (n = 78) were assessed for sensitivities to these combinations. Results: The performance of drug combinations across AML, ALL, CLL, CML or other MDS/MPN specimens are displayed in a heat map (Figure 1) representing the sensitivities of each drug combination relative to either of the single agents comprising that combination (the combination IC50 divided by the lowest single agent IC50 is our combination ratio). For each combination, we then compared the combination ratio of each individual specimen to the median combination ratio across all specimens tested, and cases with a combination ratio value less than 20% of the median were considered hypersensitive to that combination. We calculated the percentage of cases that were sensitive to each combination within the diagnostic subsets of AML, ALL, CLL, CML, and MDS/MPN and subsets with the most frequent sensitivity to a drug combination are indicated on the heat map (<20%, dark red; 20-50%, dark pink; 50-80%, light pink; and >80%, white). Combinations of two kinase inhibitors that included the p38MAPK inhibitor, doramapimod, were generally more effective on AML and CLL samples than other diagnostic subsets (panel 1). For CLL sample, combinations including midostaurin and either alisertib, ruxolitinib or sorafenib were particularly effective. Among combinations on panel 2, doramapimod coupled with an apoptosis inducer (ABT-199) exhibited broad efficacy on AML samples. In addition, combinations with the bromodomain inhibitor, JQ1, or the BH3 mimetic, ABT-199, were more broadly effective across diagnostic subsets than many of the kinase-kinase pairs tested. To validate the apparent synergies observed with patient samples, we tested selected combinations on AML-derived cell lines and observed synergies, which were supported with combination indices derived by the Chou-Talalay method. Conclusions: These data suggest that specific drug combinations formed either with two kinase inhibitors or with two compounds from different drug classes are effective in a patient-specific manner with enrichment for certain drug pairs within specific diagnostic subsets. While a secondary evaluation is necessary to validate the initial observation of sensitivity, linking this methodology with genetic attributes for patient samples will identify effective combinations of targeted agents and add therapeutic options for AML treatment. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Pandya: Microsoft: Employment, Equity Ownership. Bolosky:Microsoft: Employment, Equity Ownership. Druker:Oregon Health & Science University: Patents & Royalties; Henry Stewart Talks: Patents & Royalties; CTI Biosciences: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Aptose Therapeutics, Inc (formerly Lorus): Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; McGraw Hill: Patents & Royalties; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; MolecularMD: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche TCRC, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Blueprint Medicines: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Millipore: Patents & Royalties; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Oncotide Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Cylene Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center: Research Funding; ARIAD: Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sage Bionetworks: Research Funding. Tyner:Incyte: Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Constellation Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Array Biopharma: Research Funding; Aptose Biosciences: Research Funding.

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Synergistic Anti-Leukemic Activity with Combination of FLT3 Inhibitor Quizartinib and MDM2 Inhibitor Milademetan in FLT3-ITD Mutant/p53 Wild-Type Acute Myeloid Leukemia Models

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-115183 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 2720-2720 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Michael Andreeff ◽

Weiguo Zhang ◽

Prasanna Kumar ◽

Oleg Zernovak ◽

Naval G. Daver ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Combination Treatment ◽

Research Funding ◽

Single Agent ◽

Wild Type ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Mouse Xenograft Model ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Mdm2 Inhibitor

Abstract Background: MDM2, a negative regulator of the tumor suppressor p53, is overexpressed in several cancers including hematological malignancies. Disrupting the MDM2-p53 interaction represents an attractive approach to treat cancers expressing wild-type functional p53. Anticancer activity of small molecule MDM2 inhibitor milademetan (DS-3032b) has been demonstrated in preclinical studies and in a phase 1 trial in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome. Quizartinib is a highly selective and potent FLT3 inhibitor that has demonstrated single-agent activity and improvement in overall survival in a phase 3 clinical study in relapsed/refractory AML with FLT3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutations. We present here the preclinical studies exploring the rationale and molecular basis for the combination of quizartinib and milademetan for the treatment of FLT3-ITD mutant/TP53 wild-type AML. Methods: We investigated the effect of quizartinib and milademetan combination on cell viability and apoptosis in established AML cell lines, including MV-4-11, MOLM-13 and MOLM-14, which harbor FLT3-ITD mutations and wild type TP53. Cells were treated with quizartinib and milademetan at specified concentrations; cell viability and caspase activation were determined by chemiluminescent assays, and annexin V positive fractions were determined by flow cytometry. We further investigated the effect of the combination of quizartinib and the murine specific MDM2 inhibitor DS-5272 in murine leukemia cell lines Ba/F3-FLT3-ITD, Ba/F3-FLT3-ITD+F691L and Ba/F3-FLT3-ITD+D835Y, which harbor FLT3-ITD, ITD plus F691L and ITD plus D835Y mutations, respectively. F691L or D835Y mutations are associated with resistance to FLT3-targeted AML therapy. In vivo efficacy of combination treatment was investigated in subcutaneous and intravenous xenograft models generated in male NOD/SCID mice inoculated with MOLM-13 and MV-4-11 human AML cells. Results: Combination treatment with milademetan (or DS-5272) and quizartinib demonstrated synergistic anti-leukemic activity compared to the respective single-agent treatments in FLT3 mutated and TP53 wild type cells. Combination indices (CIs) were 0.25 ± 0.06, 0.61 ± 0.03, 0.62 ± 0.06, 0.29 ± 0.004 and 0.50 ± 0.03, respectively, in MV-4-11, MOLM-13, MOLM-14, Ba/F3-FLT3-ITD+F691L and D835Y cell lines, all of which harbor FLT3-ITD or ITD plus TKD point mutations. The combination regimen triggered synergistic pro-apoptotic effect in a p53-dependent manner as shown by annexin-V staining and caspase 3/7 assays. Mechanistically, the combination treatment resulted in significant suppression of phospho-FLT3, phospho-ERK and phospho-AKT and anti-apoptotic Bcl2 family proteins (eg, Mcl-1), as well as up-regulation of p53, p21 and pro-apoptotic protein PUMA, compared to single agent treatments. Of note, the combination regimen also exerted a synergistic pro-apoptotic effect on venetoclax (BCL-2 inhibitor)-resistant MOLM-13 cells (CI: 0.39 ± 0.04) through profound suppression of Mcl-1. In an in vivo study using the MOLM-13 subcutaneous mouse xenograft model, quizartinib at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg and milademetan at 25 and 50 mg/kg demonstrated a significant tumor growth inhibition compared with vehicle treatment or respective single-agent treatments. In MV-4-11 intravenous mouse xenograft model, the combination of quizartinib plus milademetan showed a significantly prolonged survival, with no animal death in the combination group during the study period, compared to respective single agent treatments and untreated control (Figure). Conclusion: Synergistic anti-leukemic activity was observed for quizartinib plus milademetan combination treatment in preclinical AML models. A phase I clinical trial of quizartinib/milademetan combination therapy in patients with FLT3-ITD mutant AML is underway. Figure. Effects of quizartinib, milademetan and their combination on survival of mice intravenously inoculated with human MV-4-11 AML cells Disclosures Andreeff: Oncoceutics: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharma: Consultancy; Aptose: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy; Eutropics: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; United Therapeutics: Patents & Royalties: GD2 inhibition in breast cancer ; Oncolyze: Equity Ownership; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; Reata: Equity Ownership; Daiichi-Sankyo: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties: MDM2 inhibitor activity patent, Research Funding; SentiBio: Equity Ownership. Kumar:Daiichi Sankyo: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zernovak:Daiichi Sankyo: Employment, Equity Ownership. Daver:Pfizer: Research Funding; ImmunoGen: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Alexion: Consultancy; ARIAD: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Kiromic: Research Funding; Sunesis: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Sunesis: Consultancy. Isoyama:Daiichi SANKYO CO., LTD.: Employment. Iwanaga:Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.: Employment. Togashi:Daiichi SANKYO CO., LTD.: Employment. Seki:Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.: Employment.

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Preliminary Results from a Phase I Dose Escalation Trial of Ruxolitinib and the PI3Kδ Inhibitor TGR-1202 in Myelofibrosis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1125.1125 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 1125-1125 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Tamara K Moyo ◽

Andrew Sochacki ◽

Gregory D Ayers ◽

Michael T. Byrne ◽

Stephen A. Strickland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Research Funding ◽

Single Agent ◽

Symptom Assessment ◽

Akt Signaling ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Background: Therapies for myelofibrosis (MF) are limited and most are palliative. The JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib reduces spleen size and MF-related symptoms and improves survival, but can be limited by dose-dependent anemia and thrombocytopenia. Moreover, nearly half of ruxolitinib responders relapse within 5 years. PI3Kd is highly expressed in MF patient samples, independent of ruxolitinib pre-exposure. In JAK2-mutated cell lines, inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling reduced proliferation and clonogenic potential. The once daily, next generation PI3Kd inhibitor TGR-1202 inhibited PI3K/AKT signaling and led to apoptosis in leukemia and lymphoma cell lines and was well-tolerated in clinical studies, with a toxicity profile distinct from that of ruxolitinib and other PI3Kd inhibitors. We hypothesized that adding TGR-1202 to ruxolitinib could resensitize or augment the response of MF patients with lost or suboptimal response to single-agent ruxolitinib. Objective: To assess safety of TGR-1202 in combination with ruxolitinib in MF patients Secondary Objectives: Hematologic response, symptom assessment Methods: MF patients who had sub-optimal responses to ruxolitinib continued their highest tolerated dose of ruxolitinib without change for ≥ 8 weeks, and were assigned to escalating doses of TGR-1202 in a standard 3+3 algorithm. Adverse events (AEs) were graded by NCI-CTCAE v4.03. Efficacy was assessed according to IWG-MRT consensus response criteria. Symptoms were assessed by the MPN symptom assessment form total symptom score (TSS). All patients received Pneumocystis pneumonia prophylaxis after cycle 1. Results: Eleven MF patients were enrolled and received 400 mg (n=3), 800 mg (n=6), or 600 mg TGR-1202 (n=2) daily. Nine were evaluable for response. Median age was 66y, 73% were male. All had ECOG PS 0-1. Five patients had mutations in JAK2, 4 in CALR, and 3 in MPL; these were mutually exclusive with exception of 1 patient with CALR and MPL mutations (Table 1). Median number of cycles of TGR-1202 + ruxolitinib treatment was 5 (1-13). Grade 2 anemia was the most common AE (Table 2). Two patients had asymptomatic Grade 3 elevations in amylase and lipase that persisted after drug was held, meeting criteria for dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) in 2 separate cohorts (TGR-1202 800mg+ruxolitinib 15mg BID and TGR-1202 800mg+ruxolitinib 10mg BID). Both patients had peak plasma TGR-1202 concentrations 1.5-2x higher than the other patients receiving 800mg TGR-1202, although steady-state levels were equivalent. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of TGR-1202 in combination with ruxolitinib was not established. Two patients went off-study due to AEs, and 3 due to progressive disease. One of 9 evaluable patients achieved complete remission and 7 had stable disease. Seven of the 9 evaluable patients had improvement in hematologic parameters and 8 had reduced MF symptoms with a median 33% decrease in TSS (Fig. 1). Conclusions: TGR-1202 + ruxolitinib was well-tolerated. Pharmacokinetic data were consistent with single-agent TGR-1202 (unpublished data), indicating that ruxolitinib does not alter absorption or metabolism of TGR-1202. Grade 3 elevations in amylase and lipase were considered DLTs, per protocol. Although the clinical significance of these asymptomatic laboratory findings is not clear, the protocol was amended to further assay these labs and to exclude concomitant medications with the potential to increase amylase/lipase. Importantly, no grade ≥3 hepatotoxicity, colitis, or thrombocytopenia was seen and no MTD was found. Although only one patient achieved CR, 89% demonstrated clinical benefit with the addition of TGR-1202 to ruxolitinib, supporting further exploration of this combination. Disclosures Strickland: Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Ambit: Consultancy; Baxalta: Consultancy; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy, Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; Cyclacel: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Karyopharm Therapeutica: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding. Miskin:TG Therapeutics, Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Cavers:TG Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sportelli:TG Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Michaelis:Pfizer: Equity Ownership; Cellgene Corporation: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Honoraria. Mesa:CTI: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Galena: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Savona:Amgen Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Ariad: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Research Funding; Sunesis: Research Funding; Incyte: 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; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Combining the Allosteric ABL1 Inhibitor Asciminib (ABL001) with Ponatinib Suppresses Emergence of and Restores Efficacy Against Highly Resistant BCR-ABL1 Compound Mutants

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-131781 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 188-188 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Christopher A. Eide ◽

Matthew S. Zabriskie ◽

Samantha L. Savage ◽

Orlando Antelope ◽

Nadeem A. Vellore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Stock Options ◽

Research Funding ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Genetics Research ◽

Dana Farber Cancer Institute ◽

Imatinib Resistant ◽

Equity Ownership

BCR-ABL1 point mutation-mediated resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) leukemia is effectively managed with several approved drugs, including ponatinib for BCR-ABL1T315I-mutant disease. However, for those patients who acquire BCR-ABL1 compound mutations (multiple mutations in the same BCR-ABL1 molecule), therapy options are extremely limited. Asciminib (formerly ABL001) is a recently developed allosteric inhibitor targeting the myristoyl-binding pocket of ABL1 kinase with activity against many imatinib-resistant BCR-ABL1 mutants, including T315I. We profiled asciminib against a panel of BCR-ABL1 single and compound mutants expressed in murine Ba/F3 cells. Asciminib potently inhibited the proliferation of most imatinib-resistant BCR-ABL1 point mutations tested, with the notable exception of substitutions at position F359, which conferred high levels of resistance. Consistent with this finding, next-generation sequencing of BCR-ABL1 in five patients with evidence of clinical resistance to asciminib revealed three patients with expansion of variants of position F359 on treatment. Cell-based mutagenesis screens starting from Ba/F3 cells expressing native BCR-ABL1 revealed a resistance profile for asciminib largely centered around residues of the myristoyl pocket, with these mutants remaining sensitive to approved ATP-site ABL1 TKIs. Combining asciminib with ATP-site TKIs enhanced target inhibition and suppression of resistant BCR-ABL1 point mutant outgrowth in Ph+ clinical isolates and cell lines. However, despite its unique binding mode, asciminib was ineffective against all tested BCR-ABL1 compound mutants. In contrast, combining asciminib with ponatinib re-sensitized even the problematic, currently untreatable T315I-inclusive compound mutants at clinically achievable concentrations, which was not achieved combining asciminib with other approved ATP-site TKIs. Additionally, the combination of asciminib with ponatinib resulted in suppression of T315I-inclusive compound mutant resistant clones using in vitro mutagenesis screens and significantly prolonged survival compared to either single agent in an in vivo T315I-inclusive compound mutant mouse xenograft model. Molecular dynamics-based structural modeling were performed and offer further insight into the mechanism of this combination's efficacy. Taken together, our findings support combining asciminib with ponatinib as a treatment strategy for improved management and mitigating the emergence of highly resistant BCR-ABL1 compound mutations in patients with Ph+ leukemia. Disclosures Heinrich: Deciphera Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Blueprint Medicines: Consultancy; Molecular MD: Consultancy, Equity Ownership; Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties. Tyner:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Array: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Syros: Research Funding; Aptose: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Constellation: Research Funding; Petra: Research Funding; Syros: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Aptose: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Constellation: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Agios: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Petra: Research Funding; Agios: Research Funding; Array: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Rea:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Honoraria. Cayuela:Incyte: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Kim:Il-Yang co.: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding. Druker:OHSU (licensing fees): Patents & Royalties: #2573, Constructs and cell lines harboring various mutations in TNK2 and PTPN11, licensing fees ; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (antibody royalty): Patents & Royalties: #2524, antibody royalty; Merck & Co: Patents & Royalties: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute license #2063, Monoclonal antiphosphotyrosine antibody 4G10, exclusive commercial license to Merck & Co; Pfizer: Other: PI or co-investigator on clinical trial(s) funded via contract with OHSU., Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Other: PI or co-investigator on clinical trial(s) funded via contract with OHSU., Research Funding; Novartis: Other: PI or co-investigator on clinical trial(s) funded via contract with OHSU., Patents & Royalties: Patent 6958335, Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, exclusively licensed to Novartis, Research Funding; Monojul: Other: former consultant; ICON: Other: Scientific Founder of Molecular MD, which was acquired by ICON in Feb. 2019; Gilead Sciences: Other: former member of Scientific Advisory Board; Celgene: Consultancy; CureOne: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Beat AML LLC: Other: Service on joint steering committee; Vivid Biosciences: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Stock options; The RUNX1 Research Program: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Patient True Talk: Consultancy; GRAIL: Equity Ownership, Other: former member of Scientific Advisory Board; Cepheid: Consultancy, Honoraria; Burroughs Wellcome Fund: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Blueprint Medicines: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Beta Cat: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Stock options; ALLCRON: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Aptose Biosciences: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Research Funding; Aileron Therapeutics: #2573, Constructs and cell lines harboring various mutations in TNK2 and PTPN11, licensing fees , Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Deininger:Sangoma: Consultancy; Fusion Pharma: Consultancy; Ascentage Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria; Adelphi: Consultancy; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Humana: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Sangamo: Consultancy; TRM: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Blueprint: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Absence Of Mutation In Cereblon (CRBN) and DNA Damage Binding Protein 1 (DDB1) Genes In Myeloma Cells and Patients and Its Clinical Significance

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.3139.3139 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 3139-3139

Author(s):

Anjan Thakurta ◽

Anita K Gandhi ◽

Michelle Waldman ◽

Chad C. Bjorklund ◽

Suzanne Lentzsch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Research Funding ◽

Heterozygous Mutation ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Single Nucleotide ◽

Truncating Mutation ◽

Equity Ownership

Abstract Background CRBN, a target of thalidomide and IMiDs® immunomodulatory agents lenalidomide (LEN) and pomalidomide (POM), is a component of the E3 ubiquitin cullin 4 ring ligase (CRL4) complex that also includes DDB1, Roc1, and Cul4. Two CRBN mutations have been reported in multiple myeloma (MM) patients: truncating mutation (Q99) and point mutation (R283K). One copy of the CRBN gene was shown to be deleted in the MM1S and MM1S.R cell lines. No DDB1 mutation has been described previously. Results We investigated the incidence of CRBN and DDB1 mutations by next-generation sequencing in 20 MM cell lines and MM subjects. Of 90 MM patients, 24 were newly diagnosed and 66 were relapsed and refractory of which 36 patients were LEN resistant. Out of the cell lines tested, 1 heterozygous CRBN mutation (D249Y) was found in the LEN-resistant ANBL6R cells, which is located in the putative DDB1 binding domain, and 2 single silent mutations were identified in the KMS-12-BM (rs17027638) and OPM-2 cells. One DDB1 heterozygous mutation (E303D) was identified in ANBL6 cells. In the cohort of patients assessed, no CRBN mutation was detected; however, 5 single nucleotide variations (SNV) were identified. Three of the 5 SNVs were at position 735 (Y245Y) and 1 each at position 219 (H73H) and 939 (C313C), respectively. The first 2 SNVs (rs17027638 and rs1045309) are described but not the last. We found a single SNV (P51P; rs2230356) in DDB1 gene the patient samples. Conclusion Mutations within the coding sequences of CRBN and DDB1 are rare in MM patients and cell lines. Most intrinsically LEN-resistant cells and cell lines made resistant to LEN or POM do not have CRBN or DDB1 mutations, suggesting the potential role of other sources, such as genetic or epigenetic pathways in developing resistance to IMiD drug–based therapy. Disclosures: Thakurta: Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gandhi:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Waldman:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Bjorklund:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lentzsch:Celgene: Research Funding. Schey:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; NAPP: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Orlowski:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Onyx: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Resverlogix: Research Funding; Array: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Madan:Covance Genomics Lab: Employment. Ning:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Mendy:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lopez-Girona:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Schafer:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Avet-Loiseau:Celgene: Research Funding. Chopra:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership.

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Ublituximab (TG-1101), a Novel Glycoengineered Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody, in Combination with Ibrutinib Is Highly Active in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory CLL and MCL; Results of a Phase II Trial

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.4679.4679 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 4679-4679 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jeff P. Sharman ◽

Charles M. Farber ◽

Daruka Mahadevan ◽

Marshall T. Schreeder ◽

Heather D. Brooks ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Alkylating Agent ◽

Single Agent ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Highly Active ◽

Efficacy Assessment ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Anti Cd20

Abstract Introduction: Ublituximab (UTX) is a novel, chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) which targets a unique epitope on the CD20 antigen and has been glycoengineered to enhance affinity for all variants of FcγRIIIa receptors, demonstrating greater antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity than rituximab and ofatumumab, particularly against cells that express low CD20 levels. Two Phase I trials of single agent UTX in relapsed/refractory CLL reported significant response rates with rapid and sustained lymphocyte depletion and a manageable safety profile. Ibrutinib, a novel oral BTK inhibitor approved for patients with previously treated CLL and MCL, displays high single agent activity and has reported increased activity in combination with non-glycoengineered anti-CD20 mAbs. Herein we report safety and efficacy data on the first combination of ibrutinib with a glycoengineered anti-CD20 mAb, UTX, from an ongoing Phase 2 trial. Methods: Eligible patients have relapsed or refractory CLL/SLL or MCL with an ECOG PS ≤ 2. The study was designed to assess safety, tolerability, and early overall response rate, with an initial safety run-in period consisting of 6 patients followed by open enrollment. UTX (Cohorts of 600 and 900 mg for CLL and at 900 mg for MCL patients) is administered on Days 1, 8, and 15 in Cycle 1 followed by Day 1 of Cycles 2 - 6. Ibrutinib is started on Day 1 and continues daily at 420 mg and 560 mg for CLL and MCL patients respectively. Following Cycle 6, patients come off study but remain on ibrutinib. Primary endpoint for safety: Adverse Events and Dose Limiting Toxicities (DLT) during safety run-in. Phase II primary efficacy endpoint: ORR with an emphasis on early activity with response assessments by CT scan scheduled prior to cycles 3 and 6 only. Results: 40 patients (33 CLL/ 7 MCL) have been enrolled to date with enrollment continuing. 23 M/17 F, median age 72 yr (range 52-86), ECOG 0/1/2: 20/19/1, median prior Tx = 2 (range 1-6), 38% with ≥ 2 prior anti-CD20 therapies; prior purine analog = 43%; prior alkylating agent = 68%; and prior purine and alkylating agent = 43%. No DLTs were observed during the safety run-in. Gr 3/4 AE’s occurring in at least 5% of patients and at least possibly related to UTX and/or ibrutinib included: neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, rash, leukocytosis, and infusion related reaction. There were no Grade 3/4 adverse events reported in ≥ 10% of patients. Ibrutinib was dose reduced due to an AE in 2 patients (1 diarrhea, 1 rash) and discontinued in 2 patients due to ibrutinib related AE’s (diarrhea and rash). IRR’s were managed with infusion interruptions with no patient requiring an ublituximab dose reduction. As of July 2014, 24/40 patients are evaluable for response. Best response to treatment is as follows: TableTypePts (n)CR (n)PR (n)SD (n)ORR (%)CLL non 17p/11q10-9190%17p/11q817-100%Total CLL18116194%MCL632183% The one CLL patient who achieved stable disease had a 46% nodal reduction. UTX appears to control ibrutinib related lymphocytosis with more than half of the patients within normal range for ALC by first efficacy assessment. Conclusions: Data suggests ublituximab, a glycoengineered anti-CD20 mAb, in combination with ibrutinib is both well-tolerated and highly active in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL and MCL. ORR was 94% in patients with CLL (100% in patients with high risk CLL: 17p, 11q del with 1 CR), with responses attained rapidly (median TTR: 8 weeks). In MCL, 83% of patients achieved a response at first efficacy assessment, with 50% of patients achieving a CR by week 20. For most patients, responses improved by the second efficacy assessment. The addition of ublituximab appears to mitigate ibrutinib related lymphocytosis producing earlier clinical responses than historically seen with ibrutinib monotherapy. Efficacy and safety will be updated on all enrolled patients. Disclosures Sharman: TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. Farber:Leukemia Lymphoma Society NJ Chapter: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Alexion: Stock ownership Other. Schreeder:TG Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding. Kolibaba:TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Glaxo Smithkline: Research Funding. Sportelli:TG Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Miskin:TG Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Weiss:TG Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Greenwald:TG Therapeutics: Research Funding.

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Blockade of PD-1 in Combination with Dendritic Cell/Myeloma Fusion Cell Vaccination Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Is Well Tolerated, Induces Anti-Tumor Immunity and May Lead to Eradication of Measureable Disease

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.4218.4218 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 4218-4218 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Jacalyn Rosenblatt ◽

Irit Avivi ◽

Noam Binyamini ◽

Lynne Uhl ◽

Poorvi Somaiya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Dendritic Cell ◽

Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Post Transplant ◽

Fusion Cell ◽

Equity Ownership

Abstract Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for multiple myeloma (MM) offers a unique setting to incorporate immunotherapy in an effort to target residual disease. Our group has developed a cancer vaccine in which dendritic cells (DCs) are fused to autologous tumor cells resulting in the presentation of multiple tumor antigens with the capacity to elicit a broad anti-tumor response. A fundamental challenge to developing a more effective tumor vaccine is overcoming the immunosuppressive milieu by which tumor cells evade host immunity. Up-regulation of the PD-1/PDL1 pathway represents a key element contributing to tumor-mediated tolerance, and potentially muting response to vaccination. We are conducting a clinical trial in which patients with MM are treated with an anti-PD1 antibody (Pidilizumab, MDV9300) in combination with a dendritic cell/myeloma fusion cell vaccine following autologous transplantation. 22 patients have been treated with post-transplant immunotherapy. Mean age was 64. MM cells were isolated from bone marrow and were identified by expression of CD38 or CD138. Mean tumor cell yield was 118x106 cells. Adherent mononuclear cells were isolated from leukapheresis collections and cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4 for 5-7 days, then exposed to TNFα for 48-72 hours to generate mature DCs. DCs expressed co-stimulatory (mean CD86 75%) and maturation markers (mean CD83 50%). DC and MM cells were co-cultured with PEG and fusion cells were quantified by determining the percentage of cells that co-express unique DC and myeloma antigens. Mean fusion efficiency was 41% and the mean cell dose generated was 4 x 106 fusion cells. Mean viability of the DC, myeloma, and fusion preparations was 92%, 89%, and 85%, respectively. As a measure of their potency as antigen presenting cells, DC/MM fusions potently stimulate allogeneic T cell proliferation ex-vivo (Mean stimulation index of 1.9, 9.2 and 7.1 for tumor, DC and DC/myeloma fusions respectively, n=21) Post-transplant immunotherapy was initiated after recovery from transplant-related toxicities. Median time from transplant to initiation of post-transplant immunotherapy was 80 days. Patients received 3 doses of Pidilizumab at 6-week intervals. DC/myeloma fusion cells vaccination is administered 1 week before each dose of Pidilizumab. To date, 22 patients have completed vaccinations and Pidilizumab. Adverse events judged to be potentially treatment related included grade 1-2 diarrhea, arthralgias, myalgias, fatigue, headache, nausea, chills, transaminitis, cytopenia, elevated TSH, and vaccine site reactions. A significant increase in circulatingtumor reactive lymphocytes was noted following post-transplant immunotherapy, as determined by T cell expressionof IFN-γ by CD8 cells following ex-vivo co-culture withautologous myeloma cell lysate. Mean percentage of tumor reactiveCD8 cells increased from 1.8% post-transplant to a peak of 9.16% following immunotherapy. In the post-transplant period, regulatory T cells fell to minimal levels and remained low throughout the period of immunotherapy. 6 patients achieved a best response of VGPR, 6 patients have achieved a nCR/CR, including 3 who converted to CR following immunotherapy. Median PFS from transplant is 19 months with ongoing follow up. In summary, DC/MM fusion cell vaccination in conjunction with PD1 blockade following ASCT was well tolerated, potently induced anti-tumor immunity, and in a subset of patients, resulted in the eradication of post-transplant measurable disease. Disclosures Richardson: Gentium S.p.A.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millennium Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Laubach:Novartis: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding. Anderson:Celgene: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; Oncopep: Equity Ownership; Acetylon: Equity Ownership. Rowe:BioSight Ltd.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy; BioLineRx Ltd.: Consultancy. Kufe:Genus Oncology: Consultancy, Equity Ownership.

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Five-Year Experience with Single-Agent Ibrutinib in Patients with Previously Untreated and Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.233.233 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 233-233 ◽

Cited By ~ 53

Author(s):

Susan M. O'Brien ◽

Richard R. Furman ◽

Steven E. Coutre ◽

Ian W. Flinn ◽

Jan Burger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Single Agent ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Over Time

Abstract Background: Ibrutinib (ibr), a first-in-class, once-daily Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is approved by the US FDA for treatment of patients (pts) with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) including pts with del17p. The phase 1b/2 PCYC-1102 trial showed single-agent efficacy and tolerability in treatment-naïve (TN; O'Brien, Lancet Oncol 2014) and relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL/SLL (Byrd, N Engl J Med 2013). We report efficacy and safety results of the longest follow-up to date for ibr-treated pts. Methods: Pts received 420 or 840 mg ibr QD until disease progression (PD) or unacceptable toxicity. Overall response rate (ORR) including partial response (PR) with lymphocytosis (PR-L) was assessed using updated iwCLL criteria. Responses were assessed by risk groups: unmutated IGVH, complex karyotype (CK; ≥3 unrelated chromosomal abnormalities by stimulated cytogenetics assessed by a reference lab), and in hierarchical order for del17p, then del11q. In the long-term extension study PCYC-1103, grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and AEs requiring dose reduction or discontinuation were collected. Results: Median age of the 132 pts with CLL/SLL (31 TN, 101 R/R) was 68 y (range, 37-84) with 43% ≥70 y. Baseline CK was observed in 41/112 (37%) of pts. Among R/R pts, 34 (34%) had del17p, 35 (35%) del11q, and 79 (78%) unmutated IGVH. R/R pts had a median of 4 prior therapies (range, 1-12). Median time on study was 46 m (range, 0-67) for all-treated pts, 60 m (range, 0-67.4) for TN pts, and 39 m (range, 0-67) for R/R pts. The ORR (per investigator) was 86% (complete response [CR], 14%) for all-treated pts (TN: 84% [CR, 29%], R/R: 86% [CR, 10%]). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached (NR) for TN and 52 m for R/R pts with 60 m estimated PFS rates of 92% and 43%, respectively (Figure 1). In R/R pts, median PFS was 55 m (95% confidence intervals [CI], 31-not estimable [NE]) for pts with del11q, 26 m (95% CI,18-37) for pts with del17p, and NR (95% CI, 40-NE) for pts without del17p, del11q, trisomy 12, or del13q. Median PFS was 33 m (95% CI, 22-NE) and NR for pts with and without CK, and 43 m (95% CI, 32-NE) and 63 m (95% CI, 7-NE) for pts with unmutated and mutated IGVH, respectively(Figure 2). Among R/R pts, median PFS was 63 m (95% CI, 37-NE) for pts with 1-2 prior regimens (n=27, 3 pts with 1 prior therapy) and 59 m (95% CI, 22-NE) and 39 m (95% CI, 26-NE) for pts with 3 and ≥4 prior regimens, respectively. Median duration of response was NR for TN pts and 45 m for R/R pts. Pts estimated to be alive at 60 m were: TN, 92%; all R/R, 57%; R/R del17p, 32%; R/R del 11q, 61%; R/R unmutated IGVH, 55%. Among all treated pts, onset of grade ≥3 treatment-emergent AEs was highest in the first year and decreased during subsequent years. With about 5 years of follow-up, the most frequent grade ≥3 AEs were hypertension (26%), pneumonia (22%), neutropenia (17%), and atrial fibrillation (9%). Study treatment was discontinued due to AEs in 27 pts (20%) and disease progression in 34 pts (26%). Of all treated pts, 38% remain on ibr treatment on study including 65% of TN pts and 30% of R/R pts. Conclusions: Single-agent ibrutinib continues to show durable responses in pts with TN or R/R CLL/SLL including those with del17p, del11q, or unmutated IGVH. With extended treatment, CRs were observed in 29% of TN and 10% of R/R pts, having evolved over time. Ibrutinib provided better PFS outcomes if administered earlier in therapy than in the third-line or beyond. Those without CK experienced more favorable PFS and OS than those with CK. Ibrutinib was well tolerated with the onset of AEs decreasing over time, allowing for extended dosing for 65% of TN and 30% of R/R pts who continue treatment. Disclosures O'Brien: Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Furman:Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Coutre:Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding. Flinn:Janssen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; ARIAD: Research Funding; RainTree Oncology Services: Equity Ownership. Burger:Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Portola: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Roche: Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses. Sharman:Gilead: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Wierda:Abbvie: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding. Jones:Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Luan:AbbVie: Equity Ownership; Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Employment, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses. James:AbbVie: Equity Ownership; Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Employment. Chu:Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Employment; AbbVie: Equity Ownership.

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