scholarly journals First Interim Analysis of the Italian Dante Study: De-Escalation before Treatment-Free Remission in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treated with First-Line Nilotinib

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1474-1474
Author(s):  
Massimo Breccia ◽  
Elisabetta Abruzzese ◽  
Fabio Stagno ◽  
Alessandra Iurlo ◽  
Fabrozio Pene ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Treatment-free remission (TFR) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is demonstrated to be achievable and recommended for patients (pts) in sustained deep molecular response (sDMR) who can discontinue tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment and maintain responses in ~50% of cases. While the feasibility and safety of TKI cessation have been largely demonstrated, the strategies of TFR optimization are yet to be clarified. Studies (eg. DESTINY) investigating de-escalation, mainly after imatinib, suggested that a stepwise approach may favor TFR outcome. We present the interim results of the phase 2, prospective, multicenter DANTE study (NCT03874858) evaluating de-escalation and TFR in Italian pts with CML in chronic phase (CML-CP) treated with nilotinib (NIL). Methods: Adults with CML-CP treated with NIL 300 mg twice daily (bid) in first-line for ≥3 years who achieved sDMR for ≥1 year (≥MR 4.0; BCR-ABL level ≤0.01% IS) were enrolled in 27 centers. The study consisted of 4 phases: screening (week [wk] −4-0), consolidation (wk 0-48), TFR (wk 48-144), and follow-up (until wk 144). Ongoing treatment with ≥400 mg/day dose was allowed at study entry. During consolidation, pts were treated with NIL 300 mg once daily (qd). At the end of consolidation phase, pts with sDMR entered TFR phase and discontinued NIL; indeed, pts with at least major molecular response (MMR; BCR-ABL ≤0.1% IS), but without sDMR, continued NIL 300 mg qd. At any time, pts with loss of MMR returned to NIL 300 mg bid. During TFR phase, BCR-ABL levels were monitored monthly from wk 52-96, and then every 3 months. Pts on half-dose or full-dose NIL were monitored every 3 months. The primary endpoint is the percentage of pts in full treatment-free remission (FTFR) 96 wks after the start of consolidation phase. FTFR is defined as pts with MMR or better, including those who remained in discontinuation during TFR phase and those who are treated with half the standard dose. Key secondary endpoints include percentage of pts with sDMR at wk 48; TFR rate at wk 96 and 144; BCR-ABL kinetics and safety. The predictive role of digital droplet PCR is also evaluated as an exploratory objective. Results: Overall, 113 pts were screened and 107 entered consolidation phase. This interim analysis included 52 pts who reached the end of consolidation phase by data cut-off period (February 8, 2021). Of these 52 pts, 49 (94.2%) were ongoing by data cut-off and 3 (5.8%) discontinued the study (1 patient due to adverse event (AE) and 2 per patient's decision). Median age at study entry was 49.5 years. Median time from diagnosis was 5.6 years and median dose of prior NIL treatment was 600 mg/day for all pts except one who was on NIL 450 mg/day at baseline. Median duration of last sustained MR4 and MR4.5 were 30 and 16.5 months, respectively. Further details are listed in Table 1. At screening, molecular response categories were MR4.0 in 13.7%, MR4.5 in 23.1% and undetectable MR4.5 in 63.5% of pts. During consolidation phase, 5 (9.6%) pts discontinued prematurely: 2 pts restarted NIL full dose (3.8%) for MMR loss, 2 (3.8%) discontinued for AEs and 1 (1.9%) for pt decision. Overall, 47 pts completed consolidation: of them 40 (76.9%) sustained DMR and 7 (13.5%) maintained MMR but not sDMR. Of the 7 pts not sustaining DMR during consolidation, 6 regained DMR after a median of 4.4 months, while 1 pt was still in MMR by data cutoff. The 2 pts who lost MMR after 5 and 8 months regained MMR and 1 regained DMR by data cutoff after increasing NIL to 300 mg bid. Median time spent in consolidation phase was 11.7 months, and the evolution of response categories over time is shown in Figure 1. During consolidation phase, AEs were observed in 16 pts (30.8%), of them 2 (3.8%) pts had serious AEs: 1 patient had skin ulcers and COVID-19 related pneumonia, while 1 patient had unstable angina. No deaths and disease progressions were observed. Conclusions: DANTE is the first study that showed the safety and feasibility of NIL de-escalation before TFR in CML-CP pts with sDMR. Interim results suggest that loss of MMR during de-escalation is rare. De-escalation strategy may lead to further improvement of TFR outcome and tolerability and may also preemptively support the identification of pts who may not be ready for discontinuation, with a tailored approach. To date, accuracy in predicting TFR outcome is still low, and the de-escalation setting may sharpen biological and clinical predictive factors, including the potential role of digital PCR. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Breccia: Abbvie: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb/Celgene: Honoraria. Abruzzese: Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria. Stagno: InCyte: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Support for attending meetings and/or travel; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Support for attending meetings and/or travel, Research Funding. Iurlo: Incyte: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Speakers Bureau; Bristol Myers Squibb: Speakers Bureau. Sportoletti: AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria. Lemoli: Jazz, Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; AbbVie, Daiichi Sankyo, Servier: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Other: Support for attending meetings and/or travel. Siragusa: Novartis, CSL, Behring, Amgen, Novonoridsk, SOBI, Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Chiodi: Novartis: Current Employment.

Blood ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 129 (7) ◽  
pp. 846-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delphine Rea ◽  
Franck E. Nicolini ◽  
Michel Tulliez ◽  
François Guilhot ◽  
Joelle Guilhot ◽  
...  

Key Points First-line or subsequent dasatinib or nilotinib can be safely stopped in CML patients with deep and long-lasting molecular responses. A suboptimal response or resistance prior to dasatinib or nilotinib is associated with significantly worse treatment-free remission.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Breccia ◽  
Elisabetta Abruzzese ◽  
Mario Annunziata ◽  
Luigia Luciano ◽  
Simona Sica

Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has evolved dramatically in recent years. In this regard, the introduction of second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has revolutionized therapeutic goals, and it is now desirable to obtain treatment-free remission (TFR), i.e. when a patient who has stopped TKI therapy maintains a major molecular response and does not need to restart treatment. This report summarizes the main findings from a group of expert hematologists in Italy who met to discuss treatment and management of patients with CML with focus on broad-ranging aspects of TFR. A survey was used to obtain information about the clinicians’ experience with TFR and to better understand the clinical and psychological issues that patients and physicians face when considering TFR. The overall goal was to explore the possibility of discontinuing treatment from multiple points of view, considering both clinical aspects of TFR as well as psychological management of patients. Practical information is provided on aspects associated with initiating TFR, clinical data supporting it, the role of monitoring, and management of discontinuation-related adverse events. This publication outlines many of the shortcomings and highlights proposed solutions for routine clinical practice, and provides an overview of the literature relative to TFR.


Leukemia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerald P. Radich ◽  
Andreas Hochhaus ◽  
Tamás Masszi ◽  
Andrzej Hellmann ◽  
Jesper Stentoft ◽  
...  

AbstractThe ENESTfreedom trial assessed the feasibility of treatment-free remission (TFR) in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) following frontline nilotinib treatment. Results for long-term outcomes after a 5-year follow-up are presented herein. Patients who had received ≥2 years of frontline nilotinib therapy and achieved MR4.5 underwent a 1-year nilotinib treatment consolidation phase before attempting TFR. At the 5-year data cut-off, 81/190 patients entering the TFR phase (42.6%) were still in TFR, with 76 (40.0%) in MR4.5. Patients who lost major molecular response (MMR) entered a treatment re-initiation phase; 90/91 patients entering this phase (98.9%) regained MMR and 84/91 patients (92.3%) regained MR4.5. The Kaplan–Meier estimated treatment-free survival rate at 5 years was 48.2%. No disease progression or CML-related deaths were reported. Whereas the incidence of adverse events (AEs) declined from 96 weeks following the start of TFR, an increase in AE frequency was observed for patients in the treatment re-initiation phase. Low Sokal risk score, BCR-ABL1IS levels at 48 weeks of TFR and stable MR4.5 response for the first year of TFR were associated with higher TFR rates. Overall, these results support the efficacy and safety of attempting TFR following upfront nilotinib therapy of >3 years in patients with CML-CP.


Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 5118-5118
Author(s):  
Ester Pungolino ◽  
Mariella D'adda ◽  
Alessandra Trojani ◽  
Alessandra Perego ◽  
Chiara Elena ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Targeted therapy with Tyrosine-Kinase-Inhibitors (TKIs) totally modified the course of treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). The objectives and the needs of treatment have been modified during the last years and the discontinuation of therapy is now a feasible aim. However, a lot of biological data acquired in the last twenty years, showed that degree and mechanisms of Leukemic Stem Cells (LSCs) clearance during TKI treatment are not clearly established as well as the predictive criteria for a stable and prolonged Treatment Free Remission (TFR). The multicentre, prospective, single-arm PhilosoPhi34 study (EudraCT: 2012-005062-34) was designed by the Rete Ematologica Lombarda (REL), to verify the in-vivo activity and time-course of first-line Nilotinib (NIL) therapy on Bone Marrow (BM) CD34+/lin-Ph+ cells clearance. An exploratory Gene Expression Profiling (GEP) study of CD34+/lin- cells at diagnosis and at 12 months (mos) of treatment, for the first 30 evaluable pts, was included. Preliminary GEP data suggested a correlation between different NFKBIA expression at diagnosis and at 12 mos and the achievement of a deeper Molecular Response (MR) (Pungolino et al, AJH 2018). We report here some results of GEP analysis on all enrolled evaluable pts and their possible correlation with clinical data. Methods BM cells were collected and stored at diagnosis and at 12 mos of treatment. CD34+/lin- cells were purified with a Diamond CD34 Isolation Kit Miltenyi (97% of purity). For GEP analysis we used Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 microarray and Genechip platform (Affymetrix) and the Affymetrix GeneChip Scanner 3000. Data was pre-processed and normalized using the Robust Multi-array Average (RMA) algorithm. The Significant Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) was used to identify genes with statistically significant changes in expression. P-values were corrected for multiple testing using false discovery rate, for differentially expressed genes confirmation. We chose to analyse different expression of NFKBIA (the inhibitor of NF-kB onco-gene) in order to confirm the preliminary data reported on the first 30 analysed pts. Pts were monitored according to ELN-recommendation. Biological data were correlated with MR at 3, 12 and 36 mos of therapy. We use Fishers test to compare unbalanced group. Results Out of the 87 enrolled pts, 80 completed the first 12 mos of treatment and 78 (1 failure and 77 CCyR) were evaluable for GEP analysis. We observed 2726 genes symbol differentially expressed of which 1868 are coding genes. Among these, JAK-2 showed a down regulation at 12 mos (p: .024). JAK-2 expression ranged from 2.62 to 4.95 at diagnosis and from 1.48 to 5.58 at 12 mos. Only 26/78 pts increased JAK-2 expression that was > 4 in 1/26 pts, at diagnosis; 2/26 (7.69%) pts showed a H Sokal. Other 52/78 pts decreased JAK-2 expression that was ≥ 4 in 21/52 pts, at diagnosis; 10/52 (19.23%) pts and 6/21 (28,57%) pts showed a H Sokal. Similarly, when we compared low JAK-2 expression (< 3.5) vs vary high expression (≥ 4) 2/21 vs 6/22 pts had H Sokal (9.52% vs 27.27%; p: .0057). Considering the role of JAK-2 and NFKBIA in cell regulation and survival, we evaluated how the combination of their different expression impact on MR (i.e. NFKBIA increased expression/JAK-2 decreased expression vs NFKBIA decreased expression/JAK-2 increased expression). Data are reported in Table 1 and 2. Conclusion GEP analysis showed a down regulation of JAK-2 expression after 12 mos of first line NIL treatment, in 78 early chronic phase CML pts. Data suggest that high expression of JAK-2, at diagnosis, correlate with H Sokal score. However, H Sokal pts with a JAK-2 down regulation, obtain during treatment similar MR compared to L Sokal pts. Additionally, the study confirms our preliminary observation on 30 pts , concerning the role of NKBIA up - regulation in increasing percentage of earlier and deeper MR . The better condition of NFKBIA and JAK-2 expression (up regulation of NFKBIA and down regulation of JAK-2) is associated with a higher percentage of early MR3 and optimal responses over time, despite the higher number of H Sokal pts in this group. A study with NIL as first line treatment combined with low dose of JAK-2 inhibitor and a natural inhibitor of NF-kB (such as curcuma), during the first year of treatment, to increase the deeper MR rate and the probability of TFR is warrented. Disclosures Rossi: Sandoz: Honoraria; Jazz: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Honoraria; Teva: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Mundipharma: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Capodanno ◽  
Elisabetta Lugli ◽  
Katia Codeluppi ◽  
Mariapina Faruolo ◽  
Enrica Bellesia ◽  
...  

The present article reports the case of a patient presenting with chronic myeloid leukemia, diagnosed during the accelerated phase (&gt;20% blasts in peripheral blood samples and megakaryocyte agglomerates in the bone marrow). The subject was treated with first-line therapy with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor nilotinib and reached complete clinical and molecular remission (according to the European Leukemia Net-ELN-criteria), which persisted over five years of treatment. Five years after discontinuation of nilotinib (ten years from diagnosis), the patient is in good clinical condition, with no traces of BCL-ABL1 at molecular evaluation (molecular response, MR5). The case is discussed in the setting of current literature, providing an overview on chronic myeloid leukemia and a discussion on treatment options available.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-211
Author(s):  
Kaynat Fatima ◽  
Syed Tasleem Raza ◽  
Ale Eba ◽  
Sanchita Srivastava ◽  
Farzana Mahdi

The function of protein kinases is to transfer a γ-phosphate group from ATP to serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues. Many of these kinases are linked to the initiation and development of human cancer. The recent development of small molecule kinase inhibitors for the treatment of different types of cancer in clinical therapy has proven successful. Significantly, after the G-protein-coupled receptors, protein kinases are the second most active category of drug targets. Imatinib mesylate was the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), approved for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment. Imatinib induces appropriate responses in ~60% of patients; with ~20% discontinuing therapy due to sensitivity, and ~20% developing drug resistance. The introduction of newer TKIs such as, nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib has provided patients with multiple options. Such agents are more active, have specific profiles of side effects and are more likely to reach the necessary milestones. First-line treatment decisions must be focused on CML risk, patient preferences and comorbidities. Given the excellent result, half of the patients eventually fail to seek first-line treatment (due to discomfort or resistance), with many of them needing a third or even further therapy lines. In the present review, we will address the role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia.


Leukemia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hagop M. Kantarjian ◽  
Timothy P. Hughes ◽  
Richard A. Larson ◽  
Dong-Wook Kim ◽  
Surapol Issaragrisil ◽  
...  

AbstractIn the ENESTnd study, with ≥10 years follow-up in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase, nilotinib demonstrated higher cumulative molecular response rates, lower rates of disease progression and CML-related death, and increased eligibility for treatment-free remission (TFR). Cumulative 10-year rates of MMR and MR4.5 were higher with nilotinib (300 mg twice daily [BID], 77.7% and 61.0%, respectively; 400 mg BID, 79.7% and 61.2%, respectively) than with imatinib (400 mg once daily [QD], 62.5% and 39.2%, respectively). Cumulative rates of TFR eligibility at 10 years were higher with nilotinib (300 mg BID, 48.6%; 400 mg BID, 47.3%) vs imatinib (29.7%). Estimated 10-year overall survival rates in nilotinib and imatinib arms were 87.6%, 90.3%, and 88.3%, respectively. Overall frequency of adverse events was similar with nilotinib and imatinib. By 10 years, higher cumulative rates of cardiovascular events were reported with nilotinib (300 mg BID, 16.5%; 400 mg BID, 23.5%) vs imatinib (3.6%), including in Framingham low-risk patients. Overall efficacy and safety results support the use of nilotinib 300 mg BID as frontline therapy for optimal long-term outcomes, especially in patients aiming for TFR. The benefit-risk profile in context of individual treatment goals should be carefully assessed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 7806
Author(s):  
Maria Moschovi ◽  
Charikleia Kelaidi

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a rare disease in children and adolescents. The goal of therapy in children and adolescents is normal life expectancy, without compromising normal growth and development and potential for achievement of milestones in adult life. The perspective of cure is also reflected in the goal of treatment-free remission, with its surrogate markers, such as deep molecular response, also becoming the new endpoints of therapy efficacy in children and adolescents. Chronic myeloid leukemia was a fatal disease to children and adolescents in the past. Following the treatment paradigm of imatinib, it became a chronic disease with the potential of complete remission and even cure without the long-term hazards of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The diagnosis and treatment of CML affect a child’s trajectory through life and important physiological events like development and procreation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Malagola ◽  
Alessandra Iurlo ◽  
Elisabetta Abruzzese ◽  
Massimiliano Bonifacio ◽  
Fabio Stagno ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aya Nakaya ◽  
Shinya Fujita ◽  
Atsushi Satake ◽  
Takahisa Nakanishi ◽  
Yoshiko Azuma ◽  
...  

Dasatinib is currently approved for clinical use as a first-line treatment agent for newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, only a few clinical trials have been performed to evaluate dasatinibinduced PE following first-line therapy. We investigated the incidence and clinical features of dasatinib-induced PE following first-line therapy in Japanese CML patients of real world clinical practice settings. Among 22 patients, the median age of PEpositive patients was higher than that of PEnegative patients. Major molecular response was achieved in 75% of PE-positive patients and 50% of PE-negative patients. Most patients developed PE more than 1 year after treatment. Appearance of PE is associated with better clinical response during dasatinib treatment, however it is developed at any time. Elderly and high-risk patients tend to develop PE. The clinical features of dasatinib-induced PE following first-line therapy might be late onset and might not immediately follow the increasing of large granular lymphocyte.


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