A Novel Autochthonous Mouse Model Serves As a Preclinical Evaluation Platform and Explores Dual BTK and BCL2 Inhibition for Activated B Cell-like Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Abstract Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy in adults. Both biologically and clinically, DLBCL represents a highly heterogeneous disease. DLBCL has been subdivided into germinal center B cell (GCB)-like and activated B cell (ABC)-like DLBCL, on the basis of gene expression profiling, which separates DLBCL according to the presumed cell of origin (COO). This COO-based classifier distinguishes sub-entities displaying distinct biological features, pathogenesis and clinical response to frontline therapy. In addition to this classic transcriptome-based stratifier, recent genomic analyses of human DLBCL samples led to the discovery of partially overlapping genetically-defined DLBCL subsets. A study by Schmitz et al. employed a supervised clustering approach, allowing the classification of ~50% of the cases into four genetically-defined DLBCL subtypes, one of which is being characterized by co-occurring MYD88- and CD79B mutations as well as high expression of BCL2 (termed MCD). In a second approach by Chapuy et al., patient samples were clustered in an unsupervised manner. Also in this study, a cluster with recurrent mutations in MYD88 (specifically p.L265P) and CD79B, as well as gains of 18q (the location of BCL2) was identified (termed C5). We previously reported the formation of B cell lymphoma in mice that were engineered to express Myd88 p.L252P in combination with overexpression of BCL2 (Myd88 p.L252P/wt;R26 LSL.BCL2/wt;Cd19 Cre/wt, abbr. MBC) in a B cell-specific manner. While the developing lesions display many features of human ABC DLBCL, their B220 -/CD138 + immunophenotype reflects plasmablastic characteristics. To refine this mouse model, we incorporated additional C5/MCD lesions by engineering a B cell-specific loss of Prmd1 or Spib overexpression generating Prdm1 fl/fl;Myd88 p.L252P/wt;R26 LSL.BCL2/wt;Cd19 Cre/wt (PPMBC) and Myd88 p.L252P/wt;R26 LSL.BCL2/LSL.Spib;Cd19 Cre/wt (SMBC) compound animals. Both, the B cell-specific loss of Prdm1 and Spib overexpression on the MBC background resulted in a marked reduction of CD138 + cells in the spleens of 10 weeks old animals compared to control (Fig. 1A), accompanied by a decrease in serum immunoglobulins, indicative of a plasma cell differentiation block and in agreement with the reported function of PRMD1 and SPIB as transcription factors regulating plasma cell differentiation. Both PPMBC and SMBC mice developed lymphoma significantly earlier than MBC animals. These tumors largely displayed a B220 +/CD138 - immunophenotype. As transcriptional profiling is the gold standard for differentiation between GCB and ABC DLBCL, we generated germinal center- and activated blood B cell gene sets from healthy donors. We then performed gene set enrichment analyses between SMBC/PPMBC tumors and either MBC or Kmt2d fl/fl;VavP-Bcl2;Cɣ1 Cre/wt (KBC) lymphomas, the latter being reminiscent of human GCB DLBCL. While both PPMBC and SMBC samples were enriched for GCB gene signatures when compared to MBC, they enriched for ABC gene sets in comparison to KBC, potentially suggesting a developmental stage between KBC and MBC lesions (Fig. 1B). We next aimed to employ our PPMBC model of C5 DLBCL as a pre-clinical tool, in order to derive therapeutic approaches for this disease. In this regard, we note BCL2 has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in DLBCL. The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax produces response rates of ~18% in relapsed/refractory DLBCL (Davids et al., 2017). Similarly, in a phase I/II clinical trial involving 80 patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL, ibrutinib induced complete or partial remissions in 37% of ABC-DLBCL patients, but in only 5% GCB-DLBCL patients (Wilson et al., 2015). Building on these observations, we asked whether single agent or combined venetoclax and ibrutinib treatment might display pre-clinical activity in the PPMBC setting. Indeed, combination treatment with ibrutinib and venetoclax resulted in a significant survival benefit compared to single compound or untreated animals (Fig. 1C). Given this preclinical activity, we treated 6 relapsed/refractory (r/r) non-GCB DLBCL patients (determined by Hans algorithm) in an off-label setting and observed tumor shrinkage in 5 of 6 patients (Fig. 1D). Thus, our clinical data corroborate our preclinical observations and suggest that combined venetoclax and ibrutinib may display clinical activity in a subset of r/r non-GCB DLBCL. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Hallek: Roche: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Mundipharma: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Calado: Myricx Pharma: Consultancy, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company, Patents & Royalties: Cancer Treatments. WO patent WO 2020/128475 A1 (2020). Pasqualucci: Sanofi: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding. von Tresckow: Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Other: congress and travel support; Pentixafarm: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; BMS-Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: congress and travel support; MSD: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: congress and travel support, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: congress and travel support, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Other: congress and travel support; Kite-Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other, Research Funding. Chapuy: Gilead: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Regeneron: Consultancy; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Honoraria. Reinhardt: CDL Therapeutics: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company; Gilead: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy; Vertex: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy. OffLabel Disclosure: Treatment of DLBCL patients with ibrutinib and venetoclax.

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Phase II Study Of Anti-CD19 Antibody Drug Conjugate (SAR3419) In Combination With Rituximab: Clinical Activity and Safety In Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (NCT01470456)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.4395.4395 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 4395-4395 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Bertrand Coiffier ◽

Catherine Thieblemont ◽

Sophie de Guibert ◽

Jehan Dupuis ◽

Vincent Ribrag ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cell ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Clinical Activity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Large B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Duration Of Response ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Background SAR3419 is a humanized anti-CD19 antibody conjugated to maytansin DM4, a potent cytotoxic agent. SAR3419 targets CD19, an antigen expressed in the majority of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). The recommended dose for single agent SAR3419 was previously determined to be 55 mg/m2 administered IV every week for 4 weeks, then bi-weekly. In phase I, clinical activity was shown mainly in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). (Trial funded by Sanofi). Methods Patients (pts) with a CD20+ and CD19+ DLBCL relapsing or refractory (R/R) after at least 1 standard treatment including rituximab and not candidate for or who already underwent transplantation, were eligible. Refractory disease was defined as unresponsive to or progressing within 6 months of regimen completion. Fresh (or recent formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) biopsy was required before SAR3419 start. Pts received 375 mg/m2 of rituximab (R) IV and 55 mg/m² of SAR3419 on day 1, 8, 15, 22 (35-day cycle 1), followed by bi-weekly R and SAR3419 at the same doses for 2 additional 28-day cycles, provided there was no disease progression or other study discontinuation criteria met. The primary objective was the overall response rate (ORR) following Cheson 2007 criteria, with the first tumor assessment being done 42 days after the last study treatment administration. Secondary objectives were: safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), duration of response (DOR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and correlation of the antitumor and biological activity of the combination with tumor biomarker status. Results Fifty-three pts were enrolled, 52 treated. Median age was 66.5 years (range 38-85), 50% were male; 23%, 33% and 40% of patients had received 1, 2 or ≥3 prior chemo/immunotherapy regimens for DLBCL, respectively. Of the enrolled patients, 3.8% had received no prior regimen for DLBCL and therefore were excluded from primary analysis for efficacy. Seventy-three percent had stage III/IV disease, 59% had elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and 63% had bulky disease. Sixty percent were refractory to first regimen (primary refractory), 16% were refractory to last regimen and 24% were relapsed pts. The ORR in the per-protocol population (n=45) was 31.1% (80% confidence interval (CI): 22.0% to 41.6%). Among the 14 responders, 5 had progressed at the time of analysis, with duration of response beyond 6 months for 3 of them. The ORR was 58.3% (80% CI: 36.2% to 78.1%) for patients with relapsed DLBCL (n=12), 42.9% (80% CI: 17.0% to 72.1%) for pts refractory to last regimen (n=7) and 15.4% (80% CI: 6.9% to 28.4%) for primary refractory pts (n=26). Overall survival and PFS data are not yet mature. Biomarkers and PK data will be presented at the meeting. The most common (≥10%) all grades non-hematologic treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were asthenia (25.0%), nausea (21.2%), cough (19.2%), diarrhea (17.3%), weight decrease (17.3%), vomiting (15.4%), dyspnea (15.4%), abdominal pain (13.5%), back pain (13.5%), pyrexia (13.5%) and constipation (11.5%). Related grade 3-4 TEAEs were: 1 syncope, 1 bronchospasm, 2 neutropenia and 1 anemia. No TEAEs led to treatment discontinuation, no grade 3-4 peripheral neuropathy or grade 3-4 ocular events were observed. Two pts experienced grade 2 keratitis, both rapidly recovered with local treatment. Hematological toxicity was moderate, with grade 3-4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in 15.7% and 9.8% pts, respectively. No complications related to neutropenia were reported. Grade 3 transaminase increase was observed in 1 patient. Conclusions The combination of SAR3419 plus R showed moderate ORR in R/R DLBCL; however the study population was of poor prognosis (60% refractory to first line therapy). In the relapsed DLBCL patients a higher ORR was observed. SAR3419 plus R presented with a favorable safety profile. Further investigations on biomarker expression are ongoing to identify a sub-group of pts who could have better benefited from this combination. Disclosures: Coiffier: Sanofi: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Off Label Use: Phase II of SAR3419. Ribrag:Johnson & Johnson: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Servier: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Cartron:LFB: Honoraria; GSK: Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Casasnovas:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Hatteville:Sanofi: Employment. Zilocchi:Sanofi: Employment. Oprea:Sanofi: Employment. Tilly:Amgen: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Takeda: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

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Post-Transplant Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma with Non Germinal Center B-Cell Subtype Frequently Lacks Programmed Cell Death Ligand (PD-L1) Overexpression Which May Influence Overall Outcomes

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.3054.3054 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 3054-3054

Author(s):

Zohra Nooruddin ◽

Zenggang Pan ◽

Lilyana Gross ◽

Weitzenkamp David ◽

Bradley M. Haverkos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cell ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Advisory Board ◽

Post Transplant ◽

Large B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Improved Outcomes ◽

Germinal Center B Cell

Abstract Background : Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) represents a distinct and rare complication following solid organ transplantation (SOT). Insight into the biology of this disorder is limited to retrospective reviews and case series. In one of the first reports for post-transplant Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma (PT-DLBCL) cases, we demonstrated a higher incidence and improved outcomes in PT-DLBCL non-germinal center B-cell (non-GCB) subtype compared to PT-DLBCL germinal center B-cell (GCB) Subtype. Published data suggests immunocompetent DLBCL non-GCB subtypes are less common and fare worse than immunocompetent GCB DLBCL. The reason for this unexpected finding in our PT-DLBCL pts is not fully understood. Recently Kiyasu and colleagues demonstrated that PD-L1 overexpression was significantly associated with non-GCB DLBCL, EBV virus positivity and poor prognosis in immunocompetent DLBCL samples. Therefore based on this we hypothesized that PT-DLBCL non-GCB subtype may have negative PD-L1 overexpression thus possibly accounting for improved outcomes compared to their immunocompetent counterparts. Hence we sought to test PD-L1 expression in our samples with PT-DLBCL. Methods: With IRB approval, we retrospectively identified PT- DLBCL patients treated at the University of Colorado between Jan 1989 to April 2015. We retrieved formalin fixed paraffin embedded PT-DLBCL tissue specimens and determined cell of origin by the Hans Algorithm. We assessed PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry. PD-L1 positive PT-DLBCL was defined as 30% of more of the lymphoma cells showing distinct membranous and or cytoplasmic staining. In addition EBER-ISH was performed to assess EBV status. Results: 86 adult SOT pts with PTLD were treated at our institution. 75 of 86 pts (87%) had monomorphic histology. Among monomorphic PTLD, 64% (48 of 75) had DLBCL. The median age at transplantation was 49.5 yrs (5-74 yrs). Median time from SOT to PTLD was 37 mos (1.4-499). The most common transplanted organ included kidney (40%), liver (38%), lung (13%) and heart (9%). 31% had early PTLD (<12mos of SOT) and 69% had late PTLD (>12mos of SOT). 60% were EBV positive. 77% with early PTLD and 49% with late PTLD were EBV positive. Due to a paucity of archived tissue blocks, IHC staining was applied to 32/48 samples with DLBCL. Non-GCB subtype was identified in 75% (24/32) samples and GCB subtype in 25% (8/32) samples. Of the 48 pts with PT-DLBCL histology, PD-L1 stain was performed on 18 samples. Of the 18 PT-DLBCL samples, 77% (14/18) had non-GCB subtype and 16% (3/18) had GCB subtype. PD-L1 expression was negative in 78% (11/14) and positive in 22% (3/14) of non-GCB DLBCL samples. PD-L1 expression was negative in 100% (3/3) of GCB DLBCL samples. The sample size was too small to effectively describe the survival experience of pt subsets. Using Fisher's exact test we found no evidence to support an association between EBV Status and PDL1 expression (p-value 0.316). Conclusions: We previously reported in our consecutive series of PTLD after SOT an increased incidence and improved survival in pts with PT-DLBCL non-GCB subtype (ASH 2015) compared to PT-DLBCL GCB subtype. The reason for this is not fully understood. However, our limited series reveals that a majority of pts with PT- DLBCL non-GCB subtype was negative for PD-L1 overexpression. This might explain the improved outcomes in the PT-DLBCL non-GCB population. Despite a small sample size it is also interesting to note that 100% pts with PT-DLBCL GCB subtype were negative for PD-L1 overexpression. In the era of immunotherapy further studies in larger patient cohorts are warranted in order to understand the unique biology and outcomes of PT-DLBCL since it may have therapeutic implications. Disclosures Pollyea: Celgene: Other: advisory board, Research Funding; Ariad: Other: advisory board; Alexion: Other: advisory board; Pfizer: Other: advisory board, Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Other: DSMB member. Kamdar:Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau.

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Therapeutic Targeting of the Bcl-6: p53 Axis with Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma,

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3733.3733 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 3733-3733 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jennifer E Amengual ◽

Matko Kalac ◽

Luigi Scotto ◽

Patrick A Sleckman ◽

Enrica Marchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tumor Suppressor ◽

B Cell ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

Hdac Inhibitors ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Large B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Large B Cell

Abstract Abstract 3733 Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Despite advances in treatment, 1/3 of patients die from their disease. Gene expression profiling has delineated three subtypes with different genetic features known to be prognostic: the Activated B-cell (ABC), Germinal Center (GC), and grey zone types. For example, ABC DLBCL is addicted to NFkB over-expression. The oncogene, BCL6, encodes a transcription factor that functions as a transcriptional repressor within normal germinal center B-cells. Constitutive activation of Bcl-6 leads to GC-type DLBCL by turning off genes expressing cell cycle dependent kinase inhibitors, and essential tumor suppressor genes, like p53. There is a critical inverse relationship between Bcl-6 and p53, the functional status of which is linked to each transcription factor's degree of acetylation. Deacetylation of Bcl-6 is required for maintaining its effects as a transcriptional repressor. Conversely, acetylation of p53 is activating when class III histone deacetylases (HDAC), also known as sirtuins, are inhibited by drugs such as niacinamide. HDAC inhibitors are presently approved for T-cell lymphoma and may require the targeting of additional pathways to be effective in B-cell lymphomas. Trichostatin A and niacinamide modulate Bcl-6 in lymphoma cell lines. One therapeutic strategy that could favorably shift the relationship between oncogenes and tumor suppressors is the pharmacologic modification of Bcl-6 and p53 using HDAC inhibitors. Eight DLBCL cell lines were screened (4 ABC: Su-DHL2, HBL-1, OCI-Ly10, RIVA; 4 GC:OCI-Ly1, OCI-Ly7, Su-DHL6, Su-DHL4) with four class I/II HDAC inhibitors (romidepsin, vorinostat, panobinostat and belinostat) in combination with niacinamide (sirtuin inhibitor) at two dose levels each at three time points. Cell growth inhibition was measured by luminescence cell viability and apoptosis flow cytometry assays. Synergy was measured by the relative risk ratio (RRR) calculation where values <1 represent synergy. Synergy was achieved in significantly greater number and intensity in the GC versus ABC cell lines. Specifically, romidepsin in combination with niacinamide achieved the greatest synergy. To analyze mechanism of action, DLBCL cell lines were treated with combinations of class I/II HDAC inhibitors and niacinamide. Cells of both GC and ABC subtypes treated with the combination resulted in increased acetylation of p53, and increased p21 and BLIMP-1 content compared to controls. These results did not correlate with cytotoxicity as the ABC cell lines did not achieve the same synergy as the GC cells. GC cells treated with the same combinations resulted in acetylation of Bcl-6 compared with controls as measured by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting assays; ABC cells do not express Bcl-6. This finding correlated with cytotoxicity implying that a rational second pathway must be targeted to shift the balance between oncogene and tumor suppressor activity to achieve effective cell kill. p300 content was also increased suggesting that treatment with HDAC inhibitors recruit or upregulate its production and activity leading to increased acetylation. Using a novel double transgenic mouse model of aggressive spontaneous B-cell lymphoma (l-myc overexpressing crossed with CD19-tagged mCherry luciferase), in vivo effects of the drug combination were studied. These mice express equal basal amounts of Bcl-6 and p53 as GC cell lines. Mice treated with niacinamide 20 mg/kg and romidepsin 2.3mg/kg IP for 5 hours achieved increased acetylation of Bcl-6 and p53, and accumulation of p21 and BLIMP1 compared with controls. Importantly, mice treated with the combination of niacinamide 40 mg/kg and romidepsin 2.3 mg/kg IP achieved decreased tumor burden as measured by bioluminescence signal intensity compared to mice treated with each drug alone and controls. Presently, we are translating these concepts and observations in a proof-of-principle phase I trial evaluating the safety of vorinostat plus niacinamide in lymphoid malignancies. By targeting the specific pathogenetic features of DLBCL, it may be possible to tailor future treatment platforms for discrete subtypes of DLBCL. Disclosures: Off Label Use: The drugs evaluated are not approved for use in DLBCL. O'Connor:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding.

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A Phase II Randomized Study of Lenalidomide or Lenalidomide and Rituximab As Maintenance Therapy Following R-CHOP Chemotherapy for Patients with High Risk Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.3668.3668 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 3668-3668

Author(s):

Nishitha M. Reddy ◽

Rhea M Simons ◽

Meghan E Caldwell ◽

Heidi Chen ◽

Madan Jagasia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Maintenance Therapy ◽

B Cell ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Clinical Activity ◽

Large B Cell Lymphoma ◽

One Year ◽

Large B Cell

Abstract Abstract 3668 Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with an intermediate/high to high risk international prognostic index (IPI) score are at an increased risk of disease relapse in the first year after completion of standard therapy with R-CHOP. Lenalidomide (LEN), an immunomodulatory drug, enhances the natural-killer cell mediated antibody-dependant cellular cytotoxicity of rituximab in lymphoma cell lines, inhibits angiogenesis, alters cytokine production, and has been shown to have clinical activity against B-cell lymphoma including relapsed DLBCL. Methods: DLBCL patients with high risk features (IPI scores of 3 or greater) who achieved CR after R-CHOP were randomized to LEN (arm A) alone or LEN and rituximab maintenance therapy (arm B) within 12 weeks of last dose of R-CHOP. The primary endpoint of the study was to assess the one year relapse-free survival. We expected that a 25% difference of relapse compared with current standard therapy will have clinical significance. Patients in arm A received LEN at a dose of 25 mg daily for 21 days of 28 days. Patients in arm B received LEN at a dose of 20mg daily for 21 days of 28 days along with rituximab (375mg/m2) on day 8 of even cycles. Treatment on both arms was continued for one year. Treatment was discontinued for disease progression. LEN dose adjustments were incorporated in the protocol. Results: Thirty five patients, 19 arm A/16 arm B, 20 female/15 male, with a median age of 59 yrs were enrolled. The median IPI was 3 for all patients. For patients over the age of 60 the median IPI score was 4 and the median aa-IPI was 3. Two patients received XRT to areas of bulky disease at the completion of R-CHOP prior to start of maintenance. At a median follow up of 22 months, the 2 yr PFS and DFS was 86% and 96% respectively. For patients in arm A and arm B the 2 yr PFS was 92% vs.77% and the 2 yr DFS was 100% vs. 92% respectively (p=0.52). Two patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Grade 3–4 toxicities include neutropenia (25%), fatigue (17%), diarrhea (8%), DVT (3%), rash (3%), febrile neutropenia (3%). Related grade 1–2 toxicities include hypothyroidism (11%) and rash (47%). There were no treatment related deaths. Conclusions: Lenalidomide as maintenance therapy demonstrates encouraging clinical activity following standard chemotherapy and results in superior survival outcomes in DLBCL patients with high risk prognostic features. The 2-yr OS was 90% in our study as compared with historical controls of 70%. Our study suggests that maintenance strategy with lenalidomide based therapy may increase cure rate and needs to be prospectively evaluated in a phase III study. Disclosures: Reddy: Celgene: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide in Lymphoma. Park:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding.

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Combination of Nivolumab, Lenalidomide and Rituximab in Relapsed/Refractory Non-Germinal Center Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: Results from a Dose-Escalation Cohort

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-129634 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 4100-4100

Author(s):

Tarsheen Sethi ◽

Alexandra E. Kovach ◽

Emily F Mason ◽

Heidi Chen ◽

Tamara Moyo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cell ◽

Dose Escalation ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Large B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Large B Cell

Background: Ten to 15% of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients exhibit primary refractory disease (nonresponse or relapse within 3 months of therapy) and an additional 20-25% relapse following initial response. There is an unmet need for effective therapeutic regimens in relapsed/refractory (R/R) DLBCL. Lenalidomide is an immune modulator that reverses T cell dysfunction and also inhibits the NFκB pathway, which is constitutively active in non-germinal center (non-GCB) DLBCL. Lenalidomide and nivolumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, each have single agent activity in R/R DLBCL. Here, we report the results of the dose-escalation cohort of this investigator-initiated, single-arm open-label study of the combination of nivolumab, lenalidomide and rituximab (NiLeRi) in R/R non-GCB DLBCL. Methods: Adult patients with R/R non-GCB DLBCL, as determined by the Hans algorithm, with adequate organ function and an ECOG performance status of ≤2 were eligible for the study. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of NiLeRi, and determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of lenalidomide in combination with fixed doses of rituximab and nivolumab, using a 3+3 dose escalation design. The secondary objectives were to determine efficacy in terms of overall response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) of patients treated with NiLeRi. All patients received nivolumab IV 3 mg/kg on days 1 and 15 and rituximab IV 375mg/m2 on day 1 of each 28-day cycle. Lenalidomide was initiated at 5 mg po once daily on days 1-21. Additional planned dose levels were 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg. Patients were evaluable for toxicity if they received all doses of nivolumab and rituximab and at least 16 doses of lenalidomide during cycle 1 or if they experienced a dose limiting toxicity (DLT), regardless of the number of doses. NiLeRi was given for 8 cycles and patients with partial response could receive lenalidomide and nivolumab for an additional 4 cycles. Response was assessed by PET-CT after 2, 5 and 8 cycles and defined by Lugano criteria. Results: Six patients with non-GCB subtype of DLBCL were enrolled in this study. The median age was 60.5 years (range 28-79), and 5 patients were male. The median number of prior lines of therapy was 4 (range 2-5), and the median IPI score was 3. None of the patients had bone marrow involvement. One patient each had been treated with autologous stem cell transplant (Auto-SCT) and CAR-T cell therapy. One patient withdrew consent before completing cycle 1 and was not evaluable for safety or efficacy. Safety: Five out of the six enrolled patients were evaluable for safety. All patients received lenalidomide 5 mg dose. Two patients experienced DLTs (grade 3 rash) resulting in lenalidomide discontinuation during cycle 2. The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were fatigue (20%), neutropenia (60%), thrombocytopenia (40%), and rash (40%). A total of 3 patients experienced grade 1/2 diarrhea and elevated liver enzymes. One patient experienced a grade 1 infusion reaction with rituximab. Efficacy: Patients who completed at least 1 cycle of therapy were evaluable for response, and this included 5 out of the 6 enrolled patients. The ORR and complete response (CR) rate were both 40%. Patients who responded did so early, with one patient achieving CR after 2 cycles and another patient achieving CR after 5 cycles. The best response seen in patients with primary refractory disease was PR. At a median follow up of 9.5 months, median PFS was 8.4 months (95% CI; 4.3 to not reached), and median OS was not reached. Discussion: This is the first study reporting the safety results of the combination of lenalidomide, nivolumab and rituximab in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Rash was the most common DLT, limiting dose escalation of lenalidomide above 5mg in this cohort of patients. Two patients experienced durable CR early in the study after 2 and 5 cycles, respectively. This ORR and CR rate of 40% each in this small cohort of patients who had relapsed after multiple prior lines of therapy is encouraging. Correlative studies, including whole exome sequencing of patient samples, are underway, in an attempt to explore predictive markers for response and toxicity. Figure. Disclosures Mason: Sysmex: Honoraria. Oluwole:Pfizer: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy. Morgan:Biogen: Equity Ownership; Eli Lilly: Equity Ownership; Vertex: Equity Ownership; Zoetis: Equity Ownership; Pfizer: Equity Ownership; Novo Nordisk: Equity Ownership; Gilead: Equity Ownership; Johnson and Johnson: Equity Ownership; Merck: Equity Ownership. Reddy:Abbvie: Consultancy; Genentech: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; KITE Pharma: Consultancy. OffLabel Disclosure: Nivolumab and lenalidomide are not FDA approved for use in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

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Genetic Alterations of Gα13 Signaling Pathway with BCL2 over-Expression Confers Lymphoma Dissemination and Inferior Outcome in Germinal Center B Cell Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.111.111 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 111-111

Author(s):

Daisuke Ennishi ◽

Anja Mottok ◽

Hennady Shulha ◽

Pedro Farinha ◽

Fong Chun Chan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cell ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Genetic Alterations ◽

Over Expression ◽

Large B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Germinal Center B Cell

Abstract Background: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is divided into two distinct molecular subtypes, germinal center B cell (GCB) subtype and activated B cell (ABC) subtype. Genetic landscape studies of DLBCL have revealed several GCB-DLBCL specific mutations, including CREBBP, GNA13, EZH2, TNFRSF14, BCL2 and MEF2B. Functional studies have recently shown that the inactivation of Gα13 signaling pathway genes, including GNA13, together with BCL2 over-expression, allows GC B-cells to escape the germinal center niche and widely disseminate. Although these findings revealed a critical role of genetic alterations of Gα13 signaling pathway in GC-driven mouse models of lymphomagenesis, clinical correlation is lacking. Here we analyzed the clinical impact of genetic alterations of Gα13 signaling pathway in a large population-based DLBCL cohort. Methods: We analyzed 347 newly diagnosed de novo DLBCL cases that were uniformly treated with R-CHOP at the BC Cancer Agency. Comprehensive clinical annotation was available through the BCCA Lymphoid Cancer Database. Deep targeted re-sequencing of the coding exons of GNA13, P2RY8, ARHGEF1, S1PR2 and RHOA was performed using a Truseq Custom Amplicon assay (Illumina) and/or Fluidigm Access Array chips. High-resolution copy number analyses were performed using Affymetrix SNP 6.0 arrays. Immunohistochemical staining and break-apart FISH assays for MYC and BCL2 were performed on tissue microarrays (n=332). Cell-of-origin classification was available in 331 cases, according to gene expression profiling by the Lymph2Cx assay using the NanoString platform (Scott, Blood 2014; 123) in 299 patients and the Hans algorithm (Hans, Blood 2004; 103) in 32 cases with low tumor content (<40%). Results: Using next generation sequencing, 225 SNVs and 5 Indels were detected in GNA13 (16%), P2RY8 (18%), ARHGEF1 (6%), S1PR2 (3%) and RHOA (6%). SNP 6.0 microarrays revealed heterozygous deletions in GNA13 (2%), ARHGEF1 (1%), S1PR2 (4%) and RHOA (8%), but homozygous deletion was not found in any of these five loci. GNA13, P2RY8 and ARHGEF1 mutations were significantly more frequent in the GCB subtype than ABC subtype (26% vs. 6%; p<.0001, 25% vs 7%; p=.0002, and 8% vs. 5%; p=.008, respectively). 185 GCB-DLBCL cases were further analyzed for clinical correlations. In the cases with mutations of any of the five Gα13 signaling pathway genes, BCL2 over-expression (cut off; 50%) and translocation was associated with increasing stage (p=.018 and p=.005, respectively), but not in wt cases (p=.53 and p=.63, respectively). Specifically, in the cases with GNA13 and P2RY8 mutations individually, BCL2 over-expression was associated with advanced stage (stage III/IV, p=.018 and p=.037, respectively), but not in wild type (wt) cases. Importantly, BCL2 over-expression in the cases harboring Gα13 pathway mutations was not significantly associated with other poor risk features, including any other IPI factors or bone marrow involvement, indicating that genetic alterations in Gα13 signaling pathway accompanied by BCL2 over-expression might promote lymphoma dissemination into lymph nodes but not extranodal sites. With a median follow up of 6.5 years for living patients, there was no prognostic impact of harboring any isolated Gα13 pathway mutation in GCB-DLBCL patients. However, in cases with any Gα13 pathway mutations, BCL2 over-expression was significantly associated with an inferior 5y-time to progression (TTP; 90% vs 62%, p=.003) and disease-specific survival (DSS; 90% vs 71%, p=.042), but not in wt cases (Fig 1). In a Cox model of TTP including the IPI, BCL2 over-expression remained prognostic in the cases harboring any Gα13 pathway mutations (HR=4.13 [1.42-12.01], p=.009), but not in wt cases (HR=1.70 [0.62-4.68], p=.31). In cases with any Gα13 pathway alterations including copy number loss, BCL2 over-expression was also significantly associated with an inferior TTP (HR=3.64 [1.39-9.57], p=.009) independent of IPI, but not in the cases without genetic alterations (HR=1.75 [0.57-5.34], p=.33). Conclusions: Genetic alterations in Gα13 signaling pathway genes cooperate with BCL2 over-expression to promotes lymphoma dissemination to nodal sites and is associated with the poor outcome in GCB-DLBCL Figure 1. TTP and DSS according to BCL2 over-expression with/without Gα13 signaling pathway mutations in GCB-DLBCL patients (n=185) treated with R-CHOP Figure 1. TTP and DSS according to BCL2 over-expression with/without Gα13 signaling pathway mutations in GCB-DLBCL patients (n=185) treated with R-CHOP Disclosures Savage: Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria; Infinity: Honoraria; Roche: Other: Institutional research funding. Connors:Roche: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Scott:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; NanoString: Patents & Royalties: Inventor on a patent that NanoString has licensed.

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Novel Epigenetic Vulnerabilities for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-115030 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 2600-2600

Author(s):

Deepak Jha ◽

George Q. Daley ◽

Benoit Laurent ◽

Cheng Zhang ◽

Caroline Kubaczka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

B Cell ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Large B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Germinal Center B Cell ◽

Bcr Signaling ◽

Expression Program

Abstract Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), representing a third of all new cases. DLBCL is further sub-divided into various molecular sub-types based on gene expression and co-occurring genetic alterations. Gene expression based- subtypes include the germinal center B-cell (GCB) and the activated B-cell type (ABC) subtypes, with the ABC sub-type having a poorer prognosis than the GCB sub-type. Interestingly, 30-40% of all DLBCL patients harbor mutations in key epigenetic regulators, EZH2, KMT2D, CREBBP, EP300, and mutations in histone proteins themselves. Through an unbiased cell-based phenotypic screen, we discovered that inhibition of lysine demethylases, specifically KDM4C and KDM4A, represents a vulnerability across 15 different DLBCL cell lines including germinal center B-cell (GCB) and activated B-cell (ABC) type lines, with a GI50 value between 75nM to ~200nM, while sparing leukemia lines. Consistently, treatment of xenograft-based animal models of DLBCL with a low dose of KDM4A/KDM4C inhibitor delivered intra-peritoneally three times a week, results in a drastic reduction of tumor burden. Both KDM4A and KDM4C catalyze the removal of histone H3 K9 di- and tri-methylation (H3K9me2/3) and H3K36 di- and tri-methylation (H3K36me2/3). H3K9me2/3 is associated with promoter and enhancer repression, while H3K36me2/3 is present in gene bodies during transcription but also functions as a chromatin repressor Consistently, we have identified key enhancers, including those associated with IKZF1, that are "decommissioned" after inhibition of KDM4A/KDM4C. Repressed enhancer activity, through loss of H3K27 acetylation and H3K4me1, and gain of H3K9me2/3, results in a rapid transcriptional downregulation of IKZF1 and its partners including IKZF3. Given the role of IKZF1 in the transcriptional regulation of key B Cell Receptor (BCR) signaling components, we show that KDM4A/KDM4C inhibition leads to a downregulation of SYK, a proximal BCR-signaling component, which likely precedes DLBCL cell apoptosis. In addition, we observed an activation of extra-lineage transcription factors such as CEBPA and CEBPB, which are normally repressed by IKZF1 in the lymphoid lineage. A concomitant downregulation of the B-cell gene expression program and an upregulation of the myeloid (CD14+ monocytic) gene expression program is also observed, implying a "trans-differentiation" of DLBCL cells into the monocyte lineage. This lineage-switch correlates with an increased population of CD14+ expressing cells. Finally, using DLBCL patient data sets, we can show that over-expression of either KDM4A or KDM4C is associated with poor prognosis in DLBCL patients. In summary, we have discovered that KDM4A/KDM4C inhibition results in an increase of repressive histone modifications at several intra-genic "enhancers" of genes that are responsible for the survival and proliferation of DLBCL cells. The elucidation of this unique epigenetic mechanism provides a strong rationale for the development of novel targeted therapies against both multiple subtypes of DLBCL. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Shipp: Bayer: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria; Merck: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

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R-CHOP in the Treatment of EBV-Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Elderly

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.4988.4988 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 4988-4988

Author(s):

Brady E Beltran ◽

Jose C Alva ◽

Domingo Morales ◽

Pilar Quinones ◽

Jorge J Castillo

Keyword(s):

B Cell ◽

Germinal Center ◽

Research Funding ◽

Statistical Difference ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

Performance Status ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

The Elderly ◽

Large B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Large B Cell

Abstract Abstract 4988 Introduction: Epstein Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (EBV+ DLBCL) of the elderly is a new entity considered in the most recent WHO classification. It is a very aggressive entity associated with a short survival. The role of rituximab-containing regimens in EBV+ DLBCL of the elderly is currently unknown. Methods: Between January 2002 and December 2010, 22 patients diagnosed with EBV+ DLBCL of the elderly were selected for this study, from which 11 patients received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP) and 11 patients received rituximab and CHOP (R-CHOP). Both groups received chemotherapy at every 3 weeks cycles. Clinical data were reviewed retrospectively and patient's biopsies were analyzed for the immunohistochemical expression of bcl-6, CD10, CD30 and MUM-1/IRF4. Samples were also analyzed for the presence of EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) using an in situ hybridization (ISH) technique. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Overall survival (OS) estimates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The median age was 73 years (range: 49–85 years) with a male predominance (2.7:1). Eleven patients (50%) had advanced clinical stage (i.e. stage 3 and 4), nine patients (45%) had elevated LDH levels, eleven (50%) had performance status ECOG >1 and 13 (59%) had high or high-intermediate IPI scores. Fourteen out of 17 patients studied (82%) had a non-germinal center DLBCL. When comparing the CHOP and R-CHOP groups, there was no statistical difference in median age (p=0.87), sex distribution (p=0.63), stage distribution (p=0.28), IPI scores (p=0.15), Oyama scores (p=0.23), ECOG performance status (p=0.39), LDH levels (p=0.62), lymphocyte counts (p=0.06), hemoglobin levels (p=0.20), platelet counts (p=0.14), Ki67 expression by malignant cells (p=0.57) and proportion of patients with a non-germinal center profile (p=0.91). Additionally, there was no statistical difference in overall response and complete response rates (p=0.66). When evaluating median OS, patients treated with CHOP and R-CHOP had median OS at 5 and 20 months, respectively (p=0.04). Conclusion: Based on the results of this retrospective study, patients with EBV+ DLBCL of the elderly had a short OS when treated with CHOP alone; however, R-CHOP seems to confer a survival advantage in patients with EBV+ DLBCL of the elderly, although it seems shorter than in EBV-negative DLBCL patients. Disclosures: Castillo: GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.

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Phase II Randomized Study Of Lenalidomide Or Lenalidomide and Rituximab As Maintenance Therapy Following Standard Chemotherapy For Patients With Intermediate-High/High Risk Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.3061.3061 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 3061-3061 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nishitha M. Reddy ◽

David S. Morgan ◽

Steven I. Park ◽

John P Greer ◽

Kristy L. Richards

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

B Cell ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Clinical Activity ◽

Standard Chemotherapy ◽

Large B Cell Lymphoma ◽

One Year ◽

Large B Cell

Background DLBCL patients (pts) with an intermediate/high to high risk international prognostic index (IPI) are at an increased risk of disease relapse rate in the first year after completion of standard therapy with R-CHOP. Lenalidomide (len), an immunomodulatory drug, has activity in relapsed diffuse large B cell Lymphoma. Len enhances the natural-killer cell mediated antibody-dependant cellular cytotoxicity of rituximab in lymphoma cell lines and inhibits angiogenesis as well as alters cytokine production. Lenalidomide received FDA approval based on its clinical activity in relapsed mantle cell lymphoma. Methods Intermediate-high/high risk IPI pts with DLBCL were randomized to len (arm A) alone or len and rituximab (arm B). The primary endpoint of the study was to assess the one year disease-free survival. We expected that a 25% difference of relapse will have clinical significance when compared with current standard therapy. Pts in arm A received len at a dose of 25 mg daily for 21 days of 28 days. Patients on arm B received len at a dose of 20mg daily for 21 days of 28 days along with rituximab on day 8 of even cycles. Treatment on both arms was continued for one year. Treatment was discontinued for disease progression. Len dose adjustments are incorporated in the protocol. Results Forty three pts, 21 arm A/ 22 arm B, 21 female/22 male, with a median age of 59 yrs were enrolled. The median IPI was 4 for pts over the age of 60 and the median aa-IPI was 3. Three pts received XRT to areas of bulky disease. At a median follow up of 27 months, the 2 yr DFS and OS was 88%. For patients in arm A and arm B the 2 yr DFS was 90% vs. 86% (figure 1) and the 2 yr OS was 95.2% vs. 81% (figure 2), respectively (P=NS). Two pts discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Grade 3-4 toxicities include neutropenia (28%), fatigue (16%), diarrhea (6%), DVT (3%), rash (3%), febrile neutropenia (3%). Related grade 1-2 toxicities include hypothyroidism (15%) and rash (54%). Conclusions Len as maintenance therapy demonstrates clinical activity following standard chemotherapy and improves DFS and OS in DLBCL patients with high risk prognostic features as compared with historical controls. This trial is registered with NCI- #NCT00765245 Disclosures: Reddy: Celgene: Research Funding. Off Label Use: lenalidomide in diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Park:TEVA: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding.

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