scholarly journals A Clue to Better Select Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients with Optimal Response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 3740-3740
Author(s):  
Stefano Molica ◽  
Diana Giannarelli ◽  
Mirella Lentini ◽  
Daniela Zappala ◽  
Daniela Loiacono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Hematological Malignancy ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Serological Response ◽  
Active Therapy ◽  
Optimal Response ◽  
Serologic Response ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Cd20 Antibody ◽  
Anti Cd20

Abstract Given the immunosuppression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), this disease represents a challenging model for assessing the extent of serologic response to mRNA vaccination against severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this perspective, we assessed the efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in 70 CLL pts followed up at single hematological institution. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Serologic testing for SARS Cov2 IgG was performed using the LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG test (DiaSorin; Saluggia, Italy), a chemiluminescence immunoassay for the quantitative determination of anti-S1 and anti-S2 specific IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Clinical sensitivity and specificity of assay were 98.7% and 99.5% respectively. Samples were considered negative for antibody titers below 13 AU/ml. Results were compared with those of an age-matched group of subjects with no hematological malignancy (n=57). Patient samples for serology testing were obtained after median time of 14 days (range, 14-28) from the second vaccine dose. Median age of CLL pts was 72 years (range, 63-88) and 71.4% were males. The median time from CLL diagnosis to vaccination was 82.5 mo. (range, 1-280). Twenty-three pts (32.9%) were treatment naïve (TN), 36 (51.4%) on active therapy (i.e., BTKi, 22; anti-BCL2 12; PI3Ki,1; cyclophosphamide,1) and 11 (15.7%) off-therapy (i.e., 8 in complete [CR] or partial remission [PR], and 3 in CLL relapse). Of note, 9 (25.7%) of 35 pts on therapy with a pathway inhibitor (PI) at the time of vaccination had been given an anti-CD20 antibody. The vaccine elicited an antibody-mediated response in 41 (58.5%) of the 70 CLL pts. An inferior response rate [RR] (58.5% vs 100%, OR, 0.012 [0.0007-0.206];P=0.02) and a lower antibody titers (median, 58 AU/ml; range, 1.8-800 vs. 284 AU/ml; range, 14-800; P< 0.0001) were observed in CLL pts in comparison to age-matched subjects with no hematological malignancy. The RR was higher in TN (87%) or off-therapy pts with sustained clinical response (87.5%) in comparison to pts on therapy at the time of vaccination (41.7%)(<0.0001). Similar results were observed when comparison was performed in terms of antibody titers (P=0.02;Kruskall-Wallis test; Fig 1). In comparison to pts treated with a PI as monotherapy, those who received an anti-CD20 antibody in association to PI had a lower antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (11.1% vs 53.8%; OR,0.107 [0.011-0.984];P=0.04). In univariate analysis, the following variables were significantly associated with serological response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: early Rai stage (i.e.,0-I) (OR, 0.36 [0.13-0.97];P=0.04), mutated IGHV status (OR,0.30 [0.10-0.88]; P=0.02), lack of active therapy - which comprised TN and off-therapy pts with sustained response - (OR,0.09 [0.03-0.32];P<0.0001), and no anti-CD20 antibody exposure preceding vaccination (OR, 013 [0.01-1.23];P=0.04). Levels of immunoglobulins or absolute values of CD3,CD4,CD8, and CD16/CD56 cells measured before the first COVID-19 vaccination were not associated to vaccine response. Of note, in pts who experienced a serological response a concomitant increase of the absolute of CD16/CD56 positive cells was observed (P=0.02). Finally, Rai stage (OR, 0.19 [0.05-0.79]; P=0.02) and treatment status (OR, 0.06 [0.02-0.27]; P<0.0001) were independent predictors of response in multivariate analysis. We used these factors to build a score that identified pts with different pattern of response to vaccine. Serologic response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was 100% in pts with no factor (n=21), 45% in pts. with one factor (n=38) and 36% in pts with two factors (n=11) (P<0.0001). In agreement with results of recent studies (Herishanu et al, Blood 2021; Roeker et al, Leukemia 2021;Perry et al, Blood Cancer J. 2021; Benjamini O et al, Haematologica 2021 ) our findings suggest that antibody-mediated response to COVID-19 vaccination is significantly reduced in CLL and influenced by disease activity and treatment status. The serological response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination observed in pts. with early disease with no need of therapy may help to identify CLL pts who are expected to achieve an optimal response to COVID-19 vaccine similarly to age- and sex-matched controls. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Molica: Astrazeneca: Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria.

scholarly journals Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Serologic and Cellular Study

Chemotherapy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Molica ◽  
Diana Giannarelli ◽  
Mirella Lentini ◽  
Daniela Zappala ◽  
Ada Mannella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Antibody Response ◽  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Serological Response ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Treatment Naïve ◽  
Cd20 Antibody ◽  
Anti Cd20

Background: Antibody response following SARS-CoV2 vaccination is somewhat defective in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Moreover, the correlation between serologic response and status of cellular immunity has been poorly studied. Objective: This study was undertaken to assess humoral immune and cellular responses to the BNT162b2 messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccination in CLL. Methods: The presence of the spike antibodies was assessed at a median time of 14 days from the second vaccine dose of SARS-CoV2 in 70 CLL followed-up at a single institution. Results: The antibody response rate (RR) in CLL patients was 58.5%, compared to 100% of 57 healthy controls of the same sex and age (P< 0.0001). Patients treatment-naïve and those in sustained clinical remission after therapy had the highest RR (87.0% and 87.7%, respectively). In contrast, patients on therapy with a pathway inhibitor as monotherapy and those treated with an association of anti-CD20 antibody were unlikely to respond to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (52% and 10%, respectively). In multivariate analysis, early Rai stage (OR, 0.19 [0.05-0.79]; P=0.02) and no previous therapy (OR, 0.06[0.02-0.27]; P<0.0001) were found to be independent predictors of vaccination response. An increase in absolute NK cells (i.e., CD16/CD56 positive cells) in patients with a serological response was found following the second dose of vaccine (P=0.02). Conclusions: These results confirm that serological response to the BNT162b2 vaccine in patients with CLL is impaired. A third boosting vaccine dosage should be considered for these patients.

The chimeric anti-CD20 antibody rituximab induces apoptosis in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells through a p38 mitogen activated protein–kinase–dependent mechanism

Blood ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 1314-1319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Munk Pedersen ◽  
Anne Mette Buhl ◽  
Pia Klausen ◽  
Christian H. Geisler ◽  
Jesper Jurlander
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Cd20 Antibody ◽  
Induction Of Apoptosis ◽  
Anti Cd20 ◽  
Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Antibodies against CD20 can activate complement and induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in B lymphocytes. In B-cell lines, such antibodies also induce apoptosis. In this study, the expression and function of CD20 on B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells were analyzed. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that B-CLL cells express CD20 with a fluorescence intensity that is significantly weaker than that of normal CD5+ and CD5− B cells and that of malignant CD5− low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells. A small population of cells from healthy donors that have an expression pattern of CD5 and CD20 identical to that of B-CLL cells were identified, and this population was confirmed to be of T lineage, not B lineage. Culture of freshly isolated B-CLL cells in the presence of the chimeric anti-CD20 antibody rituximab and a cross-linking F(ab)2 fragment, resulted in dose- and time-dependent induction of apoptosis. The induction of apoptosis occurred under conditions in which the influence of complement activation and ADCC was negligible. Cross-linking of rituximab induced strong and sustained phosphorylation of the 3 mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase, extracellular signal–regulated kinase, and p38. Introduction of the p38 inhibitor SB203580 into the system completely blocked signaling downstream of p38, as evidenced by the absence of MAPKAP K2 activity, and significantly reduced the degree of anti-CD20–induced apoptosis. These results demonstrate that cross-linking of rituximab bound to CD20 on freshly isolated B-CLL cells induces apoptosis through a signaling pathway that is dependent on p38 MAP-kinase activation.

An update of venetoclax and obinutuzumab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross Salvaris ◽  
Stephen Opat
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Novel Agents ◽  
Bruton Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Phase Iii Trials ◽  
Treatment Naïve ◽  
Cd20 Antibody ◽  
Anti Cd20

In the last decade, the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has shifted away from chemoimmunotherapy toward targeted novel agents such as small molecule inhibitors and antibodies. Here, we give an overview of the pharmacology of venetoclax and obinutuzumab and the evidence from early phase to Phase III trials that have shaped how they are used in the treatment of CLL. Venetoclax, an oral anti-apoptotic BCL-2 inhibitor, in combination with a CD20 antibody has shown superiority to chemoimmunotherapy in treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory CLL. Obinutuzumab is a novel anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that has been safely combined with novel agents including venetoclax and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors and has shown superiority over rituximab when combined with chlorambucil.

scholarly journals Preliminary Results of a Phase 1b Study (GP28331) Combining GDC-0199 (ABT-199) and Obinutuzumab in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory or Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 4687-4687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Flinn ◽  
Mark Brunvand ◽  
Martin JS Dyer ◽  
Peter Hillman ◽  
Jeffrey Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Advisory Board ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Phase 1B ◽  
Cd20 Antibody ◽  
Anti Cd20 ◽  
Gradual Dose

Abstract Introduction Despite progress in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment, new therapies are needed especially for relapsed/refractory (R/R) patients (pts). BCL2 is an anti-apoptotic protein expressed at high levels in all cases of CLL. GDC-0199 is an oral, highly selective BCL2 inhibitor. Clinical data for GDC-0199 have shown promising anti-CLL activity. Obinutuzumab (Gazyva®, Gazyvaro™) is a Type II, glycoengineered anti-CD20 antibody that has increased direct cell death, and enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Obinutuzumab and chlorambucil have demonstrated improved progression-free survival compared to rituximab and chlorambucil in previously untreated pts with CLL. Also, preclinical data suggest that GDC-0199 combined with obinutuzumab may show synergistic activity in CLL. Collectively, these data support combining GDC-0199 and obinutuzumab for pts with CLL. We present data from an ongoing phase 1b study that is evaluating the safety and tolerability of GDC-0199 in combination with obinutuzumab in R/R or previously untreated pts with CLL. Methods Pts with an ECOG PS ≤1, adequate marrow, hepatic, renal and coagulation function are enrolled in a 3+3 study design with cohorts ranging from 100 to 600 mg/day of GDC-0199. Study eligibility is not restricted by cytogenetics or CLL risk profile. Study drug administration incorporates a gradual dose ramp-up of GDC-0199 to reduce the risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and staggering of the two agents. Pts are assigned to one of two dosing schedules (Figure 1) with GDC-0199 (Schedule A) or obinutuzumab (Schedule B) introduced first. After completing combination therapy, R/R pts continue single-agent GDC-0199 until disease progression. Adverse events (AEs) are graded according to NCI-CTCAE v.4 criteria. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) are identified during the first 21 days of combination treatment and focus on potential AEs of TLS, infusion related reactions (IRRs), and cytopenias. Results As of May 2014, 9 R/R pts are on the dose finding stage of the study; 4 additional R/R pts were enrolled and discontinued following clinical TLS events in other GDC-0199 studies. No clinical TLS was observed in these 4 pts. The data presented here describe the 9 pts who continue on study treatment. Pts were assigned to 1 of 3 TLS risk groups based on screening ALC and tumor bulk: low risk 0 pts, medium risk 4 pts, and high risk 5 pts. Median time on study was 98 (range 7-252) days. No DLTs were observed in the 3 pts enrolled in the 100 mg GDC-0199 dosing cohort. Six pts were enrolled in the 200 mg GDC-0199 dosing cohort due to expansion following a DLT of laboratory TLS (characterized by asymptomatic laboratory abnormalities in potassium and phosphate) observed in 1 of the first 3 pts. Baseline characteristics include: median age 69 (range 59-80) years, 6 male pts, median of 4 prior CLL therapies (range 1-6), beta-2 microglobulin of ≥3.5 mg/L in 7 of 8 pts with available data, and IGVH mutation in 1 of 7 pts with available data. Cytogenetic data are available for 4 pts: none had del17p, 1 pt had del 11q, 1 pt had trisomy 12 and 2 pts had del 13q. The most common AEs included neutropenia (Figure 2). Dose interruptions of GDC-0199 or obinutuzumab in response to AEs were observed in 5 pts (2 pts had dose interruptions for obinutuzumab only [IRRs], and 3 pts had dose interruptions for GDC-0199 [mainly electrolyte abnormalities and cytopenias] and obinutuzumab [IRRs]); 1 pt in the 100 mg GDC-0199 dosing cohort had a dose reduction to 50 mg per day after 2 cycles of combination therapy due to ongoing neutropenia, and subsequently completed 6 cycles of combination treatment. IRRs were limited to the first infusion of obinutuzumab and were of Grade ≤2. One event of Grade 3 pneumonia required hospitalization. No treatment emergent bleeding events or deaths occurred on study. <![if !vml]><![endif]> Conclusion This is the first study combining GDC-0199 and the novel anti-CD20 antibody obinutuzumab in CLL and suggests that the combination is safely administered at the doses given. Prophylactic measures and a gradual dose ramp-up of GDC-0199 appear to reduce the incidence of TLS. Despite 9 pts being identified as medium or high risk for TLS, only 1 developed laboratory TLS, which was transient and managed. No clinical TLS was observed in these 9 pts. Dose escalation continues in R/R pts at 400 mg/day of GDC-0199. Schedule B and previously untreated pts will be enrolled in the near future. Disclosures Flinn: Genentech: Research Funding. Brunvand:Genentech: Speakers Bureau. Hillman:Roche Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding. Jones:Genentech: Advisory Board Other. Lymp:Genentech: Employment. Elhamy:Genentech: Employment. Vosganian:Genentech: Employment. Huang:Genentech: Employment. Kipps:Cegene, Pharacyclics, AbbVie, Genentech: Advisory Board Other, Research Funding.

scholarly journals SIRPα Suppresses Response to Therapeutic Antibodies by Nurse Like Cells From Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Chen Enya Chen ◽  
Melinda Burgess ◽  
Sally Mapp ◽  
Peter Mollee ◽  
Devinder Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Therapeutic Antibodies ◽  
Resistance Phenotype ◽  
Cd20 Antibody ◽  
Anti Cd20

Targeted antibody therapies improve outcomes for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. However, resistance often develops. We have previously shown that resistance to therapeutic antibodies, by monocyte derived macrophages (referred to as nurse like cells, NLCs), from CLL patients is characterized by suppression of antibody dependent phagocytosis (ADP). The mechanism(s) contributing to the muted ADP responses remain unresolved. In this regard, an innate immune checkpoint was recently described that uses the CD47:SIRPα axis to suppress phagocytic responses by macrophages. In this study we examine whether the SIRPα axis regulates ADP responses to the anti-CD20 antibody, obinutuzumab, by NLCs. Using siRNA depletion strategies we show that SIRPα is a suppressor of ADP responses. Moreover, we show that this innate immune checkpoint contributes to the resistance phenotype in NLCs derived from CLL patients. Finally, we show that SIRPα suppression is mediated via the phosphatase, Shp1, which in turn suppresses SYK-dependent activation of ADP. Thus, we identify a druggable pathway that could be exploited to enhance sensitivity to existing therapeutic antibodies used in CLL. This is the first study to show that activation of the CD47:SIRPα innate immune checkpoint contributes to ADP resistance in NLCs from CLL patients.

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