Molecular Profiling Feasibility on Cell-Free Tumoral DNA in Relapse/Refractory (R/R) Multiple Myeloma (MM) Patients Screened for Phase I Trials

Abstract Background: Despite recent advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, cure remains rare. MM is in an era of intense clinical research and the molecular abnormalities landscape of refractory and relapsed (R/R) patients is of major interest for drug development. Furthermore, innovative molecular-oriented treatments for these R/R patients could be oriented by mutational characterization of myeloma plasma cells (PC). At relapse but also for clonal minimal residual disease monitoring on therapy, bone marrow aspiration is an invasive procedure that can give limited information since PC infiltration is heterogeneous and can be modest. Mutational profiling on circulating cell-free tumoral DNA (ctDNA) could be a simple and appropriate alternative. Method: We compared molecular landscape in myeloma PC versus in ctDNA in a cohort of 45 R/R MM patients screened at Gustave Roussy for a salvage therapy, most of them for a Phase I trial in the DITEP department, with a median age at time of molecular analysis of 69 years. All patients had received ≥ 1 prior lines of myeloma therapy (median: 2, range: 1-8), 33/45 (73%) had previously undergone autologous stem cell transplant and 14/45 (31%) had received prior daratumumab; 6/45 (13%) were double-refractory (to at least a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory imide drug (IMiD), 4/45 (9%) were triple-refractory and 1/45 (2%) was penta-refractory. Four patients (9%) had prior daratumumab and were also double-refractory. Paired samples, as well as normal sorted CD3 + T cells were sequenced using an Ion Torrent custom panel covering 30 myeloma-related genes previously reported as the most frequent mutated ones. The human biological samples were sourced ethically and their research use was in accord with the terms of the informed consents under an IRB/EC approved protocol. Results: One hundred and two variants were found in magnetic-sorted CD138 + myeloma PC, and 99 variants were detected in ctDNA; more than half of the variants detected in myeloma PC were also found in ctDNA (55/102, 54%). Variant allelic frequencies (VAF) in PC and in ctDNA were significantly correlated (p<0.001). Mean VAF was 25% in myeloma PC (median 19%, range: 0.40-99%) and 5.4% in ctDNA (median 0.33%, range: 0-50%) considering the 102 mutations found in myeloma PC. KRAS, NRAS, FAM46C, DIS3 and TP53 were the most frequently mutated genes (i.e. >10% of R/R MM). Considering these five key driver genes, the kappa coefficient of concordance per gene was medium/good between both samples, as defined by the Landis-Koch scale. The mean and median sensitivity of ctDNA detection per gene was 55% and 58% respectively (range: 38-67), and specificity 94% and 97% (range: 80-100); positive predictive value of TP53 mutations detection was poor as theses mutations were more frequently detected in ctDNA (12/45, 27%) than in myeloma PC (6/45, 13%). At the patient level, the similarity between myeloma PC and ctDNA (level defined as the ratio between SNV number in PC and SNV number in ctDNA) was greater than a threshold of 80% in 20/39 (51%) cases (median level: 100%). Importantly, key driver gene mutations were reported in ctDNA for 13/28 (48%) patients without cytological evidence of infiltrated plasmocytosis (less than 10% PC) in the bone marrow aspiration. Conclusions: ctDNA profiling may complete molecular description of R/R MM patients thanks to a less-invasive procedure, allowing to fully characterize mutational profile prior to molecular-oriented treatment decision. ctDNA can give information on the clonal architecture in patients without bone marrow infiltration even after CD138 + cells magnetic-sorted isolation. Disclosures Michot: BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria; GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria. Lazarovici: Mundipharma: Other: Travel grant. Ribrag: Infinity Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Nanostring: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AstraZeneca: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Argen-X: Research Funding; GSK: Research Funding; Epizyme: Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; PharmaMar: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Servier: Consultancy, 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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Phase II Trial of the Combination of Ixazomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone in High-Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-117871 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 804-804 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Mark Bustoros ◽

Chia-jen Liu ◽

Kaitlen Reyes ◽

Kalvis Hornburg ◽

Kathleen Guimond ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

High Risk ◽

Disease Progression ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Rna Sequencing ◽

Research Funding ◽

Response Rate ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership

Abstract Background. This study aimed to determine the progression-free survival and response rate using early therapeutic intervention in patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) using the combination of ixazomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. Methods. Patients enrolled on study met eligibility for high-risk SMM based on the newly defined criteria proposed by Rajkumar et al., Blood 2014. The treatment plan was designed to be administered on an outpatient basis where patients receive 9 cycles of induction therapy of ixazomib (4mg) at days 1, 8, and 15, in combination with lenalidomide (25mg) at days 1-21 and Dexamethasone at days 1, 8, 15, and 22. This induction phase is followed by ixazomib (4mg) and lenalidomide (15mg) maintenance for another 15 cycles. A treatment cycle is defined as 28 consecutive days, and therapy is administered for a total of 24 cycles total. Bone marrow samples from all patients were obtained before starting therapy for baseline assessment, whole exome sequencing (WES), and RNA sequencing of plasma and bone marrow microenvironment cells. Moreover, blood samples were obtained at screening and before each cycle to isolate cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Stem cell collection is planned for all eligible patients. Results. In total, 26 of the planned 56 patients were enrolled in this study from February 2017 to April 2018. The median age of the patients enrolled was 63 years (range, 41 to 73) with 12 males (46.2%). Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (iFISH) was successful in 18 patients. High-risk cytogenetics (defined as the presence of t(4;14), 17p deletion, and 1q gain) were found in 11 patients (61.1%). The median number of cycles completed was 8 cycles (3-15). The most common toxicities were fatigue (69.6%), followed by rash (56.5%), and neutropenia (56.5%). The most common grade 3 adverse events were hypophosphatemia (13%), leukopenia (13%), and neutropenia (8.7%). One patient had grade 4 neutropenia during treatment. Additionally, grade 4 hyperglycemia occurred in another patient. As of this abstract date, the overall response rate (partial response or better) in participants who had at least 3 cycles of treatment was 89% (23/26), with 5 Complete Responses (CR, 19.2%), 9 very good partial responses (VGPR, 34.6%), 9 partial responses (34.6%), and 3 Minimal Responses (MR, 11.5%). None of the patients have shown progression to overt MM to date. Correlative studies including WES of plasma cells and single-cell RNA sequencing of the bone microenvironment cells are ongoing to identify the genomic and transcriptomic predictors for the differential response to therapy as well as for disease evolution. Furthermore, we are analyzing the cfDNA and CTCs of the patients at different time points to investigate their use in monitoring minimal residual disease and disease progression. Conclusion. The combination of ixazomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone is an effective and well-tolerated intervention in high-risk smoldering myeloma. The high response rate, convenient schedule with minimal toxicity observed to date are promising in this patient population at high risk of progression to symptomatic disease. Further studies and longer follow up for disease progression are warranted. Disclosures Bustoros: Dava Oncology: Honoraria. Munshi:OncoPep: Other: Board of director. Anderson:C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Celgene: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Takeda Millennium: Consultancy; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopep: Equity Ownership. Richardson:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Ghobrial:Celgene: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy.

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Phase 1/2 Study of Elotuzumab in Combination with Bortezomib in Patients with Multiple Myeloma with One to Three Prior Therapies: Interim Results.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.3876.3876 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 3876-3876 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Andrzej J Jakubowiak ◽

William Bensinger ◽

David Siegel ◽

Todd M. Zimmerman ◽

Jan M. Van Tornout ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Clinical Response ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Mononuclear Cells ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Surface Glycoprotein ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Cell Surface Glycoprotein

Abstract Abstract 3876 Poster Board III-812 Background Elotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody directed against CS1, a cell surface glycoprotein, which is highly and uniformly expressed in multiple myeloma (MM). In mouse xenograft models of MM, elotuzumab demonstrated significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity when combined with bortezomib compared to bortezomib alone (Van Rhee et al., Mol. Cancer Ther., in press, 2009). This phase 1/2 trial will determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), overall safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and clinical response of elotuzumab in combination with bortezomib in patients with relapsed MM following 1-3 prior therapies. Methods The study consists of 4 escalating cohorts of elotuzumab (2.5 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg) administered on Days 1 and 11 and bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2) administered on Days 1, 4, 8 and 11 of a 21-day cycle. Patients with progressive disease at the end of Cycle 2 or 3 also receive oral dexamethasone (20 mg) on Days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11 and 12 of each subsequent cycle. Patients with stable disease or better at the end of 4 cycles will continue treatment for 6 or more cycles unless withdrawn earlier due to unexpected toxicity or disease progression. Key entry criteria: age ≥ 18 years; confirmed diagnosis of MM and documentation of 1 to 3 prior therapies; measurable disease M-protein component in serum and/or in urine; and no prior bortezomib treatment within 2 weeks of first dose. Results To date, a total of 16 MM patients with a median age of 64 years have been enrolled in the study. The median time from initial diagnosis of MM was 3.5 years and patients had received a median of 2 prior MM treatments. Patients have been treated in four cohorts; 3 each in 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg elotuzumab cohorts, and 7 in the 20 mg/kg elotuzumab cohort. No dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed during the first cycle of the study and the MTD was not established. Five SAEs have been reported in four patients in later treatment cycles; two events, chest pain and gastroenteritis, occurring in one patient, were considered elotuzumab-related. Other SAEs include grade 3 sepsis, vomiting, pneumonia and grade 2 dehydration. The most common AEs reported include Grade 1-3 diarrhea, constipation, nausea, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia and peripheral neuropathy. The best clinical response (EBMT criteria) for the 16 patients who have received at least two cycles of treatment is shown in the table below. Preliminary PK analysis suggests a serum half-life of 10-11 days at higher doses (10 and 20 mg/kg). Preliminary analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bone marrow of patients on study indicates that objective responses in the study correlate well with complete saturation of CS1 sites by elotuzumab on bone marrow plasma and NK cells. Conclusions The combination of elotuzumab with bortezomib has a manageable adverse event profile and shows promising preliminary efficacy with ≥PR in 44% and ≥MR in 75% of all enrolled patients. Accrual is ongoing in the expanded 20 mg/kg cohort. Updated safety, efficacy, and PK data will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures: Jakubowiak: Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Centocor Ortho Biotech: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Exelixis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Off Label Use: Bortezomib in combination with elotuzumab for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Bensinger:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Siegel:Millennium: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Zimmerman:Millennium: Speakers Bureau; Centecor: Speakers Bureau. Van Tornout:BMS: Employment. Zhao:Facet Biotech: Employment. Singhal:Facet Biotech: Employment. Anderson:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

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A Phase I Study of Vorinostat, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone In Patients with Relapsed or Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Excellent Tolerability and Promising Activity In a Heavily Pretreated Population

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.1951.1951 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 1951-1951 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Paul Richardson ◽

Donna Weber ◽

Constantine S. Mitsiades ◽

Meletios A. Dimopoulos ◽

Jean-Luc Harousseau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Phase I ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Phase I Study ◽

Response Rate ◽

Advisory Board ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Abstract 1951 Background: Although novel treatment combinations for multiple myeloma (MM) have improved outcomes, the disease remains incurable and new drug combinations are urgently needed. Vorinostat is an oral histone deacetylase inhibitor approved in the United States for treatment of patients (pts) with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma who failed prior therapies. Vorinostat alters gene expression and protein activity, promoting MM cell death through multiple pathways, and has been shown in preclinical studies to synergistically enhance the anti-MM activity of bortezomib and immunomodulatory drugs, including lenalidomide, with or without dexamethasone. Aims: The primary objective of this Phase I study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of vorinostat plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in pts with relapsed or relapsed and refractory MM. Secondary objectives included overall safety, tolerability, response rate, duration of response, and time to progression (TTP). Methods: Pts in this Phase I multicenter open-label study were sequentially enrolled into 1 of 5 escalating doses of the combination regimen using a standard 3 + 3 design for ≤8 cycles. Pts who tolerated treatment and experienced clinical benefit were eligible for enrollment in an extension phase. Toxicity was evaluated using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria (version 3.0). Response was assessed using the modified European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation criteria and International Myeloma Working Group Uniform Criteria. Safety and efficacy data were analyzed using summary statistics, except for TTP, which was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: As of July 15, 2010, 31 pts were treated and evaluable for toxicity; 4 pts remain on study. Most pts had received prior thalidomide (n=22; 71%), bortezomib (n=20; 65%), or lenalidomide (n=14; 45%), with a median of 4 prior therapies (range, 1–10). The patient population contained both high-risk and low-risk pts, based on cytogenetic and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate in severity. The most common grade ≥3 treatment-related AEs, experienced by 19 (61%) pts, were neutropenia (26%), thrombocytopenia (16%), diarrhea (13%), anemia (10%), and fatigue (10%); 8 pts discontinued due to toxicity. One dose-limiting toxicity (grade 3 diarrhea lasting >48 h) was observed at the maximum assessed dose (level 5), but MTD was not reached (Table) and there were no treatment-related deaths. Among 30 pts evaluable for response, the median TTP was 32 weeks (5 mo), and 4 pts remain on study as of the data cutoff date; 26 of 30 pts (87%) have achieved at least stable disease (SD). Best single responses included 2 complete responses, 3 very good partial responses (VGPR), 11 partial responses (PR), and 5 minimal responses (MR), with 5 pts achieving SD and 4 developing progressive disease, resulting in an overall response rate (ORR; PR or better) of 53%. Of 13 evaluable pts who had previously received lenalidomide, a best single response of SD or better was observed in 9 (69%; 2 VGPR, 3 PR, 1 MR, 3 SD), resulting in a 38% ORR. Notably, SD or better (2 PR, 1 MR, 3 SD) was observed in 60% of 10 evaluable pts who were relapsed, refractory, or intolerant to previous lenalidomide-containing regimens. Conclusions: Preliminary data from this Phase I study suggest that vorinostat plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone is a convenient and generally well-tolerated regimen with promising activity for relapsed or relapsed and refractory MM. The MTD for this combination was not reached. Importantly, responses were observed in pts who had received prior lenalidomide, bortezomib, and thalidomide. Further evaluation of this regimen is planned in future trials. Disclosures: Richardson: Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millenium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Johnson & Johnson: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Off Label Use: Vorinostat, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for treatment in Multiple Myeloma. Weber:Novartis-unpaid consultant: Consultancy; Merck- unpaid consultant: Consultancy; Celgene- none for at least 2 years: Honoraria; Millenium-none for 2 years: Honoraria; Celgene, Millenium, Merck: Research Funding. Mitsiades:Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Merck & Co.: Consultancy, Honoraria; Kosan Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pharmion: Consultancy, Honoraria; Centrocor: Consultancy, Honoraria; PharmaMar: Patents & Royalties; OSI Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Amgen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; AVEO Pharma: Research Funding; EMD Serono: Research Funding; Sunesis: Research Funding; Gloucester Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding. Dimopoulos:MSD: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Harousseau:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Houp:Merck Research Laboratories: Employment. Graef:Merck Research Laboratories: Employment. Gause:Merck Research Laboratories: Employment. Byrne:Celgene Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Anderson:Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Acetylon: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Siegel:Celgene and Millennium: Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Merck: Advisory Board.

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Multiple Myeloma In Complete Remission After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: Impact of Bone Marrow Plasma Cell Assessment by Conventional Morphology on Disease Progression

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.2946.2946 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 2946-2946

Author(s):

Carlos Fernández de Larrea ◽

Natalia Tovar ◽

María Rozman ◽

Laura Rosiñol ◽

Juan I. Aróstegui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Complete Remission ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Bone Marrow Aspirate ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Bone Marrow Plasma ◽

Serum And Urine

Abstract Abstract 2946 Background: The achievement of complete remission (CR) is the crucial step for a long-lasting response and prolonged survival after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) criteria for CR include the negativity of serum and urine immunofixation (IFE) and less than 5% of bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs). Additionally, the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) has even proposed a stringent CR category, which requires to rule out the clonal nature of the BMPCs. However, few studies have addressed this issue in patients with MM and negative IFE. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of plasma cell count in the bone marrow aspirate on the long-term outcome of patients with MM with negative IFE after ASCT. Methods: Thirty-five patients (16M/19F; median age at ASCT 55 years, range 26–68) with MM who underwent ASCT from March 1994 to December 2008, were studied. All patients had achieved a negative serum and urine IFE after high dose therapy with melphalan-based regimens. Bone marrow aspirate was performed when negative serum and urine IFE was achieved and at least three months from ASCT (median 3.24 months). The analysis was based on microscopic revision for May-Grünwald-Giemsa stained bone marrow smears performed according to standard procedures. BMPC percentage was calculated independently by two observers counting 500 bone marrow total nucleated cells in random areas from two different slides (1000 cells on each patient). Results: Median BMPCs percentage was 0.8 (range 0.1–5.8). Only two patients had more than 3% BPMCs. These results are in contrast with a recent report from the Mayo Clinic group, where 14% of the patients with MM and negative IFE had 5% or more BMPCs. In univariate Cox-model regression analysis, the number of BMPCs significantly correlated with progression-free survival (PFS)(p=0.021) with no impact on overall survival (OS)(p=0.92). This statistical significance on PFS was retained in the multivariate analysis, when baseline prognostic factors such as age, hemoglobin level, serum creatinine, β2-microglobulin and Durie-Salmon stage were added to the model (p=0.003). To establish the best predictive cut-off for progression and survival, a receptor-operator curve (ROC) analysis was developed. It showed the value of 1.5% BMPCs, with a sensitivity of 53%, specificity of 90% and area under the curve of 0.66 for predicting progression. Ten patients had more than 1.5% BMPC, and 25 equal or less than 1.5% BMPC. Median PFS was 8.5 years (CI 95% 2.6 to 14.3) and was not reached in patients with ≤1.5% BMPCs versus 3.1 years in patients with >1.5% BMPCs, with a hazard ratio probability to progression of 3.02 (CI 95% 1.18 to 9.71)(p=0.016) in the group with more than 1.5% of BMPCs (Figure 1). Median OS was not reached in patients with ≤1.5% compared with a median of 9.7 years in those with more than 1.5% BMPCs (p=0.195) (Figure 2). It is likely that serological CR with very low percentage of BMPCs (i.e. ≤1.5%) is equivalent to negative MRD assessed by MFC or molecular studies. In fact, all 8 patients in continued CR between 9 and 16 years beyond ASCT (“operational cures”) are in the group with ≤1.5% BMPCs, while all patients in the group with >1.5% BPMC have relapsed within the first 9 years from ASCT (Figure 1). Conclusion: The percentage of BMPCs in patients with MM in CR after ASCT is a strong predictor of progression. Bone marrow morphology examination is an easy, inexpensive, and non-time consuming test and it should be the first step in the estimation of the residual tumor mass in patients with MM in CR after ASCT. Disclosures: Rosiñol: Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Cibeira:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Blade:Janssen-Cilag: 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.

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Targeting Brouton's Tyrosine Kinase with PCI-32765 Blocks Growth and Survival of Multiple Myeloma and Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Via Potent Inhibition of Osteoclastogenesis, Cytokines/Chemokine Secretion, and Myeloma Stem-Like Cells in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.883.883 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 883-883

Author(s):

Yu-Tzu Tai ◽

Betty Y Chang ◽

Sun-Young Kong ◽

Mariateresa Fulciniti ◽

Guang Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Tyrosine Kinase ◽

B Cell ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Growth And Survival ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Trap Staining

Abstract Abstract 883 Specific expression of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) in osteoclasts (OC), but not osteoblasts (OB), suggests its role in regulating osteoclastogenesis. Although Btk is critical in B cell maturation and myeloid function, it has not been characterized in plasma cell malignancies including multiple myeloma (MM) and Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM). We here investigate effects of PCI-32765, an oral, potent, and selective Btk inhibitor with promising clinical activity in B-cell malignancies, on OC differentiation and function within MM bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, as well as on MM and WM cancer cells. We further define molecular targets of Btk signaling cascade in OCs and MM in the BM milieu. In CD14+ OC precursor cells, RANKL and M-CSF stimulate phosphorylation of Btk in a time-dependent fashion; conversely, PCI-32765 abrogates RANKL/M-CSF-induced activation of Btk and downstream PLCγ2. Importantly, PCI-32765 decreased number of multinucleated OC (>3 nuclei) by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and the secretion of TRAP5b (ED50 = 17 nM), a specific mature OC marker. It increased size of OCs and number of nuclei per OC, with significantly defective bone resorption activity as evidenced by diminished pit formation on dentine slices. Moreover, lack of effect of Dexamethasone on OC activity was overcome by combination of Dexamethasone with PCI-32765. PCI-32765 significantly reduced cytokine and chemokine secretion from OC cultures, including MIP1α, MIP1β, IL-8, TGFβ1, RANTES, APRIL, SDF-1, and activin A (ED50 = 0.1–0.48 nM). It potently decreased IL-6, SDF-1, MIP1α, MIP1β, and M-CSF in CD138-negative cell cultures from active MM patients, associated with decreased TRAP staining in a dose-dependent manner. In MM and WM cells, immunoblotting analysis confirmed a higher Btk expression in CD138+ cells from majority of MM patients (4 out of 5 samples) than MM cell lines (5 out of 9 cell lines), whereas microarray analysis demonstrated a higher expression of Btk and its downstream signaling components in WM cells than in CD19+ normal bone marrow cells. PCI-32765 significantly inhibits SDF-1-induced adhesion and migration of MM cells. It further blocked cytokine expression (MIP1a, MIP-1β) at mRNA level in MM and WM tumor cells, correlated with inhibition of Btk-mediated pPLCγ2, pERK and NF-kB activation. Importantly, PCI-32765 inhibited growth and survival triggered by IL-6 and coculture with BM stromal cells (BMSCs) or OCs in IL-6-dependent INA6 and ANBL6 MM cells. Furthermore, myeloma stem-like cells express Btk and PCI-32765 (10–100 nM) blocks their abilities to form colonies from MM patients (n=5). In contrast, PCI-32765 has no adverse effects on Btk-negative BMSCs and OBs, as well as Btk-expressing dendritic cells. Finally, oral administration of PCI-32765 (12 mg/kg) in mice significantly suppresses MM cell growth (p< 0.03) and MM cell-induced osteolysis on implanted human bone chips in a humanized myeloma (SCID-hu) model. Together, these results provide compelling evidence to target Btk in the BM microenvironment against MM and WM., strongly supporting clinical trials of PCI-32765 to improve patient outcome in MM and WM. Disclosures: Chang: Pharmacyclics Inc: Employment. Buggy:Pharmacyclics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Elias:Pharmacyclics Inc: Consultancy. Treon:Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech: Honoraria. Richardson:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Johnson & Johnson: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Munshi:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Anderson:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Actelion: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Effect Of Treatment With The JAK2-Selective Inhibitor Fedratinib (SAR302503) On Bone Marrow Histology In Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms With Myelofibrosis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.2823.2823 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 2823-2823 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Catriona HM Jamieson ◽

Robert P Hasserjian ◽

Jason Gotlib ◽

Jorge E. Cortes ◽

Richard M. Stone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

High Risk ◽

Phase I ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Clinical Benefit ◽

Research Funding ◽

Selective Inhibitor ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Introduction Fedratinib, a JAK2-selective inhibitor, demonstrated clinical benefit through a reduction in splenomegaly and symptoms in patients with myelofibrosis (MF), including post-polycythemia vera MF (post-PV MF), post-essential thrombocythemia MF (post-ET MF) and primary MF (PMF), in Phase I and II studies (J Clin Oncol 2011;29:789; Haematologica 2013;98:S1113). Bone marrow fibrosis (BMF) has been associated with splenomegaly and cytopenias (Ann Hematol 2006;85:226). Hence, stabilization and/or reversal of BMF remain important therapeutic goals. This report represents an exploratory analysis of sequential BMF data from patients with MF in an open-label Phase I/II study to evaluate the long-term effects of orally administered fedratinib (TED12015; NCT00724334). Methods Patients with intermediate or high-risk MF (Mayo Prognostic Scoring System) received fedratinib therapy in consecutive cycles (1 cycle = 28 days) as long as they derived clinical benefit. Bone marrow trephine biopsies were performed at baseline and after every 6 cycles. Hematoxylin and eosin, reticulin, and Masson's trichrome staining of core biopsy slides were used to grade BMF on a scale from 0 to 3 using the 2008 WHO MF grading criteria. BMF was graded independently in a blinded fashion by 3 hematopathologists. BMF grades were established as long as at least 2 of the 3 pathologists agreed independently. Changes in BMF grade from baseline were categorized as improvement (≥1 grade reduction), stabilization (no change), or worsening (≥1 grade increase). Results Of the 43 patients enrolled in the TED12015 study, the median fedratinib dose received was 473 (range 144–683) mg/day and median treatment duration was 32.3 (range 7–61) cycles. Bone marrow biopsies at baseline and at least one other time point were available for 21/43 (49%) patients, whose baseline characteristics were: median age 61 years (range 43–85); 57% male; 38% high-risk MF by WHO 2008 criteria (Leukemia 2008; 22:14); and 90% JAK2V617F positive. A consensus grade was achieved for 96% of the samples. At baseline, 2, 10, and 9 patients had grade 1, 2, and 3 BMF, respectively. Changes in BMF grade from baseline are shown in the figure. BMF improvement with 1 grade reduction was observed in 8/18 (44%) patients at Cycle 6. By Cycle 30, 4/9 (44%) evaluable patients had BMF improvement, including 2 patients with improvement by 2 grades and 2 patients with improvement by 1 grade. Of patients with Grade 3 BMF at baseline, 6/9 (67%) exhibited 1 grade improvement at Cycle 6. Two patients had 2 grades of BMF reduction from baseline during treatment (grade 3 to 1, and grade 2 to 0, both at Cycle 12), and the latter achieved a complete clinical remission at Cycle 30 assessed by IWG-MRT response criteria. The two patients who experienced complete reversal of BMF to grade 0 (one from grade 2 and one from grade 1) had normalization of not only hemoglobin level but also white blood cell and platelet counts at Cycle 18. Conclusions These exploratory analyses suggest that a proportion of patients treated long-term with fedratinib demonstrate stable or improved BMF. The disease modifying impact of fedratinib on BMF changes will be further assessed in a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trial (JAKARTA; NCT01437787). This study was sponsored by Sanofi. Disclosures: Jamieson: J&J, Roche: Research Funding; Sanofi: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Hasserjian:Sanofi, Inc: Consultancy. Gotlib:Sanofi: Travel to EHA 2012, Travel to EHA 2012 Other; Sanofi: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Research Funding. Cortes:Incyte, Sanofi: Consultancy; Incyte, Sanofi: Research Funding. Talpaz:Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ariad, Deciphera: Research Funding; Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ariad, Deciphera: Speakers Bureau. Thiele:AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals, Incyte, Novartis, Shire, Sanofi: Consultancy; Novartis, Shire: Research Funding; AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals, Incyte, Novartis, Shire, Sanofi: Honoraria. Rodig:Ventana/Roche Inc.: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo/Arqule Inc., Ventana/Roche Inc., Shape Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Consultancy. Patki:Sanofi: Employment. Wu:Sanofi: Employment. Wu:Sanofi: Employment. Pozdnyakova:Sanofi: Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy.

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The Ki67/CD138 Ratio Independently Predicts Overall Survival in the Upfront Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.2016.2016 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 2016-2016

Author(s):

Tomer M Mark ◽

Peter Forsberg ◽

Ihsane Ouansafi ◽

Adriana C Rossi ◽

Roger N Pearse ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Overall Survival ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Complete Response ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

First Line ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Line Therapy

Abstract Background: Assessment of malignant plasma cell cycling via plasma cell labeling index (PCLI) has been a validated prognostic tool in multiple myeloma (MM) but the test requires specialized technical expertise and is not widely available. Ki67 is a well-known protein marker of cellular proliferation on immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with prognostic utility in other malignancies. In an effort to develop a simpler system to provide analogous information to PCLI, we used a novel IHC co-staining technique for CD138 and Ki67 to quantify plasma cells in active cycling. We then performed a retrospective analysis of the ratio of Ki67/CD138 (Ki67%) in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma receiving 1st-line therapy to correlate with clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients (pts) with treated symptomatic MM was performed by interrogation of the clinical database at the Weill Cornell Medical College / New York Presbyterian Hospital. For inclusion in the analysis, subjects must have started first-line treatment in the period of 2005-2010, and had available bone marrow biopsies. Double-staining with Ki67 and CD138 was performed by IHC. The Ki67% was calculated as the percent of plasma cells expressing CD138 that were also found to express Ki67. Treatment outcomes were stratified and compared based on %Ki67. Response was determined by monthly serum protein electrophoresis / immunofixation (IFX) with free light chain analysis according to International Multiple Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) guidelines. Pts who were IFX negative but had no subsequent bone marrow biopsy were classified as being in unconfirmed complete remission. Results: We identified 151 patients with newly diagnosed MM and available %Ki67 expression who received first-line therapy over the period of 2005-2010. Patient were subdivided into two groups based on %Ki67: Low: %ki67 <= 5%, n = 87; and High: %Ki67 >5, n=64, to allow for comparison of treatment response and survival analysis. Specific therapeutic agent exposure history did not differ significantly between patients. Both groups had similar depth of response rates (ORR) to front-line therapy, Table 1. Median progression-free survival for the high versus low %Ki67 groups approached statistical significance at 54 months (95% CI 30.8,67.4) versus 26.9 months (95% CI 21.6,40.2), respectively (P = 0.083). At data cut-off, there were 30 deaths in the low %Ki67 group (1-yr OS 93%, 5-yr OS 71%) and 36 deaths in the high %Ki67 group (1-yr OS 94%, 5-yr OS 62%). Median overall survival (OS) was not reached for Ki67% <= 5% (95% CI 97.3,NR) vs. 78.9 months (95% CI 55.9,93.1) for Ki67% > 5%, (P = 0.0434), Figure 1. Multivariate cox regression for factors with influence on OS showed that only high-risk cytogenetics (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.17, 2.92, P = 0.027), ISS (HR 1.835, 95% CI 1.33, 3.60, P = 0.000), and %Ki67 group status had an independent effect on survival outcome. Low (<=5%) versus high (>5%) %Ki67 influenced overall survival with a hazard ratio of 1.76 (CI 1.07,2.92, P = 0.027). Survival after ASCT was significantly longer in the low %Ki67 group with median OS not reached (95%CI, 97.3, NR) versus 86.9 months (95% CI 43.9, NR) for high %Ki67 group (P = 0.04). Discussion: The ratio of IHC double positive Ki67 and CD138 of > 5% is an independent prognostic marker for overall survival in newly diagnosed MM undergoing 1st line therapy. The %Ki67 serves as a simpler and widely available analog to PCLI that can be presently performed in most hematopathology laboratories. Table 1: First Line Treatment and Best Response (modified IMWG Criteria) Ki67% <= 5(N = 87)n (%) Ki67% > 5(N = 64)n (%) P Treatment Exposure* Lenalidomide 59 (67.8) 48 (75) 0.34 Thalidomide 30 (34.5) 14 (21.9) 0.09 Bortezomib 25 (28.7) 14 (21.9) 0.34 Alkylating agent 11 (12.6) 4 (6.3) 0.19 ASCT 27 (31) 22 (34.4) 0.66 Best Response Overall Response (>= Partial response) 77 (88.4) 57 (89.1) 0.41 Complete response 15 (17.2) 22 (34.4) Unconfirmed complete response** 14 (16.1) 8 (12.5) Very good partial response 23 (26.4) 15 (23.4) Partial response 25 (28.7) 12 (18.8) Stable disease 9 (10.3) 5 (7.8) Progressive disease 1 (1.2) 2 (3.1) * Percentages do not add to 100% due to instances of concurrent therapy use ** Unconfirmed complete response: immunofixation negative, but no confirmatory bone marrow biopsy available Figure 1 Overall Survival by %Ki67 Figure 1. Overall Survival by %Ki67 Disclosures Mark: Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Rossi:Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Pekle:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Perry:Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Coleman:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Honoraria. Niesvizky:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

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Identification of Initiating Trunk Mutations and Distinct Molecular Subtypes: An Interim Analysis of the Mmrf Commpass Study

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.722.722 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 722-722 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jonathan J Keats ◽

Gil Speyer ◽

Legendre Christophe ◽

Christofferson Austin ◽

Kristi Stephenson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Copy Number ◽

Interim Analysis ◽

Research Funding ◽

Molecular Subtypes ◽

Bayesian Clustering ◽

Clustering Method ◽

Advisory Committees

Abstract The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass trial (NCT145429) is a longitudinal study of 1000 patients with newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma from clinical sites in the United States, Canada, Spain, and Italy. Each patient receives a treatment regimen containing a proteasome inhibitor, immunumodulatory agent, or both. Clinical parameters are collected at study enrollment and every three months through the five-year observation period. To identify molecular determinants of clinical outcome each baseline and progression tumor specimen is characterized using Whole Genome Sequencing, Exome Sequencing, and RNA sequencing. This will be the first public presentation of the interim analysis seven cohort with 760 enrolled patients of whom 565 are molecularly characterized. This cohort of patients includes 14 patients with baseline and secondary samples along with 7 patients with characterized tumor samples from the bone marrow and peripheral blood. Although the median follow-up time for the cohort is only 260 days the patients on proteasome and IMiD based combinations are currently showing a PFS and OS benefit compared to those receiving combinations with each agent alone. From the raw mutational analysis we identified 24 significant genes that are recurrently mutated and the mutated allele is detectably expressed in all but one, DNAH5. Suggesting these mutations are likely contributing to myelomagenesis through an unconventional mechanism. Interestingly, DIS3 mutations are independent of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF indicating a potential mechanistic link while PRKD2 mutations are associated with t(4;14). To identify events driving the initiation of myeloma we performed a detailed clonality analysis using a bayesian clustering method that corrects for copy number abnormalities and tumor purity to assign mutations into distinct clonal branches versus the initiating trunk mutations. On average 63.8% of mutations are trunk mutations and in 86.7% of patients at least one trunk mutation is associated with somatic hypermutation of an immunoglobulin gene as expected in a late stage B-cell malignancy. This identified many expressed trunk mutations that did not come out in the classic significance analysis like ATM, EGR1, and CCND1. To identify molecular subtypes we performed unsupervised clustering using a consensus clustering approach on independent discovery and validation cohorts, which identified 12 distinct subtypes, using a combination of silhouette score and cumulative distribution of consensus scores. This analysis identified two distinct groups associated with t(4;14) with mutations in FGFR3 and DIS3 being exclusive to one subgroup. In addition, this analysis separates patients with cyclin D translocations into three different groups, with one group having the second lowest PFS proportion. Three patients without CCND1 or CCND3 translocations were found to have IgH translocations targeting CCND2. The MAF subgroup was associated with the lowest OS and PFS proportion, and the three MAF/MAFB translocation negative patients in the subgroup all had MAFA translocations. The remaining 6 subgroups are associated with hyperdiploid copy number profiles and harbor the majority of the IgH-MYC translocation events. Two of the hyperdiploid groups are associated with a low level of NFKB activation compared to the remaining four, one of these is defined by the highest proliferation index but paradoxically the other has the second worst OS proportion. Another group is enriched with FAM46C and NRAS mutations. The genomic profiles of the paired tumors isolated from the peripheral blood and bone marrow are highly similar indicating these are not genetically distinct tumor compartments, at least in this subset of seven patients. Applying our bayesian clustering method to the serial samples resolved additional clonal clusters as mutations with similar cancer cell fractions at diagnosis clearly diverged at later timepoints. These analyses have identified tumor initiating mutations and new subtypes of myeloma, which are associated with distinct molecular events and clinical outcomes. Disclosures Jagannath: Novartis: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria. Siegel:Celgene Corporation: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Merck: Speakers Bureau. Vij:Takeda, Onyx: Research Funding; Celgene, Onyx, Takeda, Novartis, BMS, Sanofi, Janssen, Merck: Consultancy. Zimmerman:Amgen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Honoraria. Niesvizky:Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Rifkin:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lonial:Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding.

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Targeting EZH2 in Multiple Myeloma Could be Promising for a Subgroup of MM Patients in Combination with IMiDs

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.311.311 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 311-311 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Laurie Herviou ◽

Alboukadel Kassambara ◽

Stephanie Boireau ◽

Nicolas Robert ◽

Guilhem Requirand ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Plasma Cells ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Ezh2 Expression ◽

Bone Marrow Plasma

Abstract Multiple Myeloma is a B cell neoplasia characterized by the accumulation of clonal plasma cells within the bone marrow.Epigenetics is characterized by a wide range of changes that are reversible and orchestrate gene expression. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications play a role in multiple myeloma (MM) by silencing various cancer-related genes. We investigated the epigenetic genes differentially expressed between normal bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC ; N=5) and MM plasma cells from patients (N=206). Using SAM (Significance Analysis of Microarrays) analysis, only 12 genes significantly differentially expressed between BMPC and MM cells (ratio > 2 and FDR (false discovery rate) < 5%) were identified, including the EZH2 histone methyltransferase. EZH2, the enzymatic subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2, is a histone methyltransferases able to repress gene expression by catalyzing H3K27me3 histone mark. EZH2 overexpression has been associated with numerous hematological malignancies, including MM. We thus studied EZH2 role in MM physiopathology and drug resistance. EZH2 expression was analyzed in normal bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs; N=5), primary myeloma cells from newly diagnosed patients (MMCs; N=206) and human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs; N=40) using Affymetrix microarrays. EZH2 gene is significantly overexpressed in MMCs of patients (median 574, range 105 - 4562) compared to normal BMPCs (median = 432; range: 314 - 563) (P < 0.01). The expression is even higher in HMCLs (median 4481, range 581 - 8455) compared to primary MMCs or BMPCs (P < 0.001). High EZH2 expression is associated with a poor prognosis in 3 independent cohorts of newly diagnosed patients (Heidelberg-Montpellier cohort - N=206, UAMS-TT2 cohort - N=345 and UAMS-TT3 cohort - N =158). Furthermore, GSEA analysis of patients with high EZH2 expression highlighted a significant enrichment of genes involved in cell cycle, downregulated in mature plasma cells vs plasmablasts, and EZH2 targets. Specific EZH2 inhibition by EPZ-6438 EZH2 inhibitor induced a significant decrease of global H3K27me3 in all the HMCLs tested (P < 0.01) and inhibited MM cell growth in 5 out of the 6 HMCLs tested. The inhibitory effect of EZH2 inhibitor on MM cell growth appeared at day 6 suggesting that it is mediated by epigenetic reprogramming. To confirm that EZH2 is also required for the survival of primary MMCs from patients, primary MM cells (n = 17 patients) co-cultured with their bone marrow microenvironment and recombinant IL-6 were treated with EPZ-6438. As identified in HMCLs, EZH2 inhibition significantly reduced the median number of viable myeloma cells by 35% (P = 0.004) from a subset of patients (n=9) while the other group (n=8) was resistant. Of interest, EPZ-6438 induced a significant global H3K27me3 decrease in both groups of patient. RNA sequencing of 6 HMCLs treated with EPZ-6438 combined with H3K27me3 ChIP analyses allowed us to create an EZ GEP-based score able to predict HMCLs and primary MM cells sensitivity to EZH2 inhibitors. We also observed a synergy between EPZ-6438 and Lenalidomide, a conventional drug used for MM treatment. More interestingly, pretreatment of myeloma cells with EPZ-6438 significantly re-sensitize drug-resistant MM cells to Lenalidomide. Investigating the effect of EPZ-6438/Lenalidomide combination in MMC, we identified that IKZF1, IRF4 and MYC protein levels were significantly more inhibited by the combination treatment (65.5%, 63.9% and 14.8% respectively) compared with Lenalidomide (51.5%, 43% and 2.2%) or EPZ-6438 (45.2%, 38.7% and 6.2%) alone. Clinical trials are ongoing with EZH2 inhibitors in lymphoma and could be promising for a subgroup of MM patients in combination with IMiDs. Furthermore, the EZ score enables identification of MM patients with an adverse prognosis and who could benefit from treatment with EZH2 inhibitors. Disclosures Goldschmidt: Celgene: 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; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Chugai: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Hose:EngMab: Research Funding; Takeda: Other: Travel grant; Sanofi: Research Funding.

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Indatuximab Ravtansine (BT062) in Combination with Low-Dose Dexamethasone and Lenalidomide or Pomalidomide: Clinical Activity in Patients with Relapsed / Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4486.4486 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 4486-4486 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Kevin R. Kelly ◽

David S. Siegel ◽

Asher A. Chanan-Khan ◽

George Somlo ◽

Leonard T. Heffner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Phase I ◽

Clinical Response ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Low Dose ◽

Prior Exposure ◽

Tolerability Profile ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership

Abstract Background: BT062 (Biotest AG, Dreieich, Germany) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprising a CD138-binding chimerized antibody and the cytotoxic maytansinoid, DM4. It is designed to target and kill CD138-positive cancer cells. CD138 (Syndecan-1) is highly expressed on a number of solid tumors and hematological malignancies and is one of the most reliable markers for multiple myeloma (MM) cells. BT062 was previously evaluated as a monotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory MM and found to have an acceptable tolerability profile with preliminary evidence of activity (Heffner et al, Blood. 2012; 120: Abstract 4042). Phase I/IIa testing was initiated with BT062 in combination with lenalidomide (Len) and low-dose dexamethasone (dex). The combination was well tolerated at BT062 doses up to 100 mg/m², defined to be the recommended Phase 2 dose (RPTD), and induced meaningful responses, including in patients previously treated with both Len and bortezomib (Bort) (Kelly et al, Blood. 2014; 124: Abstract 4736). Based on these promising results, further investigation of BT062 in combination with pomalidomide (Pom) and dex was initiated in patients with prior Len and Bort exposure, a patient population known to have a poor outcome. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and activity of BT062 (on days 1, 8, and 15 in a 4-week cycle) used in combination with dex (20-40 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22) and Len (25 mg, daily on days 1-21) or Pom (4 mg, daily on days 1-21) in patients with relapsed/refractory MM. Methods: This is a prospective, open label, multicenter Phase I/IIa study. The RPTD of BT062 in combination with Len/dex was defined to be 100 mg/m², and 38 patients were treated with BT062/Len/dex at the BT062 RPTD. An additional 17 patients were treated with BT062/Pom/dex at the BT062 RPTD. Patients aged ≥18 years with relapsed/refractory MM were eligible to participate. Prior treatment with Len, Pom, and/or dexamethasone (any dose) was allowed. To qualify for treatment with BT062/Len/dex at the BT062 RPTD, patients must have received at least one but no more than six prior therapies.To qualify for treatment with BT062/Pom/dex, patients must have received at least two prior therapies, including both Len and Bort, and progressed on or within 60 days of completion of their last therapy, with no limit on number of prior therapies. Patients with clinical response (or no evidence of disease progression) without unacceptable toxicities were eligible to receive additional treatment cycles. Toxicities were assessed by CTCAE v4. Clinical response was assessed by the investigator according to International Myeloma Working Group criteria. Results: Sixty-four patients have received BT062 in combination with dex and Len or Pom in this ongoing study. The combinations have been generally well tolerated, with approximately 90% of adverse events (AEs) reported CTC grade 1 or 2. The most common AEs reported are diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. Forty-seven patients have received BT062 with Len/Dex (3 at 80 mg/m², 38 at 100 mg/m², 6 at 120 mg/m²), with 8 patients still on treatment. Among these 47 patients, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 16.4 months. Forty-three patients completed at least two treatment cycles and were evaluable for response. Of these patients 33 achieved a partial response (PR) or better, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 77% and a median duration of response (DOR) of 21.0 months. Thirteen of the evaluable BT062/Len/dex-treated patients had prior exposure to both Len and Bort and progressed on or within 60 days of their last therapy. ORR was 54% among these patients, including 1 complete response (CR), 4 very good partial responses (VGPR) and 2 PRs. Seventeen patients were treated with BT062/Pom/dex, all had prior exposure to both Len and Bort and progressed on or within 60 days of their last therapy. ORR was 79%, with 4 VGPR and 7 PR among the 14 patients evaluable for efficacy. Median PFS has not been reached after 7.5 months median follow up, with 7 patients still on treatment. Updated safety and activity data will be presented. Conclusion: BT062 has been found to be well tolerated when used in combination with Len/dex or Pom/dex, with encouraging activity even in patients with Len- and Bort-pretreated disease progressing on or within 60 days of completion of their last therapy. Disclosures Kelly: Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Siegel:Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Merck: Honoraria. Somlo:Millennium: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Heffner:Millennium: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Madan:Onyx: Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Lonial:Celgene: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy. Barmaki-Rad:Biotest AG: Employment. Rühle:Biotest AG: Employment. Herrmann:Biotest AG: Employment. Wartenberg-Demand:Biotest AG: Employment. Haeder:Biotest AG: Employment. Anderson:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncoprep: Equity Ownership; Acetylon: Equity Ownership; Acetylon: Equity Ownership; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncoprep: Equity Ownership; Millennuim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennuim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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