A Multi-Lineage Oral Hemokine™ HQK-1002 Enhances Neutrophil Recovery in Sub-Lethally Irradiated Mice and in Baboons.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2509-2509
Author(s):  
Susan Perrine ◽  
Michael Boosalis ◽  
Stanley Kosanke ◽  
Gary White ◽  
Serguei A. Castaneda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Acute Radiation ◽  
Severe Neutropenia ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
Neutrophil Recovery ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Orally Bioavailable

Abstract Abstract 2509 Poster Board II-486 Acute radiation syndrome and therapeutic radiation are associated with cytopenias, notably severe neutropenia, particularly when large regions of bone marrow are exposed. An orally-active neutrophil stimulant which reduces the duration or magnitude of neutropenia would offer therapeutic benefit in radiation therapy and would be useful for acute radiation exposure. Orally-bioavailable short-chain fatty acid derivatives (SCFAD, HemokinesTM HQK-1002 and its S-enantiomer HQK-1002S), which stimulate proliferation of growth factor-dependent hematopoietic cell lines and CFU-GM cultures, were evaluated for in vivo activity in irradiated and 5-FU-treated mice and in normal baboons. In sub-lethal irradiation studies, mice were irradiated (6 Gy single dose) and then treated with saline or HQK-1002 once daily, 5 days/week for 2 weeks, beginning on day 1 after irradiation, and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) were determined. The mean nadir of absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) <500/mm3 was 6 days in sub-lethally-irradiated mice treated with HQK-1002, and 18 days in the saline treated controls. In HQK-1002 treated mice, ANC did not decline below 200/mm3, while saline-treated animals experienced 10 days of severe neutropenia with ANC <200/mm3. In lethally-irradiated (LD90) mice, either saline or the (S) enantiomer of HQK-1002 was administered daily. ANC and marrow pathology were compared between saline and HQK-1002S-treated animals. The duration of peripheral neutropenia was similar in controls and HQK-1002S-treated animals, but bone marrow pathology demonstrated profound ablation of all mature myeloid series (10-20% cellularity) in the saline controls, while HQK-1002S-treated animals had normal bone marrow cellularity (55–75%) with complete neutrophil maturation within 2 weeks following radiation. In 5FU-treated mice, neutrophil recovery was compared between HQK-1002, saline, or G-CSF treatment for 3 weeks. Recovery from profound neutropenia (nadir at Day 9) occurred by Day 13 in G-CSF- and HQK-1002 treated animals, 5 days before recovery was observed in saline controls. HQK-1002 and HQK-1002S were also administered to non-irradiated, normal juvenile baboons, once daily for 5 days, and CBCs and neutrophil counts were assayed. HQK-1002 or HQK-1002S treatment in 3 unchallenged baboons resulted in a two-fold to three-fold rises in ANC within 7 days. Collectively, these studies strongly suggest that HQK-1002 and HQK-1002S, orally-bioavailable SCFADs, stimulate myelopoiesis in vivo in normal animals and during sub-lethal radiation-induced bone marrow suppression, and merit further evaluation in neutropenia associated with marrow suppression. Disclosures: Perrine: HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Boosalis:HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals: Equity Ownership. Thomson:HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Berenson:hemaQuest Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Faller:HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.

Results of the OPAL Study: A Phase II Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Tosedostat (CHR-2797) in Elderly Subjects with Treatment Refractory or Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 767-767
Author(s):  
Jorge E. Cortes ◽  
Eric J Feldman ◽  
Karen Yee ◽  
David A. Rizzieri ◽  
Anjali S. Advani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Primary Therapy ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
Equity Ownership

Abstract Abstract 767 Background: Tosedostat is a novel oral inhibitor of the M1/17 family of aminopeptidases which induces an amino acid deprivation response that is selectively toxic for myeloid blasts (Leuk Res. 2011: 5:677-81) and has shown promising activity in elderly relapsed/refractory AML patients (J Clin Oncol 2010:28:4333-8). Aims: The OPAL study was undertaken to compare the activity of tosedostat at a once-daily dose of 120 mg for 24 weeks compared to 240 mg once daily for 8 weeks followed by 120 mg once daily for a further 16 weeks., as measured by bone marrow and hematology responses at 24 weeks. Methods: This was a phase II randomized (1:1) multi-center study. Patients were eligible if aged 60 years or older with previous CR lasting <12 months, or no CR after primary therapy, had a peripheral blast count <30,000/μl, PS<2 and adequate renal, hepatic and cardiac function. The primary analysis was performed at 24 weeks using IWG 2003 criteria. Results: Seventy-three patients were randomized and received tosedostat, 38 at 120 mg and 35 at 240 mg. Median age was 72 (range, 64 to 86), and 59% were male. Twenty-six patients (36%) had secondary or therapy-related AML, of which 19 (26%) had prior MDS. Median time since AML diagnosis was 211 days and 38% had received primary therapy with cytarabine/anthracyclines; 36% with a hypomethylating agent (HMA) and 23% with other cytarabine regimes. Fifty-two percent had been refractory to primary therapy, 19% had previously had a remission of up to 6 months and 29% a 6–12 month remission (mean 97 days including refractory). Twenty-three patients (32%) had no post-treatment bone marrow sample taken, predominantly due to early progression: 34% completed 12 weeks on study and 14% completed 24 weeks and were eligible to enter an extension study which is ongoing. The overall response rate was 22%; (CR/CRp/MLFS 12%; PR 10%) and an additional 29% had a best response of stable disease. The most common adverse events which occurred (total; grade 3 or worse) were diarrhea (58%; 4.1%), peripheral edema (55%; 0%), fatigue (49%; 21%), dyspnea (41%; 16%), nausea (38%; 0%), decreased appetite (37%; 3%), febrile neutropenia (36%; 29%) and hypotension (36%, 10%). Median overall survival (OS) (at 15 July 2011) was 126 days. Median OS in patients with CR/CRp/MLFS, PR and SD were 280, 195 and 162 days respectively, and 261.5 days for patients with a response of PR or better. Median OS for patients with progression of disease or who were unevaluable was 61 days. Similar responses were seen in the two dose groups. Additional non protocol-specified analyses showed that the following types of patient appeared to respond well: AML NOC vs other AML types 16% vs 29% response, median OS 75 vs 168 days; patients with poor risk cytogenetics compared to intermediate/better, median OS 159 vs 107 days; those who received prior HMA compared to others, 38% vs 13% response, median OS 171 vs 104 days; and absence of prior CR 29% vs 14% response and median OS 169 vs 103 days. Conclusions: These results provide further encouraging evidence of efficacy and a favorable toxicity profile in a difficult to treat patient population. A phase III program of pivotal studies with tosedostat in AML and MDS will start in the near future. Disclosures: Cortes: Chroma Therapeutics Ltd.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Feldman:Chroma Therapeutics Ltd.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Yee:Chroma Therapeutics Ltd.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Rizzieri:Chroma Therapeutics Ltd.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Advani:Chroma Therapeutics Ltd.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Charman:Chroma Therapeutics Ltd.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Toal:Chroma Therapeutics Ltd.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kantarjian:Chroma Therapeutics Ltd.: Consultancy, Research Funding.

scholarly journals Association of Hematological Nadirs and Survival in a Non-Human Primate Model of Hematopoietic Syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 4354-4354
Author(s):  
Zoya Gluzman Poltorak ◽  
Vainstein Vladimir ◽  
Lena A. Basile
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Blood Cell ◽  
Acute Radiation ◽  
Severe Neutropenia ◽  
Severe Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Cutoff Value ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Bone Marrow Regeneration

Abstract Recombinant human interleukin-12 (rHuIL-12, HemaMaxTM) is being developed for mitigation of HSARS under the FDA Animal Rule using a NHP model of HSARS for proof of efficacy and clinical studies in healthy human subjects to demonstrate safety. We have shown previously that a single injection of rHuIL-12 administered 24-25 hours after lethal total body irradiaton (TBI), in the absence of antibiotics, fluids or blood products, resulted in improved survival while filgrastim (G-CSF) did not provide any survival benefit in our NHP HSARS model (Basile et al 2012, Gluzman-Poltorak et al 2014, Gluzman-Poltorak et al 2014). The mechanism by which IL-12 mitigates HSARS following TBI appears to involve multiple effects of IL-12 on hematopoieses. In our previous studies, animals treated with rHuIL-12 showed statistically significant reductions in the occurrence of severe neutropenia and severe thrombocytopenia, as well as attenuated nadirs for lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, and reticulocytes. To characterize further relationship between survival and hematological nadirs (lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, RBCs and reticulocytes) in the rhesus model of HSARS and to better understand the effects of rHuIL-12 versus G-CSF on blood cell nadirs, we undertook a meta-analysis analysis across three studies in irradiated rhesus monkeys. Animals used in this analysis were irradiated (700 cGy) and treated with a single subcutaneous injection of vehicle (n=64) or rHuIL-12 50-500ng/kg (n=108) 24-25 hours after irradiation, or daily subcutaneous injections of G-CSF at 10μg/kg/d for 18 days starting 24-25 hours after irradiation (n=26). Males and females were equal in each group. Lymphocytes, neutrophils and platelets were significantly lower in decedents versus monkeys that survived to day 60 overall and this was true in each treatment group (p<0.001, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). The mean RBC nadir was significantly higher in survivors compared to non-survivors in the rHuIL-12 group (p = 0.008), but not in the control group or the G-CSF group. Lymphocytes nadir appears to be the strongest and most consistent predictor of death followed by neutrophils and platelets (Spearman’s rank correlation). RBCs and reticulocytes are less informative in terms of predicting survival status. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area under the curve (AUC) by nadir value was assessed. The operating characteristics for lymphocytes, neutrophils and platelets allow for relatively large positive predictive values (PPV) of death with relatively high sensitivity. A cutoff value for lymphocytes nadir of 0.08x109/L (values less than or equal predicting death and higher values predicting life) allows for largest PPVs (97.2% and 92.5%) with 76.1% and 62.7% sensitivities for control and rHuIL-12 treatments, respectively. A cutoff value for neutrophils nadir of 0.03x109/L permits for 84% and 71.1% PPVs with sensitivities of 91.3% and 91.5 % for control and rHuIL-12 treatments, respectively. A cutoff value for platelets nadir of 9x109/L permits for 84.1% and 76.8% PPVs with sensitivities of 80.4% and 72.9 % for control and rHuIL-12 treatments, respectively. RBCs and reticulocytes were found less informative. To conclude, in the rhesus model of HSARS we have observed that an augmented hematological nadirs generally predicts an increased potential for survival as this effect reflects early bone marrow regeneration. The nadir for lymphocytes appears to be the strongest and most consistent predictor of death. Decrease of lymphocyte counts has been established as a best marker of bone marrow damage in a large database of human victims of acute radiation (METREPOL, Fliedner et al 2001). Thus, the correlation of our results with the human data supports the validity of our animal model as an accurate representation of human HSARS and its ability to predict effectiveness in humans exposed to lethal radiation. These data also suggest that the significant increase in early bone marrow regeneration seen in our studies, resulting in increases in nadir values for all major blood cell types, may be the main mechanism of action by which rHuIL-12 mitigates the lethality of HSARS. This project has been entirely funded with Federal funds from BARDA/ASPR/DHHS under Contract No. HHSO100201100037C. Disclosures Gluzman Poltorak: Neumedicines Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Vladimir:Neumedicines Inc.: Consultancy, Employment, Equity Ownership. Basile:Neumedicines Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Neumedicines Inc. Patents & Royalties.

scholarly journals EZH2 Mutations and Impact on Clinical Outcome Analyzed in 1604 Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1528-1528
Author(s):  
Sebastian Stasik ◽  
Jan Moritz Middeke ◽  
Michael Kramer ◽  
Christoph Rollig ◽  
Alwin Krämer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Acute Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Acute Myeloid

Abstract Purpose: The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase and key epigenetic regulator involved in transcriptional repression and embryonic development. Loss of EZH2 activity by inactivating mutations is associated with poor prognosis in myeloid malignancies such as MDS. More recently, EZH2 inactivation was shown to induce chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (Göllner et al., 2017). Data on the frequency and prognostic role of EZH2-mutations in AML are rare and mostly confined to smaller cohorts. To investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of this alteration in more detail, we analyzed a large cohort of AML patients (n = 1604) for EZH2 mutations. Patients and Methods: All patients analyzed had newly diagnosed AML, were registered in clinical protocols of the Study Alliance Leukemia (SAL) (AML96, AML2003 or AML60+, SORAML) and had available material at diagnosis. Screening for EZH2 mutations and associated alterations was done using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) (TruSight Myeloid Sequencing Panel, Illumina) on an Illumina MiSeq-system using bone marrow or peripheral blood. Detection was conducted with a defined cut-off of 5% variant allele frequency (VAF). All samples below the predefined threshold were classified as EZH2 wild type (wt). Patient clinical characteristics and co-mutations were analyzed according to the mutational status. Furthermore, multivariate analysis was used to identify the impact of EZH2 mutations on outcome. Results: EZH2-mutations were found in 63 of 1604 (4%) patients, with a median VAF of 44% (range 6-97%; median coverage 3077x). Mutations were detected within several exons (2-6; 8-12; 14-20) with highest frequencies in exons 17 and 18 (29%). The majority of detected mutations (71% missense and 29% nonsense/frameshift) were single nucleotide variants (SNVs) (87%), followed by small indel mutations. Descriptive statistics of clinical parameters and associated co-mutations revealed significant differences between EZH2-mut and -wt patients. At diagnosis, patients with EZH2 mutations were significantly older (median age 59 yrs) than EZH2-wt patients (median 56 yrs; p=0.044). In addition, significantly fewer EZH2-mut patients (71%) were diagnosed with de novo AML compared to EZH2-wt patients (84%; p=0.036). Accordingly, EZH2-mut patients had a higher rate of secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) (21%), evolving from prior MDS or after prior chemotherapy (tAML) (8%; p=0.036). Also, bone marrow (and blood) blast counts differed between the two groups (EZH2-mut patients had significantly lower BM and PB blast counts; p=0.013). In contrast, no differences were observed for WBC counts, karyotype, ECOG performance status and ELN-2017 risk category compared to EZH2-wt patients. Based on cytogenetics according to the 2017 ELN criteria, 35% of EZH2-mut patients were categorized with favorable risk, 28% had intermediate and 37% adverse risk. No association was seen with -7/7q-. In the group of EZH2-mut AML patients, significantly higher rates of co-mutations were detected in RUNX1 (25%), ASXL1 (22%) and NRAS (25%) compared to EZH2-wt patients (with 10%; 8% and 15%, respectively). Vice versa, concomitant mutations in NPM1 were (non-significantly) more common in EZH2-wt patients (33%) vs EZH2-mut patients (21%). For other frequently mutated genes in AML there was no major difference between EZH2-mut and -wt patients, e.g. FLT3ITD (13%), FLT3TKD (10%) and CEBPA (24%), as well as genes encoding epigenetic modifiers, namely, DNMT3A (21%), IDH1/2 (11/14%), and TET2 (21%). The correlation of EZH2 mutational status with clinical outcomes showed no effect of EZH2 mutations on the rate of complete remission (CR), relapse free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) (with a median OS of 18.4 and 17.1 months for EZH2-mut and -wt patients, respectively) in the univariate analyses. Likewise, the multivariate analysis with clinical variable such as age, cytogenetics and WBC using Cox proportional hazard regression, revealed that EZH2 mutations were not an independent risk factor for OS or RFS. Conclusion EZH mutations are recurrent alterations in patients with AML. The association with certain clinical factors and typical mutations such as RUNX1 and ASXL1 points to the fact that these mutations are associated with secondary AML. Our data do not indicate that EZH2 mutations represent an independent prognostic factor. Disclosures Middeke: Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Rollig:Bayer: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding. Scholl:Jazz Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbivie: Other: Travel support; Alexion: Other: Travel support; MDS: Other: Travel support; Novartis: Other: Travel support; Deutsche Krebshilfe: Research Funding; Carreras Foundation: Research Funding; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Hochhaus:Pfizer: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Brümmendorf:Janssen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding. Burchert:AOP Orphan: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Krause:Novartis: Research Funding. Hänel:Amgen: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Platzbecker:Celgene: Research Funding. Mayer:Eisai: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding. Serve:Bayer: Research Funding. Ehninger:Cellex Gesellschaft fuer Zellgewinnung mbH: Employment, Equity Ownership; Bayer: Research Funding; GEMoaB Monoclonals GmbH: Employment, Equity Ownership. Thiede:AgenDix: Other: Ownership; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Randomized Phase II Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Romiplostim Treatment of Patients with Low or Intermediate Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Receiving Lenalidomide.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 1770-1770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger M Lyons ◽  
Richard A. Larson ◽  
Michael A. Kosmo ◽  
Sunil Gandhi ◽  
Delong Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Intermediate Risk ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Dose Reductions ◽  
Platelet Transfusions

Abstract Abstract 1770 Poster Board I-796 Introduction Romiplostim is a peptibody protein designed to increase platelet production by binding to and activating the thrombopoietin receptor. Low platelet counts in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) may be due to the underlying disease or to treatment with disease-modifying agents, and platelet transfusions are often the only treatment for clinically significant thrombocytopenia (CST) or bleeding. This was a phase 2 multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study that evaluated the effect of romiplostim on the incidence of clinically significant thrombocytopenic events (grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia and/or receipt of platelet transfusions) and the safety of romiplostim in patients with low or intermediate risk MDS receiving lenalidomide. Patients and Methods Patients who were ≥18 years old, had MDS by bone marrow exam and WHO criteria, had low or Intermediate-1 risk category MDS using the IPSS, and were planning to receive lenalidomide were eligible. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 into treatment groups receiving placebo, 500 μg romiplostim, or 750 μg romiplostim by weekly subcutaneous injections in combination with lenalidomide (one 10 mg capsule by mouth daily for each 28-day cycle). Treatments continued for a total of four cycles. Results The median age of the 39 randomized patients was 74 years (range, 39 to 90); 15 (39%) had platelet counts <50 × 109/L, and 7 (18%) had del(5q). We report trends due to baseline imbalances between treatment groups, likely due to the limited sample size. The overall incidence rates of CST appeared to be greater in the placebo group than either romiplostim group (Table). In contrast to the placebo patients, median platelet counts remained above 50 × 109/L in both the 500 μg and 750 μg romiplostim groups for the treatment period. The incidence of platelet transfusions appeared to be lower in the 500 μg romiplostim group, and the incidence of adverse events was comparable between all of the groups. No deaths were reported during the treatment period. Twelve patients (31%) discontinued the study. Disease progression to AML was reported in 1 patient in the romiplostim 500 μg group. The patient withdrew consent and discontinued the study. No bone marrow was available to confirm AML by protocol-defined criteria. Fewer lenalidomide dose reductions and delays due to thrombocytopenia were seen in both of the romiplostim treated groups. The proportion of patients who achieved an MDS treatment response was 8%, 36% and 15% for the placebo, 500 μg romiplostim, and 750 μg romiplostim groups, respectively. MDS response rates appeared higher in the romiplostim group, regardless of baseline del(5q) status. Baseline imbalance between groups due to the small sample size limited our interpretation of the data. Conclusions Romiplostim appeared to be well-tolerated in low and intermediate risk MDS patients receiving lenalidomide. This preliminary information suggests that romiplostim may reduce the rate of clinically significant thrombocytopenic events in these patients while increasing platelet counts and decreasing the incidence of lenalidomide dose reductions and delays due to thrombocytopenia Disclosures Lyons: GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Johnson&Johnson: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy; Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Off Label Use: Use of romiplostim to treat Thrombocytopenia in MDS. Larson:Amgen Inc.: Equity Ownership, Research Funding. Liu:Amgen Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding. Hu:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Franklin:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Berger:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Use of a New Rotary Powered Device for Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy Yields Excellent Specimens Quickly and Efficiently.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4544-4544
Author(s):  
Ronan T. Swords ◽  
Kevin R. Kelly ◽  
Devalingam Mahalingam ◽  
Stephen C. Cohen ◽  
Larry J. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Bone Marrow Biopsy ◽  
Clinical Evaluation ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Bone Marrow Aspiration ◽  
Swine Model ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Specimen Quality ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Abstract 4544 Background The importance of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in the evaluation of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic disorders is well established. Recently, a new FDA-cleared battery powered bone marrow biopsy system was developed to allow operators access to the bone marrow space quickly and efficiently. Aims The first aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of core specimens using the new powered device compared to specimens obtained using the traditional manual technique in a swine model. The second aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the device in patients presenting for outpatient hematology clinic visits. Materials and Methods For the pre-clinical evaluation of the device, three anesthetized pigs were used for the study. The powered device (OnControl, Vidacare Corporation, San Antonio, TX, USA) was comprised of a battery powered driver and needle set. The manual device used was a T-Handle Jamshidi bone marrow biopsy needle (Cardinal Health, Dublin, OH, USA). Core biopsy samples obtained were assessed for length and sample quality and then submitted for analysis to a pathologist blinded to the device used. The clinical evaluation of the device was conducted in accordance with practice guidelines and directions for use. Data collection included insertion success, time from insertion to removal, specimen quality, operator satisfaction with control/function of the device and overall operator satisfaction based on a scoring system (0-5; 0=totally unacceptable, 5=outstanding). Results Twenty six samples were collected from the swine model (19 samples using the powered device and 9 using the manual technique). No cellular artifact or thermal damage was reported in any of the samples obtained. The mean lengths for samples obtained using the powered and manual techniques were respectively 19.4mm±1.6mm and 18.6mm±5.3mm. For the clinical evaluation of the device, 16 patients were recruited from 2 centers. Mean insertion time was 11.25±3.39 seconds and mean time from needle contact with skin to needle removal was 38.5±13.94 seconds. No complications were reported. Five operators rated the overall use of the device as outstanding in 75% of cases. Conclusions In this study, the manual and powered samples were equivalent in specimen quality. The powered device however, captured longer biopsies when compared to the manual technique. In the patients evaluated, the device was easy to use as well as being safe and effective. The mean procedural time was significantly faster than previously reported with a manual technique. A randomized study of the powered device compared to the manual technique is underway. Disclosures: Swords: Vidacare Corporation: Research Funding. Kelly:Vidacare Corporation: Research Funding. Mahalingam:Vidacare Corporation: Research Funding. Cohen:Vidacare Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Miller:Vidacare Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Philbeck:Vidacare Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Brenner:Vidacare Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding. Giles:Vidacare Corporation: Research Funding.

Effect of the Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inducers, Rifampicin and Dexamethasone, on the Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic and Safety Profile of Bortezomib In Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3983-3983
Author(s):  
Andrzej Hellmann ◽  
Simon A. Rule ◽  
Jan Walewski ◽  
Ofer Shpilberg ◽  
Huaibao Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Proteasome Inhibition ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
Cyp3a4 Inducer ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Abstract 3983 Background: Bortezomib is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and 2C19 enzymes. Effects of co-administration of rifampicin (a potent CYP3A4 inducer) and dexamethasone (weak CYP3A4 inducer) on the pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD) and safety profiles of bortezomib were evaluated. Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were enrolled in this open-label, 2-stage, parallel-group study. In stage 1, patients were randomized (1:1) to receive 3 cycles of bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2) on d 1, 4, 8, and 11 q3wk either alone or in combination with rifampicin 600 mg once-daily on d 4 to 10 of cycle 3 only. Stage 2 patients received bortezomib at same dose and schedule in combination with dexamethasone 40 mg once-daily on d 1 to 4 and d 9 to 12 of cycle 3 only. Patients could continue with bortezomib monotherapy for up to 10 cycles in case of clinical benefit. For PK/PD, blood samples were collected before and through 72 hours following bortezomib administration on d 11 of cycles 2 and 3. PK was the primary endpoint, secondary endpoints included PD (proteasome inhibition) and safety. Results: 61 patients were enrolled (39 MM, 22 NHL) in the study. 13 were treated with bortezomib + rifampicin, 18 with bortezomib + dexamethasone, and 30 with bortezomib only. Co-administration of rifampicin reduced the mean bortezomib maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) by approximately 23% (118 vs 93 ng/mL) and the mean area under plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 72 hours (AUC72) by approximately 45% (223 vs 123 ng.h/mL). Co-administration of dexamethasone had no effect on mean AUC72 (179 vs 170 ng.h/mL). The mean bortezomib Cmax was 20% lower after co-administration of dexamethasone (140 vs 119 ng/mL); however this difference in Cmax was within the observed variability in Cmax during cycle 2 (CV=38%) and cycle 3 (CV=45%). Mean (SD) maximum percent proteasome inhibition (Emax) and area under percent proteasome inhibition-time curve from 0 to 72 hours (AUE72h) were comparable for bortezomib alone and in combination with rifampicin (Emax: 61.9 [4.56] vs. 62.3 [3.81] and AUE72h: 836 [323] vs. 777 [358]). Co-administration of dexamethasone did not affect the Emax (66.7 [4.27] vs. 61.8 [6.69]) or AUE72h (1329 [638] vs. 1157 [381]). Safety profiles were consistent with prior bortezomib experience in this population. Drug-related serious adverse events and treatment discontinuations were reported in 7/30 (23%) and 8/30 (27%) in bortezomib-only, in 3/13 (23%) and 3/13 (23%) in bortezomib + rifampicin, and 3/18 (17%) and 5/18 (28%) in bortezomib + dexamethasone subgroups. Investigator-assessed responses (CR+PR) were observed in 13/17 MM and 6/13 NHL patients in bortezomib-only, in 6/9 MM and 3/4 NHL patients in bortezomib + rifampicin, and in 10/13 MM and 2/5 NHL patients in bortezomib + dexamethasone subgroups. Conclusions: Co-administration of dexamethasone did not affect the PK or PD profiles of bortezomib. Co-administration of rifampicin reduced bortezomib exposure (AUC) by approximately 45%. Patients receiving bortezomib concomitantly with strong CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampicin, should be monitored for reduction in clinical effect, while concomitant administration of weak CYP3A4 inducers, such as dexamethasone, is not expected to affect the bortezomib pharmacologic profile. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Discussion of Velcade in NHL subtypes other than mantle cell lymphoma is included. Rule:Johnson & Johson: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy. Walewski:Johnson & Johnson: Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen-Cilag: Investigators fee. Shpilberg:Johnson & Johnson: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Feng:Johnson & Johnson: Employment. van de Velde:Johnson & Johnson: Employment, Equity Ownership. Patel:Johnson & Johnson: Employment, Equity Ownership. Skee:Johnson & Johnson: Employment. Girgis:Johnson & Johnson: Employment. Louw:Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Key Oncologics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Phase II Study of the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase (CDK) Inhibitor Dinaciclib (SCH 727965) In Patients with Advanced Acute Leukemias

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3287-3287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivana Gojo ◽  
Alison Walker ◽  
Maureen Cooper ◽  
Eric J Feldman ◽  
Swaminathan Padmanabhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Funding ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Parp Cleavage ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Acute Leukemias ◽  
Early Management ◽  
Tumor Lysis ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Pre Treatment

Abstract Abstract 3287 Background: Dinaciclib is a potent and selective inhibitor of the CDKs 1, 2, 5, and 9 that has demonstrated anti-tumor activity against both myeloid and lymphoid leukemia cell lines in vitro and human tumor xenografts in vivo. Methods: A randomized, multicenter, open-label phase 2 study of dinaciclib 50 mg/m2 administered by 2-hour i.v. infusion once every 21 days was initiated with the goal of assessing its efficacy and safety in patients (pts) with advanced acute myeloid (AML, ≥60 years old) or lymphoid (ALL, ≥18 years old) leukemia. AML pts were randomized between dinaciclib and gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) with cross-over to dinaciclib if no response to GO, while ALL pts only received dinaciclib. Intra-patient dose escalation of dinaciclib to 70 mg/m2 in cycle 2 was allowed. Twenty-six pts were treated on study (20 AML, 6 ALL). Data on 14 AML (2 cross-over from GO) and 6 ALL pts treated with dinaciclib are presented. Their median age was 70 (range 38–76) years and 70% were male. Sixteen pts were refractory and 4 pts had relapsed after a median of one (range 1–4) chemotherapy regimens. Four AML pts had complex karyotypes (≥3 abnormalities), 2 monosomy 7, 2 trisomy 8, 1 der (1:7)(q10;p10), 1 trisomy 21, 1 deletion 9q, and 3 had normal karyotype. Two ALL pts had t(9;22). Response: Anti-leukemia activity was observed in 60% of pts. Ten of 13 pts with circulating blasts (7/7 AML and 3/6 ALL) had >50% and 6 pts (4 AML, 2 ALL) >80% decrease in the absolute blast count (ABC) within 24 hours of the first dinaciclib dose. An additional pt had a 29% decrease in ABC. The median pre-treatment ABC was 1085 (range 220–9975) and the median ABC nadir was 169 (range 0–1350). The median duration of blast nadir was 6 days (range 2–23). A representative graph from an AML patient (below) shows a rapid decrease of circulating blasts and WBC after treatment, followed by a gradual recovery. Two patients had >50% reduction of marrow blasts (35% on d1 to 17% on d 42 in an AML pt; 81% on d1 to 27% on d 21 in an ALL pt). However, no objective responses by International Working Group criteria were observed. The median number of treatment cycles was 1 (range 1–5), with 10 pts receiving more than one cycle of treatment. Eight pts were treated with dinaciclib 70 mg/m2 starting in cycle 2. Toxicity: Treatment related AE's occurring in >30% of pts included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anemia, elevated AST, fatigue, leukopenia, hypocalcemia, and hypotension. The most common CTCAE v3 treatment-related grade 3 and 4 toxicities, occurring in 3 or more pts, were anemia, leukopenia, febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, increased AST, and tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Laboratory evidence of tumor lysis in cycle 1, using the Cairo-Bishop criteria, was seen in 6 pts in addition to 3 pts with clinical TLS (JCO 2008;26:2767). Hyperacute TLS requiring hemodialysis occurred in one pt with AML, who died of acute renal failure. Subsequently, all pts were aggressively managed to prevent and treat TLS (hospitalization, hydration, allopurinol, rasburicase, oral phosphate binder administration, and early management of hyperkalemia). An additional 9 pts died on study, 8 pts from leukemia progression and 1 pt from intracranial bleed due to disease-related thrombocytopenia. Pharmacodynamics: Pre-treatment, 4 and 24 hrs post end-of-infusion samples of circulating leukemic blasts were obtained from 1 AML and 3 ALL pts. By Western blot, post-treatment decrease in Mcl-1 and increase in PARP cleavage were seen in all 4 pts at 4 hrs post-treatment, confirming that in vivo inhibition of CDKs was achieved, but recovery of Mcl-1 at 24 hrs was observed in all 4 pts, suggesting that inhibition was lost at 24 hrs. Decline in p-Rb was observed in 1 pt, while 2 pts had almost undetectable p-Rb levels at baseline. Conclusion: Dinaciclib showed anti-leukemia activity in this heavily pre-treated patient population. TLS was a notable toxicity, but was manageable in most pts with aggressive prophylaxis, monitoring and treatment. Early blast recovery and short duration of nadir observed on this study, combined with PK data showing a short t1/2 (1.5-3.3 hours) for dinaciclib and PD data demonstrating rapid reexpression of Mcl-1, support either use of longer infusion schedules (currently explored in solid tumors) or more frequent drug administration. Further exploration of dinaciclib dose and schedules in AML and ALL is planned. Disclosures: Gojo: Merck & Co.: Research Funding. Off Label Use: SCH 727965 (dinaciclib) is an investigational drug. Padmanabhan:Schering-Plough: Consultancy; Merck & Co.: Research Funding. Small:Merck & Co.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zhang:Merck & Co.: Employment. Sadowska:Merck & Co.: Research Funding. Bannerji:Merck & Co.: Employment, Equity Ownership.

A Phase 1 Study of Prasugrel in Subjects with Sickle Cell Disease: Effects on In Vivo Markers of Platelet Activation and of Coagulation

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 1049-1049
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Jakubowski ◽  
Chunmei Zhou ◽  
David S. Small ◽  
Kenneth J. Winters ◽  
D. Richard Lachno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Blood Platelet ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Adp Receptor

Abstract Abstract 1049 Introduction: Evidence suggests that platelets are activated in sickle cell disease (SCD) and this appears to increase further during painful crises caused by vascular occlusions from sickled red blood cells. Antiplatelet therapy may be useful in reducing the frequency and severity of acute pain episodes and reducing the risk of thrombotic complications. Prasugrel, an ADP receptor antagonist, irreversibly inhibits the P2Y12 ADP receptor, blocking ADP-stimulated platelet activation and aggregation and reducing downstream procoagulant activities. Here we present the first evaluation of prasugrel's effects on markers of in vivo platelet activation and of coagulation in subjects with SCD. Methods: Twenty-six adult subjects were enrolled and 25 completed the study: 12 with SCD and 13 well-matched healthy controls. Subjects were examined before and after 12±2 days of treatment with oral prasugrel (5.0 mg/day for subjects weighing <60 kg and 7.5 mg/day for subjects weighing ≥60 kg). Markers of platelet activation and coagulation included whole-blood platelet-monocyte and -neutrophil aggregates, and whole blood platelet-associated P-selectin and platelet CD40L, all measured by flow cytometry and presented as percent (%) of marker positive cells. Plasma soluble (s) P-selectin, CD40L, and plasma prothrombin fragment 1.2 (F1.2) were evaluated by ELISA. Results: Results from the biomarkers are presented in the table. Prior to prasugrel administration (baseline), subjects with SCD had significantly higher levels of the following biomarkers compared to healthy subjects: Platelet-monocyte aggregates, platelet-neutrophil aggregates, platelet CD40L, and plasma F1.2. In addition, subjects with SCD had numerically higher values of sCD40L, as well as platelet-associated and sP-selectin. Prasugrel treatment resulted in numerical decreases in levels of all biomarkers (with the exception of platelet-associated CD40L for control subjects), most notably in SCD subjects with elevated baseline levels. Prasugrel was safe and well tolerated with no serious adverse events observed during the study. No subject discontinued the study due to an adverse event (AE) and the majority of AEs were mild. No subjects with SCD reported any bleeding-related AEs. Conclusion: In this study, compared to healthy controls, baseline elevation of several platelet-activation and coagulation markers among adult subjects with SCD is consistent with that seen in previous studies of both children and adults with SCD. The decrease in platelet activation biomarkers following 12 days of prasugrel treatment in subjects with SCD suggests prasugrel interrupts SCD-related platelet activation in vivo and raises the possibility that prasugrel may modulate the frequency and/or severity of painful crises associated with SCD. These data support additional studies of the safety and efficacy of prasugrel in the treatment of vascular complications associated with SCD. Disclosures: Jakubowski: Eli Lilly and Company: Employment, Equity Ownership. Off Label Use: This abstract discusses prasugrel treatment in patients with sickle cell disease. Please see USPI for most up-to-date information. Zhou:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment, Equity Ownership. Small:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment, Equity Ownership. Winters:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lachno:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment, Equity Ownership. Frelinger:Takeda: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd. and Eli Lilly and Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; GLSynthesis: Research Funding. Howard:Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd. and Eli Lilly and Company: Research Funding. Payne:Eli Lilly and Compnay: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Final Results from an International, Multi-Center, Single-Arm Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Romiplostim in Adults with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP),

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3279-3279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Janssens ◽  
Michael D. Tarantino ◽  
Robert Bird ◽  
Maria Gabriella Mazzucconi ◽  
Ralph Vincent V. Boccia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Platelet Count ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Platelet Response ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Platelet Production ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Equity Ownership

Abstract Abstract 3279 Background: ITP is an autoimmune disorder characterized by increased platelet destruction and suboptimal platelet production. Romiplostim stimulates platelet production via the TPO-receptor, and is recommended for second- and third-line treatment of chronic ITP in adults. We report final data from a large prospective study of romiplostim in adults with ITP of varying duration and severity. Methods: Eligibility criteria were broad: patients ≥18 years of age, who had received prior ITP therapies (final protocol amendment: ≥1, previous amendments: ≥3), with low platelet counts (final amendment: ≤ 30 × 109/L, previous amendments: ≤ 10, ≤ 20 × 109/L) or experiencing uncontrolled bleeding. The only excluded comorbidities were: hematological malignancy, myeloproliferative neoplasms, MDS and bone marrow stem cell disorder. Romiplostim was initiated at 1 (final amendment) or 3 (previous amendments) μg/kg/week, with dose adjustments allowed to maintain platelet counts ≥50 × 109/L. Patients could continue on study until they had access to commercially available romiplostim. Rescue medications were allowed at any time; concurrent ITP therapies could be reduced when platelet counts were > 50 × 109/L. Primary endpoint was incidence of adverse events (AEs) and antibody formation. Secondary endpoint was platelet response, defined as either (1) doubling of baseline count and ≥ 50 × 109/L or (2) ≥20 × 109/L increase from baseline. Results: A total of 407 patients received romiplostim, 60% of whom were female. Median (Q1, Q3) time since ITP diagnosis was 4.25 (1.20, 11.40) years (maximum 57.1 years), with 51% of patients splenectomised and 39% receiving baseline concurrent ITP therapies. Seventy-one percent of patients completed the study, with requirement for alternative therapy and withdrawn consent the most common reasons for discontinuation (5% each). Median (Q1, Q3) on-study treatment duration was 44.29 (20.43, 65.86) weeks (maximum 201 weeks), with a total of 20,201 subject-weeks on study. Incidence and type of AEs were consistent with previous studies. The most common serious treatment-related AEs were cerebrovascular accident, headache, bone marrow reticulin fibrosis (with no evidence of positive trichrome staining for collagen and no evidence suggesting primary idiopathic myelofibrosis), nausea, deep vein thrombosis, hemorrhage and pulmonary embolism, with each reported in 2 of 407 (0.5%) patients. All other serious treatment-related AEs were each reported in one patient. Eighteen patients died; 3 deaths (hemolysis, intestinal ischaema, aplastic anemia) were considered treatment-related. No neutralizing antibodies to romiplostim or TPO were reported. Approximately 90% of patients achieved each of the platelet response definitions, regardless of splenectomy status. Overall, median (Q1, Q3) time to response was 2 (1, 4) weeks for response definition 1, and 1 (1, 3) week for response definition 2. Median (Q1, Q3) baseline platelet count was 14 (8, 21) × 109/L. After 1 week of treatment median (Q1, Q3) platelet count had increased to 42 (18, 101) × 109/L. From week 8 onwards, and excluding counts within 8 weeks of rescue medication use, median platelet counts were consistently above 100 × 109/L (range 101.0–269.5 × 109/L). Median (Q1, Q3) average weekly romiplostim dose was 3.62 (1.99, 6.08) μg/kg. Summary/conclusions: This is the largest prospective study in adult ITP reported to date. The data reported here are similar to those reported for previous romiplostim studies, with romiplostim able to safely induce a rapid platelet response in adult ITP patients with low platelet counts or bleeding symptoms. Romiplostim is an important, well-tolerated, treatment option for adult ITP patients, which significantly increases and maintains platelet counts. Adverse Event Subject Incidence Platelet Response Disclosures: Janssens: Amgen: Consultancy; Roche: Speakers Bureau; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Tarantino:Cangene corporation: Research Funding; Baxter: Research Funding; Talecris: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Up-to-date: Patents & Royalties; The Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute: Board Member. Bird:Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Boccia:Amgen: Equity Ownership, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Lopez-Fernandez:Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Kozak:Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Steurer:Amgen: Honoraria. Dillingham:Amgen Limited: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lizambri:Amgen: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Stroma-Free Ex Vivo Expanded, CD34+ Cord Blood-Derived NK Cells Retain Lytic Activity After Long-Term Engraftment in NSGS Mice

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 580-580
Author(s):  
Mark Wunderlich ◽  
Mahesh Shrestha ◽  
Lin Kang ◽  
Eric Law ◽  
Vladimir Jankovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Cell Product ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Cellular Therapeutics

Abstract Abstract 580 Generating a large number of pure, functional immune cells that can be used in human patients has been a major challenge for NK cell-based immunotherapy. We have successfully established a cultivation method to generate human NK cells from CD34+ cells isolated from donor-matched cord blood and human placental derived stem cells, which were obtained from full-term human placenta. This cultivation method is feeder-free, based on progenitor expansion followed by NK differentiation supported by cytokines including thrombopoietin, stem cell factor, Flt3 ligand, IL-7, IL-15 and IL-2. A graded progression from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HSC) to committed NK progenitor cells ultimately results in ∼90% CD3-CD56+ phenotype and is associated with an average 10,000-fold expansion achieved over 35 days. The resulting cells are CD16- and express low level of KIRs, indicating an immature NK cell phenotype, but show active in vitro cytotoxicity against a broad range of tumor cell line targets. The in vivo persistence, maturation and functional activity of HSC-derived NK cells was assessed in NSG mice engineered to express the human cytokines SCF, GM-CSF and IL-3 (NSGS mice). Human IL-2 or IL-15 was injected intraperitoneally three times per week to test the effect of cytokine supplementation on the in vivo transferred NK cells. The presence and detailed immunophenotype of NK cells was assessed in peripheral blood (PB), bone marrow (BM), spleen and liver samples at 7-day intervals up to 28 days post-transfer. Without cytokine supplementation, very few NK cells were detectable at any time-point. Administration of IL-2 resulted in a detectable but modest enhancement of human NK cell persistence. The effect of IL-15 supplementation was significantly greater, leading to the robust persistence of transferred NK cells in circulation, and likely specific homing and expansion in the liver of recipient mice. The discrete response to IL-15 versus IL-2, as well as the preferential accumulation in the liver have not been previously described following adoptive transfer of mature NK cells, and may be unique for the HSC-derived immature NK cell product. Following the in vivo transfer, a significant fraction of human CD56+ cells expressed CD16 and KIRs indicating full physiologic NK differentiation, which appears to be a unique potential of HSC-derived cells. Consistent with this, human CD56+ cells isolated ex vivo efficiently killed K562 targets in in vitro cytotoxicity assays. In contrast to PB, spleen and liver, BM contained a substantial portion of human cells that were CD56/CD16 double negative (DN) but positive for CD244 and CD117, indicating a residual progenitor function in the CD56- fraction of the CD34+ derived cell product. The BM engrafting population was higher in NK cultures at earlier stages of expansion, but was preserved in the day 35- cultured product. The frequency of these cells in the BM increased over time, and showed continued cycling based on in vivo BrdU labeling 28 days post-transfer, suggesting a significant progenitor potential in vivo. Interestingly, DN cells isolated from BM could be efficiently differentiated ex vivo to mature CD56+CD16+ NK cells with in vitro cytotoxic activity against K562. We speculate that under the optimal in vivo conditions these BM engrafting cells may provide a progenitor population to produce a mature NK cell pool in humans, and therefore could contribute to the therapeutic potential of the HSC-derived NK cell product. The in vivo activity of HSC-derived NK cells was further explored using a genetically engineered human AML xenograft model of minimal residual disease (MRD) and initial data indicates significant suppression of AML relapse in animals receiving NK cells following chemotherapy. Collectively, our data demonstrate the utility of humanized mice and in vivo xenograft models in characterizing the biodistribution, persistence, differentiation and functional assessment of human HSC-derived cell therapy products, and characterize the potential of HSC-derived NK cells to be developed as an effective off-the-shelf product for use in adoptive cell therapy approaches in AML. Disclosures: Wunderlich: Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Research Funding. Shrestha:C: Research Funding. Kang:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Law:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Jankovic:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Zhang:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Herzberg:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Abbot:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Hariri:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Mulloy:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Research Funding.

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