Rituximab Maintenance Treatment After Combined Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab In Previously Untreated Patients with Progressive B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Interim Analysis of An Ongoing Phase II Multicenter Trial On Behalf of the Spanish CLL Study Group (GELLC)

Abstract Abstract 2448 Introduction. Combination of Rituximab (R) with fludarabine (F) and cyclophosphamide (C) as first line treatment of B-CLL, results in a high complete response rate, improved progression free and overall survival compared with FC in randomised trials (Hallek et al, Blood 2009). However, more than 30% of patients relapse or show disease progression at 3–4 years after FR or FCR treatment (Byrd et al., Blood 2005; Keating et al., J Clin Oncol 2005). We report on the efficacy and safety results of an interim analysis after one year of Rituximab maintenance (Rm) following FCR in previously untreated CLL patients (pts). Methods and Patients. Between October 2007 and June 2009, a cohort of 84 physically fit pts with CD20 positive CLL received treatment with 6 cycles of FCR (R:375mg/m2 iv cycle-1 and 500mg/m2 iv, cycles 2–6; F:25mg/m2 iv, days 1–3; and C:250mg/m2 iv days 1–3; every 28 days). After 3 months of clinical response evaluation, pts achieving a response were treated with R: 375mg/m2 iv every 2 months for 3 years. Anti-infective prophylaxis included trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and acyclovir during treatment and until CD4 positive lymphocyte reached 0.3×109/L. Pts achieving a complete response (CR) and negative minimal residual disease (MRD) in peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) after 4 courses of FCR, were allowed to stop FC and complete 2 courses of R and continue with Rm. The median age was 59.5 (range 37–70), 32% were females, 6% were Rai low risk, 69% intermediate risk and 25% high risk stage. IGHV status was unmutated in 64.4%, CD38 positive (>30%) in 47.6% and ZAP-70 positive (>20%) in 57.3% of pts. The incidence of genetic abnormalities by FISH for del 6q, del 11q (ATM), trisomy 12, del 13q and del 17p (p53) was 3.5%, 26.1%,15,4%, 50% and 4.7% respectively. MRD was evaluated by multicolor flow cytometry (sensitivity: 1 CLL cell positive in 10000 leukocytes). The primary end point was to evaluate the response rates and adverse events (AEs) profile of FCR and Rm treatments. Secondary endpoints included progression free and overall survival, correlation of response with MRD after FCR and Rm treatments. The mean number of FCR cycles was 5.3, and the complete treatment was administered in 80% of pts. Results. We present the results of a planned interim analysis after 1 year (6 cycles) of Rm following FCR as induction treatment. Of 90 pts screened from 29 centres, 84 were assigned (6 failed eligible criteria) to FCR and were evaluable for response. On an intent to treat analysis, overall response, CR, partial response (PR), non response and progression rates were 95.2%, 73.8%, 21.4%, 3.6% and 1.2% respectively. Of 79 pts evaluable for BM-MRD status, MRD-negative CR, MRD-positive CR, MRD-negative PR and MRD-positive PR rates were 57%, 21.5%, 7.6% and 13.9% respectively. The most common AEs after FCR were rituximab infusion (65.1%), myelotoxicity (33.7%) in 29 pts and infections (34%) with 1 serious AEs (SAEs)(1 exitus by viral myocarditis). In addition, there were 12 non hematological SAEs. Seventy five out of 84 pts continued with Rm treatment, 9 were withdrawn by progression (1), toxicity (5) and investigator decision (3). As of June 2010, 70 out 75 eligible pts had initiated Rm and 37 (49.3%) had completed 1 year of Rm (6 cycles) and were evaluable for response. Of them, 24 (64.8%) pts were in MRD-negative CR and only 1 pts converted to MRD-positive CR; 8 (21, 6%) pts were in MRD-positive CR and 3 converted to MRD-Negative CR, while 5 (13.5%) continued in MRD-positive CR with a sustained decreasing number of CLL cells in BM. Five pts were in MRD-positive PR and of them, 4 were in sustained PR with BM-MRD response and one pts presented clinical progression. In summary, 70.2% reached MRD-negative CR and 97.3% were in sustained response. The most common AEs after Rm were grade 3/4 neutropenia between cycles in 6 (16.7%) pts, infections in 15 (41.7%) pts and there were 2 (5.6%) SAEs (2 pneumonia) reported in this population. Conclusion: Based on these preliminary results, the addition of rituximab maintenance following FCR is feasible and effective in untreated CLL pts and increases the quality of clinical responses by obtaining a higher number of MRD-negative CR cases with an acceptable safety profile. Disclosures: Garcia-Marco: ROCHE: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: Rituximab is not approved as maintenance therapy. Leon: ROCHE: Employment.

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Influence of Chromosomal Aberrations on Response to First Line Therapy in B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Interim Analysis of PALG-CLL3 Randomized Study Comparing Cladribine Plus Cyclophosphamide vs Fludarabine Plus Cyclophosphamide.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.2046.2046 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 2046-2046

Author(s):

Tadeusz Robak ◽

Jerzy Z. Blonski ◽

Ewa Wawrzyniak ◽

Aleksandra Palacz ◽

Joanna Gora-Tybor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

B Cell ◽

Chromosomal Aberrations ◽

Interim Analysis ◽

Chromosomal Abnormalities ◽

Complete Response ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Lower Probability ◽

Trisomy 12 ◽

Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract Impact of cytogenetic abnormalities on treatment with different purine nucleoside analogs in patients (pts) with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is largely unknown. One of objectives of PALG-CLL3 trial, comparing cladribine plus cyclophosphamide (CC) with fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide (FC) in previously untreated progressive B-CLL, was to verify the response to treatment in subsets of pts characterized by common cytogenetic abberrations. Chromosomal abnormalities were assessed using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on interphase nuclei of lymphocytes on whole blood smears prior to the start of the study treatment. Pts were screened for trisomy 12, deletions (del) 11q, del 13q and del 17p using DNA probes: CEP12, LSI: ATM, D13S319 and p53 (Vysis), respectively. For the purpose of the present interim analysis complete cytogenetic results were available in 133 pts out of 423 pts included to the study. In this group the chromosomal aberrations were detected in 102 pts (77%) including single abnormalities observed in 69 pts (52%) and two or more aberrations in 33 pts (25%). Thirty-one pts (23%) exhibited a normal interphase FISH pattern. The most frequent single abnormality was del 13q found in 38 pts (29%), while del 17p, trisomy 12 and del 11q were identified in 14 pts (11%), 11 pts (8%), and 6 pts, (5%), respectively. The most frequently observed associations of chromosomal aberrations were: del 13q with del 11q (11 pts, 8%) and del 13q with del 17p (10 pts, 8%). Four pts (3%) revealed three chromosomal abnormalities including association of trisomy 12/del 11q/del 13q in two pts, trisomy 12/del 11q/del 17p in one pt and del 11q/del 13q/del 17p in one pt. Overall, treatment was completed and response assessed in 113 out of 133 pts with known FISH pattern. In this group of pts del 17p was the only chromosomal abnormality that correlated significantly with treatment outcome. Pts with del 17p (21, 19%) had lower probability to achieve a complete response (CR) (0.044). Interestingly, in independent analyses of both treatment arms, the negative impact of 17p was seen in pts treated with FC (p=0.002), but not in pts treated with CC (p=0.6). Moreover, comparing response rates between treatment arms we found that CC was superior to FC in terms of complete response in pts with del 17p (57% CR in CC v 14% CR in FC arm, p=0.04). In conclusion, chromosomal abnormalities can be detected in majority B-CLL pts requiring treatment. Our preliminary results suggest that CC combination may have some advantage in terms of CR achievement in B-CLL pts harboring del 17p.

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Subcutaneous Alemtuzumab in Patients with Refractory/Relapsed B-Cell CLL after a Fludarabine-Based Regimen. An Interim Analysis.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v108.11.2843.2843 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 108 (11) ◽

pp. 2843-2843

Author(s):

R. Fernando Bezares ◽

German Stemmelin ◽

Daniel Argentieri ◽

Emilio Lanari ◽

Efrain Guy-Garay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cell ◽

Interim Analysis ◽

Residual Disease ◽

Single Agent ◽

Complete Response ◽

Median Number ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Prior Therapy ◽

Barr Virus ◽

Epstein Barr

Abstract Background: Alemtuzumab is the only single agent immunotherapy to demonstrate a survival benefit in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), who have relapsed from or are refractory to Fludarabine therapy. The optimized schedule for alemtuzumab that achieves maximal efficacy with manageable toxicity is still being explored. Here, we report the second interim analysis of a new, less intensive schedule of alemtuzumab administered subcutaneously (SC) to patients with refractory/relapsed B-CLL. Methods: Alemtuzumab was dose escalated from 10 to 20 mg during the first week, 30 mg twice week during the second and third weeks, and 30 mg once weekly during Weeks 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 34, and 40. Antiviral prophylaxis included TMP/SMX bid 3 times a week and acyclovir 200 mg three-times daily. Results: Of the 38 patients who were recruited to participate in the trial, 12 (31.6%)were refractory and 26 (68.4%) had relapsed from prior therapy. Patients had a median age of 66.5 years (range, 43–86 years), 30 were male (79%), 45%/53% had Binet stage B/C disease. The median number of prior therapies was 1 (range: 1–4). The median duration of therapy was 7 weeks (range, 2–24 weeks), with a median cumulative alemtuzumab dose of 457 mg (range, 120–1,080 mg). Among the 35 patients who were evaluable for response, the overall response rate was 88.6%: 45.8%complete response (CR), 2.9% unconfirmed CR, 42.8% partial response (PR). Four patients ( 11.5%) did not respond to therapy. Of the 9 patients with refractory disease, 1 achieved a CR, 6 a PR and 2 did not respond. Median follow up was 13 months and median overall survival was not achieved. Minimal residual disease (MRD) was measured by flow cytometry in 6 patients who achieved a CR: 4 patients had <0.5% of CD5/CD19+ cells, 1 patient had <5% of CLL cells, and 1 patient had <10% CLL cells. According to WHO toxicity criteria, over 38 evaluable patients, 4 (10,6%) experienced grade 3/4 infection; 2 patients had grade 2/3 granulocytopenia/thrombocytopenia; 1 patient had cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation without CMV disease; and 1 patient developed Epstein-Barr Virus with prolonged bone marrow hypoplasia. Conclusion: Results of this second interim analysis suggest that a less intense regimen of alemtuzumab is feasible, effective, and safe for patients with refractory/relapse B-CLL after fludarabine therapy.

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Randomized Comparison of Cladribine with Cyclophosphamide and Fludarabine with Cyclophosphamide in Previously Untreated Progressive and Symptomatic Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: The Interim Analysis of PALG CLL3 Trial.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v106.11.2121.2121 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 106 (11) ◽

pp. 2121-2121 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tadeusz Robak ◽

Jerzy Z. Blonski ◽

Joanna Gora-Tybor ◽

Jacek Najda ◽

Beata Stella-Holowiecka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Interim Analysis ◽

Residual Disease ◽

Complete Response ◽

Similar Efficacy ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

P Value ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Toxicity Criteria ◽

Related Mortality

Abstract The efficacy and toxicity of cladribine (2-CdA) + cyclophsphamide (CY) - CC versus fludarabine (FA) + CY - FC were compared in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. The study was started in January 2004. Eligible patients were asigned to either 2-CdA 0,12mg/kg/d and CY 250mg/m2/d for 3 consecutive days or FA 25mg/m2/d and CY 250mg/m2/d also for 3 days. Courses were repeated at 28 days intervals or longer if myelosupression and/or infection developes for a maximum 6 courses. The response and toxicity criteria were those recommended by NCI SWG. Minimal residual disease (MRD) was evaluated by flow cytometry if complete response (CR) was achieved. As shown in the table, there were no significant differences in the rates of overall response (OR), CR, grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and infections between the programmes. MRD negativity was obtained in 4 patients in CC arm and in 6 patients in FC arm (p=0.69). The death rate was similar in both groups, 2 (3.2%) and 6 (8.2%), respectively (p=0.19). The therapy related mortality was not observed. In conclusion, CC and FC programmes seem to have similar efficacy and toxicity in previously untreated CLL patients. The results of the interim analysis of PALG CLL3 trial justify continuation of this study. Treatment Pts enrolled Pts evaluated OR (%) CR (%) Thrombocytopenia Neutropenia Infections CC 96 63 57 (90.5) 20 (31.7) 8 (12.7) 15 (23.8) 26 (41.3) FC 100 73 62 (84.9) 25 (34.3) 6 (8.2) 17 (23.3) 20 (27.4) p value 0.24 0.45 0.27 0.53 0.06

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Daratumumab (DARA) maintenance or observation (OBS) after treatment with bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone (VTd) with or without DARA and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM): CASSIOPEIA Part 2.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.8004 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 8004-8004

Author(s):

Philippe Moreau ◽

Pieter Sonneveld ◽

Keyword(s):

Interim Analysis ◽

Residual Disease ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

Complete Response ◽

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Second Primary ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Open Label ◽

Depth Of Response

8004 Background: D-VTd plus ASCT was approved for transplant-eligible (TE) NDMM based on part 1 of CASSIOPEIA. We report a prespecified interim analysis of CASSIOPEIA part 2: DARA maintenance vs OBS in pts with ≥partial response (PR) in part 1, regardless of induction/consolidation (ind/cons) treatment. Methods: CASSIOPEIA is a 2-part, randomized, open-label, phase 3 study in TE NDMM. Pts received 4 cycles ind and 2 cycles cons with D-VTd or VTd. 886 pts who achieved ≥PR were rerandomized to DARA 16 mg/kg IV Q8W for up to 2 yr (n = 442) or OBS (n = 444) until progressive disease per IMWG. Pts were stratified by ind (D-VTd vs VTd) and depth of response (minimum residual disease [MRD] status and post cons response ≥PR). Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) after second randomization. This interim analysis assessed efficacy and safety after 281 PFS events. A preplanned hierarchical procedure tested key secondary endpoints: time to progression (TTP), ≥complete response (CR), MRD negativity rates by NGS and overall survival (OS). Results: At median follow-up of 35.4 mo, median PFS was not reached (NR) with DARA and 46.7 mo with OBS (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.42–0.68; P <0.0001). PFS advantage for DARA was consistent across most subgroups. However, a prespecified analysis showed significant interaction with ind/cons treatment arm ( P< 0.0001). PFS HR for DARA vs OBS was 0.32 (95% CI 0.23–0.46) in the VTd arm and 1.02 (0.71–1.47) in the D-VTd arm. Median TTP was NR for DARA vs 46.7 mo for OBS (HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.38–0.62; P <0.0001). More pts in the DARA vs OBS arm achieved ≥CR (72.9% vs 60.8%; OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.54–3.07; P <0.0001). MRD negativity (in ≥CR pts at 10-5) was 58.6% with DARA vs 47.1% with OBS (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.33–2.43; P= 0.0001). Median OS was NR in either arm. Most common (≥2.5%) grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) with DARA vs OBS were pneumonia (2.5% vs 1.4%), lymphopenia (3.6% vs 1.8%), and hypertension (3.0% vs 1.6%). Serious AEs occurred in 22.7% (DARA) vs 18.9% (OBS) of pts; the most common (≥2.5%) was pneumonia (2.5% vs 1.6%). 13 (3.0%) pts discontinued DARA due to an AE. The rate of infusion-related reactions was 54.5% (DARA-naïve pts) and 2.2% (prior DARA pts); 90% were grade 1/2.Second primary malignancies occurred in 5.5% (DARA) vs 2.7% (OBS) of pts. Conclusions: CASSIOPEIA part 2 demonstrated a clinical benefit of DARA maintenance in TE NDMM pts, with significantly longer PFS for DARA vs OBS. With current follow-up, maintenance PFS benefit appeared only in pts treated with VTd as ind/cons. Pts who received D-VTd ind/cons with or without DARA maintenance achieved similar PFS; longer follow-up is needed for PFS2 and OS. DARA significantly increased deeper response and MRD negativity rates vs OBS, and was well tolerated with no new safety signals. Clinical trial information: NCT02541383.

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Detection and impact of minimal residual disease on outcome of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Orvosi Hetilap ◽

10.1556/oh.2012.29458 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 153 (41) ◽

pp. 1622-1628

Author(s):

Márk Plander ◽

Judit Skrapits ◽

Tünde Bozsó ◽

Tamás Szendrei ◽

János László Iványi

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Complete Remission ◽

Minimal Residual Disease ◽

Residual Disease ◽

Single Agent ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Free Survival ◽

Minimal Residual

Introduction: Minimal residual disease is associated with longer overall survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Aim: The aim of the authors was to determine the clinical significance of remission and minimal residual disease on the survival of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Methods: Data from 42 first-line treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were analyzed. Minimal residual disease was determined by flow cytometry. Results: Overall response and complete remission was achieved in 91%, 86%, 100% and 87%, 0%, 60% of patients with fludarabine-based combinations, single-agent fludarabine and cyclophosphamide + vincristin + prednisolone regimen, respectively. Minimal residual disease eradication was feasible only with fludarabine-based combinations in 60% of these cases. The ratio of minimal residual disease was 0.5% on average. During a median follow-up period lasting 30 months, the overall survival of patients with fludarabine-resistant disease proved to be significantly shorter (p = 0.04), while complete remission without minimal residual disease was associated with significantly longer progression free survival (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Only fludarabine-based combinations were able to eradicate minimal residual disease in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Complete remission without minimal residual disease may predict longer progression free survival in these patients. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1622–1628.

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Quantitative PCR Predicts Early Relapse in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Submitted to Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation. The Case for Early Clinical Intervention.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v104.11.2255.2255 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 104 (11) ◽

pp. 2255-2255

Author(s):

Carol Moreno ◽

Neus Villamor ◽

Dolors Colomer ◽

Jordi Esteve ◽

Francesc Bosch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

High Risk ◽

Median Time ◽

Residual Disease ◽

Clinical Intervention ◽

Complete Response ◽

Median Number ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Clinical Relapse ◽

Risk Of Relapse

Abstract Autologous stem cell transplants (auto-SCT) are increasingly performed in patients with CLL. Although this procedure results in a high complete response (CR) rate, most patients eventually relapse. The median time to relapse is around 5 years. Increasing levels of minimal residual disease (MRD), detected by PCR or flow cytometry (FC) are associated with clinical relapse. The early detection of patients likely to relapse shortly after SCT may be useful in the management of these patients. With this background, we analyzed the levels of MRD and its correlation with the risk of relapse and clinical outcome in 19 patients with CLL submitted to auto-SCT. MRD was assessed by FC and quantitative real time PCR of the IgH region using allele-specific oligonucleotides (ASO-PCR) in peripheral blood and/or bone marrow DNA samples obtained before SCT and at different time points thereafter. After SCT, 17 patients achieved CR and 2 partial response. A continuous pattern of relapses was observed and, after a median follow-up of 48 months (range, 11–101), 11/19 patients have progressed. The median number of CLL cells detected prior to SCT was 2.4x10−2 decreasing to 5.31x10−4 at 3–6 months after auto-SCT. No further decrease was observed beyond that point. At 3–6 months after auto-SCT, only 3/17 patients in CR had undetectable levels of disease. Patients with a MRD level >10−3 at this time point (3–6 months after transplant) had a significantly higher risk of progression than those who had less than 10−3 CLL cells. All but one patients with MRD>10−3 have relapsed (7/8) whereas only 4/9 with MRD<10−3 did so. As shown in the figure, median time to progression was significantly shorter in those patients with a higher MRD level (16 vs. 55 months; p=0.003) Figure Figure In conclusion, quantification of MRD within the first 6 months after auto-SCT allows the identification of CLL patients with a high risk of early clinical relapse. These data provide background to investigate whether early treatment, before clinically overt relapse occurs, might be useful in patients with high risk of relapse after SCT.

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Results of the Interim Analysis of the “HUSOM” Trial: Hungarian Study of Maintenance After Rituximab Pretreatment, A Multicentre, Phase III, Open-Label Study Evaluating the Benefit of a Long-Term MabThera (rituximab) Maintenance Therapy in Patients with Advance Follicular Lymphoma After Induction of Response (CR(u) or PR) with a MabThera (rituximab)-Containing First Line Regimen

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.2714.2714 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 2714-2714

Author(s):

Tamas J. Schneider ◽

Andras Rosta ◽

Hajna Losonczy ◽

Gaspar Radvanyi ◽

Gyorgy Ujj ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Complete Remission ◽

Maintenance Therapy ◽

Interim Analysis ◽

Risk Group ◽

Induction Treatment ◽

First Line ◽

Open Label ◽

Rituximab Maintenance ◽

Follicular Lymphomas

Abstract Abstract 2714 Background: The addition of immunotherapy–rituximab–to the treatment regimen of follicular lymphomas has led to a significant improvement in therapeutic efficacy. In the mid-2000's, immuno-chemotherapy was approved by European authorities as part of the induction treatment for untreated and relapsed follicular lymphomas followed by maintenance therapy. Data about efficacy and safety of rituximab maintenance following first-line induction with R-CVP or R-CHOP have not been available. Therefore the Hungarian National Working-Group initiated a trial: Hungarian Study of Maintenance after Rituximab Pretreatment. Methods: Between July 2005 and December 2008 126 newly diagnosed patients with follicular lymphoma who had achieved partial or complete remission after induction treatment with either R-CVP or R-CHOP were treated with two years of rituximab maintenance. In this open-label, single-arm study rituximab was administered in standard dose (375 mg/m2) every 8 weeks, 12 times in total. Results: 126 patients have been included. Data of 99 patients are available for this interim analysis. Average age of the 30 male (30%) and 69 female (70%) patients were 53.2 (29–80) years. Histological subtypes were grade-1 in 32% of patients, grade-2 in 49%, and grade-3a in 19%. Twenty-eight percent of patients had tumors with size over 7 cm. Sixty-four percent of patients were in the moderate risk group (FLIPI: 1–2) and 36% in the high risk group. Fifty-six percent of patients received R-CVP and 44% R-CHOP induction treatment. After induction 61% achieved complete remission and 39% partial remission. With respect to induction treatment regimen, patients treated with R-CVP 52% showed CR and 48% PR. In patients treated with R-CHOP 75% had CR and 25% had PR. Fourteen patients (37%) in PR converted to CR during or after rituximab maintenance therapy. Three-year OS after initiation of maintenance was 94%, EFS was 84%, and PFS was 88%. With respect to FLIPI, OS rates were 97% and 89% for moderate and high risk groups respectively. Patients treated with R-CHOP achieved significantly better PFS (98% vs. 80%; p=0.0096) and EFS (93% vs. 76%; p=0.0332) than those treated with R-CVP. Patients achieving CR compared to PR showed significantly higher PFS (100% vs. 68 %; p<0.0001) and EFS (95 % vs. 65 %; p<0.0001) values respectively. Safety: Four patients experienced SAEs. Three patients died (due to causes other than lymphoma). Two hepatitis B reactivations occurred. Conclusion: These data confirm that rituximab maintenance is a safe and effective treatment for patients after induction with rituximab based immuno-chemotherapy. Interestingly those patients who were treated with more intense induction regimen R-CHOP and those who achieved a better remission status seemed to have a favorable outcome. Thirty-seven percent of patients receiving rituximab maintenance converted from PR to CR. Therefore these data support the use of rituximab maintenance in 1st line treatment. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Clinical Relevance of Immunophenotypic Characteristics in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.4604.4604 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 4604-4604

Author(s):

Megan Diehl ◽

Evan L Kulbacki ◽

Gloria Broadwater ◽

Anand S. Lagoo ◽

J. Brice Weinberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Platelet Count ◽

T Cell ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Interphase Cytogenetics ◽

Cell Markers ◽

Medical Centers ◽

Trisomy 12 ◽

Duke University ◽

Time To First Treatment

Abstract Abstract 4604 Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has the highest incidence and prevalence of any leukemia in the United States. It has a characteristic immunophenotype, but variant forms (typically termed “atypical CLL”) are commonly encountered. It is not known if this immunophenotypic heterogeneity in CLL is clinically relevant. We hypothesized that the immunophenotype of CLL cells correlates with both biologic parameters and clinical outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of clinical, biologic, and flow cytometric data of patients undergoing an evaluation of an absolute lymphocytosis at the Duke University and Durham VA Medical Centers. Patients meeting immunophenotypic criteria for CLL based on cell surface expression of CD5, CD19, CD20, CD23, and surface immunoglobulin light chain (sIg) were included in this analysis. Atypical CLL was defined if any of the following were observed: (1) expression of CD5, CD20, CD23, or sIg that differed from a typical CLL immunophenotype (e.g. bright CD20 or low CD23; hereafter non-standard immunophenotype), (2) expression of T cell markers CD7 or CD8, or (3) expression of CD123. Through electronic chart review, clinical and biologic parameters were abstracted. These included age; gender; ethnicity; WBC, hemoglobin, platelet count, and Rai stage at diagnosis; time to first treatment; overall survival; CD38, ZAP70, IGHV mutation status, and interphase cytogenetics (FISH). A chi square test or Fisher’s exact test for small sample sizes was used to test association of categorical data. The central tendencies of continuous measurement were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Overall survival and time to treatment were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method. Survival curves were compared using the log-rank test. This study was approved by IRBs at Duke University and Durham VA Medical Centers. Results: We reviewed 189 patients, including 119 (63%) with typical CLL immunophenotype and 70 (37%) with atypical. Among patients with atypical CLL, 93% (65 of 70) had a non-standard immunophenotype, 33% (23 of 70) had expression of T cell markers, and 33% (14 of 43) had expression of CD123. We observed expression of T cell markers in 12% (23 of 189) and CD123 in 12% (14 of 114) of the entire cohort, respectively. At the time of diagnosis, there was no association between typical or atypical CLL immunophenotype and age, gender, race/ethnicity, WBC, hemoglobin, platelet count, or Rai stage (p>0.05 for all comparisons). With regard to biologic parameters, there was no association of CLL immunophenotype with the proportion of patients with CD38 ≥30%; however, the central tendency of CD38 was higher in the atypical group when analyzed as a continuous variable (median value 38% vs. 10%, p=0.04). There was no difference in the proportion of ZAP70 positive cases between typical and atypical groups. Analysis of interphase cytogenetics (FISH) data showed that a higher percentage of typical than atypical immunophenotypes had del 13q as a sole abnormality and a lower percentage had trisomy 12 (p=0.02). Despite the increased frequency of del 13q as a sole abnormality, lower frequency of trisomy 12, and lower expression of CD38, there was no difference between groups in time to first treatment (median 5.3 years for typical vs. 2.1 years for atypical; p= 0.11) or in overall survival (median 13.6 yrs64 years for typical vs. 18.0 years for atypical; p=0.11) (Figure 1). However, when patients with non-standard CLL immunophenotype were compared to those with a standard immunophenotype, a significantly shorter time to first treatment was observed (median 6.0 years for standard immunophenotype vs. 2.2 years for non-standard, p=0.03). Conclusion: Different immunophenotypic subtypes are commonly encountered in the care of patients with CLL. These groups have different biological characteristics, including differences in expression of CD38 and cytogenetic abnormalities. Exploratory analysis also showed differences in clinical outcomes based on immunophenotypic parameters. Validation studies are currently underway. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Prognostic Impact of the MRD Status After Induction Treatment with Rituximab Plus Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide and Mitoxantrone (R-FCM) in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Receiving Rituximab Maintenance Therapy

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.3930.3930 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 3930-3930

Author(s):

Pau Abrisqueta ◽

Neus Villamor ◽

María José Terol ◽

Eva González-Barca ◽

Marcos González ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Maintenance Therapy ◽

Clinical Response ◽

Induction Therapy ◽

Maintenance Treatment ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Induction Treatment ◽

Prognostic Impact ◽

Rituximab Maintenance ◽

The Impact

Abstract Abstract 3930 Chemoimmunotherapy combination regimens achieve high rates of negative minimal residual disease responses in CLL, which has been correlated with prolonged PFS and OS. In the present study, we addressed the prognostic value of MRD levels obtained after rituximab, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and mitoxantrone (R-FCM) induction treatment in the response duration of patients with CLL included in the GELLC-1 trial and receiving maintenance rituximab treatment (Bosch et al. J Clin Oncol 27:4578–4584, 2009). Patients achieving CR or PR after R-FCM induction received rituximab maintenance consisting of rituximab 375 mg/m2 every three months for two years (up to 8 cycles). MRD was evaluated by four-color flow cytometry assays giving a sensitivity < 10−4 in paired peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples three months after R-FCM induction therapy, every 6 months during rituximab maintenance, and at the final restaging 3 months after conclusion of treatment. Sixty-seven patients (median age 60 years, 70% male) received a median of 8 cycles of rituximab maintenance (range, 1 to 8), 76% of them completing the entire planned treatment. After R-FCM induction, MRD was considered negative in 45/59 patients (76%) in PB and in 35/63 patients (55%) in BM. Of note, these patients with negative MRD in PB had longer PFS in comparison to those with detectable MRD (at 4 years, 88%, [95%IC 98%-78%] vs 27%, [95%IC 51%-3%] respectively; p<0.01) (Figure 1). MRD negativity in BM showed a trend for a prolonged PFS (p=0.056). When MRD levels in BM after R-FCM induction where categorized, we observed that PFS was similar between the MRD negative (<10−4; n=35) and intermediate (>10−4 to <10−2; n=20) subgroups, whereas it was significantly shorter in patients showing high (>10−2, n=8) MRD levels (PFS at 4 years, 84%, 74%, and 25%, respectively, p<0.01). MRD levels after RFCM induction were compared between PB and BM paired samples. Whereas 12/57 patients (21%) that were MRD negative in PB resulted positive in BM, all patients with negative MRD in BM also had negative MRD in PB. Patients with discrepancies (negative in PB but positive in BM) in their MRD status presented a similar PFS than those with negative MRD in BM (4 year PFS, 85% vs. 90%, P=NS). The impact of MRD levels in PB achieved after R-FCM induction on PFS was also analyzed. MRD status proved to be a superior predictor for PFS than clinical response (Figure 2). In addition, when different prognostic variables (lymphocyte doubling time [LDT, cutoff 12 months], ZAP-70, serum ß2microglobulin and LDH, cytogenetic abnormalities, and MRD levels) were analyzed as predictors for PFS, only MRD status in PB along with LDT remained significantly predictive. After rituximab maintenance, 40.6% of patients achieved a MRD-negative CR, 40.6% a MRD+ CR, 5% a PR, and 14% failed to treatment. Median time to conversion from negative to positive MRD was 45.4 months, significantly longer than that observed in patients treated with FCM only (45.4 vs. 16.4 months; p=0.011) (Bosch et al. Clin Can Res 14:155–161,2008). Moreover, 3 patients that achieved MRD negative in PB but remained MRD positive in BM after the initial R-FCM treatment, became MRD-negative in BM upon rituximab maintenance. Patients that remained MRD negative in PB at the end of rituximab maintenance treatment had an excellent outcome with a PFS of 93% at 4 years in comparison to 68% in patients with MRD positive status (p=0.016). In conclusion, in patients receiving rituximab maintenance MRD levels obtained after R-FCM induction correlated with PFS duration, this correlation being independent of the clinical response attained. The sensitivity of the detection of MRD in these patients was higher in BM than in PB. Finally, maintenance treatment with rituximab seems to prolong the PFS of patients with MRD positive status, minimizing the negative impact of low levels of MRD after induction therapy. Figure 1. Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 2. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Rituximab is currently not approved as maintenance therapy for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Bosch:Hoffman La Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Phase II Trial of Ofatumumab (OFA) for Older Patients and Patients Who Refuse Fludarabine-Based Regimens with Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.719.719 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 719-719 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ian W. Flinn ◽

William N. Harwin ◽

Patrick Ward ◽

Habib H. Doss ◽

Steven W. Papish ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Single Agent ◽

Age Groups ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

Response Rates ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Induction Treatment ◽

Front Line ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Abstract 719 Background: Fludarabine (FLU), cyclophosphamide and rituximab or other FLU based regimens have shown improvement in response rates, progression-free survival, and in some studies overall survival in patients (pts) with previously untreated CLL or SLL. However, the value of FLU based therapies in older pts is less clear with both clinical trial and retrospective analyses showing no improvement in progression-free and overall survival with FLU based therapy. In contrast, regimens that contain rituximab appear to provide benefit across all age groups. OFA is a fully human Immunoglobulin G1 kappa, monoclonal antibody that targets a unique epitope on the CD20 molecule. Pre-clinical data indicate that OFA has greater NK cell and monocyte mediated killing, complement dependent cytotoxicity, and direct killing against CLL cells. Based on pre-clinical and clinical studies indicating possible increased efficacy of OFA in pts with CLL, our aim was to develop an antibody-only regimen for older pts and pts who refuse FLU-based regimens. Methods: Eligible pts had previously untreated CD20+ B-cell CLL(B-CLL) or SLL according to NCI criteria, ECOG PS of ≤2, and were either ≥ 65 years of age, or pts 18–64 years of age who had declined FLU-based regimens. All pts in this study received OFA as an IV infusion once weekly for a total of 8 weeks. To reduce the possibility of infusion reactions, the first dose of OFA was administered at a dose of 300mg. If the initial 300mg dose of OFA was well tolerated, without occurrence of any infusion associated AEs of ≥ grade 3, subsequent doses of OFA (i.e., Week 2 through Week 8) were given at a dose of 2000mg for cohort 1 and 1000mg for cohort 2. Eight weeks after the 8-week induction treatment (tx) ended; pts were assessed for response to the tx. Pts who progressed received no further tx. Pts who responded to the tx or who did not have disease progression received maintenance therapy - OFA at a dose of 2000mg IV for cohort 1 and 1000mg for cohort 2 every 2 months for 2 years (for a total of 12 doses, in the absence of PD or intolerable toxicity) beginning 3 months after the last dose of OFA. Results: Between 8/2010 and 12/2011, 77 pts were accrued (44 pts on cohort 1, 33 pts on cohort 2), median FU for Cohort 1 was 16.1 months (11.6–20.9) and Cohort 2 7.2 months (3.6–10.7). Median age of cohort 1 was 69 (range 47–88) and cohort 2 was 75 (range 50–93). Rai stage at study entry was I/II/III/IV (cohort 1 15/5/11/14 and cohort 2 9/10/7/7). All pts have completed induction therapy. The most common reason for early discontinuation was due to progressive disease (7 pts). Neutropenia was the most common grade 3/4 hematologic adverse event (10 pts). There were no G3 related non-hematologic AEs in either cohort. Two pts have died (1 due to MI, 1 due to CVA). Response by NCI 1996 criteria and IWCLL 2008 criteria and FISH category are shown below; at the time of this analysis 44 pts on C1 and 22pts on C2 were evaluable for response. Kaplan-Meier estimate of PFS is 74% at 15 months for cohort 1. Time to event data for cohort 2 are immature at this analysis but PFS but will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: OFA, when given as a single agent, is well tolerated as front-line therapy in pts with CLL/SLL. Response rates and PFS compare favorably to our previous studies with rituximab using the same response criteria, particularly when differences in the age of pts entered onto the study are considered. The optimal single-agent dose of OFA in the front-line setting remains to be determined. Further follow-up of these data my provide insight in the dose/response relationship. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Ofatumumab as front-line treatment for CLL/SLL.

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