Randomized, Phase II Dose Optimization Study Of Chimeric Antigen Receptor Modified T Cells Directed Against CD19 (CTL019) In Patients With Relapsed, Refractory CLL

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 873-873 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Porter ◽  
Michael Kalos ◽  
Noelle V. Frey ◽  
Stephan A Grupp ◽  
Alison W. Loren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Dose Level ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
University Of Pennsylvania ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Lower Dose Level ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Cell And Gene Therapy

Abstract Background Patients (pts) with relapsed, and/or refractory (R/R) CLL have a poor prognosis with few effective treatment options. We have shown that infusion of autologous T cells genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) consisting of an external anti-CD19 domain, with the CD3ζ and 4-1BB signaling domains (CTL019 cells), can mediate potent anti-tumor effects in pts with advanced, relapsed refractory CLL. In our initial pilot study, doses of 1.7-50, x 108 mononuclear cells, corresponding to 0.14-5.9 x 108genetically modified cells, were given as a split dose infusion on days 0, 1 and 2 to 14 pts with R/R CLL and overall response rate (PR plus CR) was 57%. The majority of responses were sustained, and associated with marked expansion and long-term persistence of transduced cells. Notably, there was no obvious dose:reponse or dose:toxicity effect noted over a wide range of cell doses. To better define an optimal CTL019 cell dose, we are performing a randomized phase II study of 2 doses of CTL019 cells in pts with R/R CLL. Methods Pts with R/R CLL are randomly assigned to receive either 5x108 vs. 5x107transduced CTL019 cells, with the rationale that both doses induced CRs in pts on our initial pilot trial. In the initial stage, 12 evaluable pts will be treated in each arm and in stage 2, an additional 8 pts will be treated with the selected dose level. Pts have to have relapsed or persistent disease after at least 2 previous treatments and progress within 2 years of their last therapy. All pts receive lymphodepleting chemotherapy ending 3-5 days before T cell infusion. Cell infusions are given as a single dose. Results As of 7/15/2013, 27 pts have been enrolled; T cells did not adequately expand in 3, 1 patient was not eligible after screening, and 10 pts have been treated including 7 men and 3 women with a median age of 63 yrs (range 59-76). 5 pts had a mutation of p53. All pts had active disease at the time of CTL019 cell infusion. Lymphodepleting chemotherapy was Fludarabine/cyclophosphamide (8), pentostatin/cyclophosphamide (1), or bendamustine (1). 4 pts have been randomized to the higher dose level (5 x 108 CTL019 cells) and 6 pts have been randomized to the lower dose level (5 x 107CTL019 cells). There were no significant infusional toxicities. Median follow-up as of July 15, 2013 was 3 mo (1.3-5) for all pts and 3.3 mo (1.3-4) for responding pts. 2 pts have achieved a CR and 2 pts achieved PR, both with clearance of CLL from the blood and marrow and >50 reduction in adenopathy, for an overall response rate of 40%. In other recipients of CTL019 cells, we have observed ongoing improvement in adenopathy over time implying there can be a continued anti-tumor response. No responding patient has progressed. Seven of 10 pts experienced a delayed cytokine release syndrome (CRS) manifested by symptoms that included high fevers, nausea, myalgias and in some cases, capillary leak, hypoxia, and hypotension, typically correlated with peak CTL019 cell expansion. We have noted that the CRS accompanying CTL019 therapy has been associated with marked increases of serum IL6 and can be rapidly reversed with the IL6-receptor antagonist tocilizumab. The CRS required intervention in 2 pts, one who responded and one who did not respond to CTL019. Treatment was initiated for hemodynamic or respiratory instability and was effective in reversing signs and symptoms of CRS in both pts. A preliminary analysis through July 15, 2013 does not yet suggest a dose:response or dose:toxicity relationship. 2 of 4 recipients of the higher dose CTL019 responded, and 2 of 6 recipients at the lower dose level responded. The 7 pts who experienced a CRS included all 4 responding pts and 3 pts who did not respond. The CRS occurred in 3/4 recipients of higher dose CTL019 cells and 4/6 of recipients of lower dose CTL019 cells. CTL019 expansion in-vivo and persistence over the follow up period was noted in all responding pts. Conclusions In this ongoing dose optimization study of CTL019 cells, 4 of the first 10 pts treated have responded within 3 months. With short follow-up, as yet there is no suggestion that there is a dose:response or dose:toxicity relationship at the dose ranges being studied. These cells can undergo robust in-vivo expansion and from other studies (ASH 2013) can persist for at least 3 yrs. This trial confirms that CTL019 cells can induce potent responses for pts with advanced, relapsed and refractory CLL. Disclosures: Porter: Novatis: IP and potential royalties with COI managed according to policies of the University of Pennsylvania, IP and potential royalties with COI managed according to policies of the University of Pennsylvania Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Genentech: Spouse employment, Spouse employment Other. Off Label Use: CTL019 cells to treat CLL. Kalos:Novartis corporation: CART19 technology, CART19 technology Patents & Royalties; Adaptive biotechnologies: Member scientific advisory board , Member scientific advisory board Other. Grupp:Novartis: Research Funding. Chew:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Shen:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wood:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Litchman:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zheng:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Levine:Novartis: cell and gene therapy IP, cell and gene therapy IP Patents & Royalties. June:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.

T Cells Engineered With a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Targeting CD19 (CTL019) Produce Significant In Vivo Proliferation, Complete Responses and Long-Term Persistence Without Gvhd In Children and Adults With Relapsed, Refractory ALL

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 67-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan A Grupp ◽  
Noelle V. Frey ◽  
Richard Aplenc ◽  
David M Barrett ◽  
Anne Chew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Cell And Gene Therapy ◽  
Active Disease

Abstract Background CARs combine a single chain variable fragment (scFv) of an antibody with intracellular signaling domains into a single chimeric protein. We previously reported on CTL019 cells expressing a CAR with intracellular activation plus costimulatory domains. Infusion of these cells results in 100 to 100,000x in vivo proliferation, durable anti-tumor activity, and prolonged persistence in pts with B cell tumors, including 1 sustained CR in a patient with ALL (Grupp, et al. NEJM 2013). We now report on outcomes and longer follow up from our pilot studies treating 20 pts (16 children and 4 adults) with relapsed, refractory ALL. Methods T cells were lentivirally transduced with a CAR composed of anti-CD19 scFv/4-1BB/CD3ζ, activated/expanded ex-vivo with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 beads, and then infused into pts with relapsed or refractory CD19+ ALL. 17/20 pts received lymphodepleting chemotherapy the week prior to CTL019 infusion. The targeted T cell dose range was 107 to 108 cells/kg with a transduction efficiency (TE) of 11-45%. On the adult protocol, the target dose was 5 x 109 total cells split over 3 days with a TE of 6-31%. 11 pts had relapsed ALL after a prior allogeneic SCT. T cells were collected from the pt, regardless of prior SCT status, and not from allo donors. All pts s/p allo SCT had to be 6 mos s/p SCT with no GVHD or GVHD treatment. Results 16 children median age 9.5 y (5-22y) and 4 adults median age 50y (26-60y) with CD19+ ALL were treated. One child had T cell ALL aberrantly expressing CD19. 14/16 pediatric pts had active disease or +MRD after chemotherapy on the day prior to CTL019 cell infusion, while 2 were MRD(-). 3 of 4 adults had active disease prior to lymphodepleting chemotherapy, while 1 was in morphologic CR. Lymphodepleting chemotherapy varied with most receiving a Cytoxan-containing regimen the week prior to CTL019. A median of 3.7x106 CTL019 cells/kg (0.7-18x106/kg) were infused over 1-3 days. There were no infusional toxicities >grade 2, although 5 pts developed fevers within 24 hrs of infusion and did not receive planned subsequent infusions of CTL019 cells. 14 patients (82%) achieved a CR, including the patient with CD19+ T ALL, 3 did not respond, and 3 are pending evaluation. 11/17 evaluable pts have ongoing BM CR with median follow up 2.6 mo (1.2-15 mo). Three patients with a CR at 1 month have subsequently relapsed, 1 with CD19(-) disease. Median follow-up as of August 1, 2013 was 2.6 mo (1-15 mo) for all pts. All responding pts developed some degree of delayed cytokine release syndrome (CRS), concurrent with peak T cell expansion, manifested by fever, with variable degrees of myalgias, nausea, anorexia. Some experienced transient hypotension and hypoxia. Detailed cytokine analysis showed marked increases from baseline values of IL6 and IFNγ (both up to 1000x), and IL2R, with mild or no significant elevation in systemic levels of TNFα or IL2. Treatment for CRS was required for hemodynamic or respiratory instability in 7/20 patients and was rapidly reversed in all cases with the IL6-receptor antagonist tocilizumab (7 pts), together with corticosteroids in 4 pts. Although T cells collected from the 11 pts who had relapsed after allo SCT were generally 100% of donor origin, no GVHD has been seen. Persistence of CTL019 cells detected by flow cytometry and/or QPCR in pts with ongoing responses continued for 1-15 months after infusion, resulting in complete B cell aplasia during the period of CTL019 persistence. Pts have been treated with IVIg without any unusual infectious complications. One child who entered a CR subsequently developed MDS with a new trisomy 8 in ALL remission and has gone to SCT, and 1 child developed a single leukemia cutis lesion at 6 mo, still BM MRD(-). Conclusions CTL019 cells are T cells genetically engineered to express an anti-CD19 scFv coupled to CD3ζ signaling and 4-1BB costimulatory domains. These cells can undergo robust in-vivo expansion and can persist for 15 mo or longer in pts with relapsed ALL. CTL019 therapy is associated with a significant CRS that responds rapidly to IL-6-targeted anti-cytokine treatment. This approach has promise as a salvage therapy for patients who relapse after allo-SCT, and collection of tolerized cells from the recipient appears to have a low risk of GVHD. CTL019 cells can induce potent and durable responses for patients with relapsed/refractory ALL. Multicenter trials are being developed to test this therapy for ALL in the phase 2 setting. Disclosures: Grupp: Novartis: Research Funding. Chew:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Levine:Novartis: cell and gene therapy IP, cell and gene therapy IP Patents & Royalties. Litchman:Novartis Phamaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Rheingold:Novartis: Research Funding. Shen:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wood:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. June:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor Modified T Cells Directed Against CD19 (CTL019 cells) Have Long-Term Persistence and Induce Durable Responses In Relapsed, Refractory CLL

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 4162-4162 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Porter ◽  
Michael Kalos ◽  
Noelle V. Frey ◽  
Stephan A. Grupp ◽  
Alison W. Loren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
P53 Mutation ◽  
Advisory Board ◽  
Scientific Advisory ◽  
Cell And Gene Therapy ◽  
Signaling Domains

Abstract Background Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) combine the antigen recognition domain of an antibody with intracellular signaling domains into a single chimeric protein. CD19 is an ideal target for CARs since expression is restricted to normal and malignant B cells. Inclusion of the CD137 (4-1BB) signaling domain results in potent antitumor activity and in-vivo persistence of anti-CD19 CAR-modified T cells in mice. Lentiviral transduction into T cells facilitates strong surface expression of the CAR. We reported anti-tumor activity of CAR-modified autologous T cells targeted to CD19 (CTL019 cells) in 3 patients (pts) with CLL with relatively short follow up (Porter, et al NEJM 2011; Kalos et al Sci Trans Med 2011). We now report on outcomes and longer follow up from our pilot study treating 14 pts with relapsed, refractory CLL. Methods Autologous T cells collected by leukapheresis were transduced with a lentivirus encoding anti-CD19 scFv linked to 4-1BB and CD3-ζ signaling domains. Gene-modified T cells were expanded and activated ex-vivo by exposure to anti-CD3/CD28 beads. Pts had to have relapsed or persistent disease after at least 2 previous treatments (1 prior therapy for patients with p53 mutation) and progressed at least within 2 years of their last therapy. All pts received lymphodepleting chemotherapy ending 3-5 days before T cell infusion. The target dose of cells was 5 x 109 mononuclear cells with an expected transfection efficiency of 10-40% (total CTL019 dose 5x108 – 2 x 109 total cells). Cell infusions were planned over 3 days (10% on day 1, 30% of day 2, and 60% on day 3) but were held for fevers or other toxicity. Results 14 patients were treated on this pilot study including 12 men and 2 women with a median age of 67 (51-78). Pts had received a median of 4 prior therapies (1-10) and 6 pts had a mutation of p53. All pts had active disease at the time of CTL019 cell infusion. Lymphodepleting chemotherapy was Fludarabine/cyclophosphamide (3), pentostatin/cyclophosphamide (5), or bendamustine (6). A median of 7.5 x 108 total cells (range 1.7-50), corresponding to 1.4 x 108(range 0.14-5.9) genetically modified cells were infused over day 0, 1 and 2. There were no infusional toxicities >grade 2 though 6 pts developed fevers within 24 hrs of infusion #1 (3) or #2 (3) and did not receive additional CTL019 cells. Median follow-up as of July 15, 2013 was 9.4 mo (4-35) for all pts and 16 mo (5-35) for the 8 responding pts. 3 patients (21%) achieved a CR (follow-up 11, 34, and 35 mo), 5 (36%) achieved a PR (med follow up 11 mo, range 5-27 mo) and 6 (43%) had no response, for an overall major response rate of 57%. 2 of 5 pts with a PR progressed 4 mo after infusion with CD19+ CLL, and no patient with a CR has relapsed. Comparing responders to non-responders, there has been no association between response and patient age (66 vs 67 yrs), number of prior therapies (median 4 each), cell dose (7.5 vs 11.5 x 108MNC), or p53 mutation (3/8 vs 3/6, p>0.9), implying that within the dose ranges studied, there is no obvious dose:response relationship. All responding pts developed a delayed cytokine release syndrome (CRS), concurrent with peak T cell expansion, and was manifested by fever, and variable degrees of nausea, anorexia, myalgias, and transient hypotension and hypoxia. Detailed cytokine analysis showed marked increases from baseline values of IL6, IFN-γ, and IL2R, while no significant elevation in systemic levels of TNFα or IL2 were observed. The CRS required intervention in 5 patients. Treatment was initiated for hemodynamic or respiratory instability and was rapidly reversed in all cases with corticosteroids in 1 pt and the IL6-receptor antagonist tocilizumab (4 pts); 3 of these 4 pts also received 1 or 2 doses of corticosteroids. Persistence of CTL019 cells has been detected by flow cytometry in all 6 pts with ongoing responses 5-35 months after infusion, and all patients have sustained B cell aplasia without any unusual infectious complications. Conclusions CTL019 cells are autologous T cells genetically engineered to express an anti-CD19 scFv coupled to 4-1BB/CD3-ζ signaling domains. These cells can undergo robust in-vivo expansion and can persist for at least 3 yrs. CTL019 therapy is associated with a significant CRS that responds rapidly to anti-cytokine treatment. CTL019 cells can induce potent and sustained responses (8/14) for patients with advanced, relapsed and refractory CLL regardless of p53 mutation status. Disclosures: Porter: Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Genentech: Spouse employment, Spouse employment Other. Off Label Use: CTL019 cells to treat CLL. Kalos:Adaptive biotechnologies: Member scientific advisory board , Member scientific advisory board Other; Novartis corporation: CART19 technology, CART19 technology Patents & Royalties. Grupp:Novatis: Research Funding. Lledo:Novartis: Research Funding. Chew:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Zheng:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Levine:Novartis: cell and gene therapy IP, cell and gene therapy IP Patents & Royalties. June:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.

Minimally Ex Vivo Manipulated Gene-Modified T Cells Display Enhanced Tumor Control

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 4549-4549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saba Ghassemi ◽  
Patel Prachi ◽  
John Scholler ◽  
Selene Nunez-Cruz ◽  
David M. Barrett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
University Of Pennsylvania ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T ◽  
Equity Ownership

Abstract Adoptive cell therapy employing T cells equipped with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) containing a single chain antibody fragment fused to T cell signaling domains 4-1BB and CD3zeta (CTL019) has shown great potency against various hematopoietic malignancies, e.g. B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, it has not shown the same response rate in other malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We recently demonstrated that the in vivo expansion and persistence of CAR T cells is an important predictor of response to CTL019 in CLL (PMID: 26333935) and ALL (Thudium et al., ASH 2016; Fraietta et al., ASH 2016). Furthermore, it is well known that prolonged culture of T cells negatively impacts the in vivo expansion of the adoptively transferred cells. We therefore hypothesized that minimizing the ex vivo manipulation of T cells would improve the efficacy of CAR T cells. We tested this hypothesis by generating CART19 cells using our standard 9-day manufacturing process plus two abbreviated versions. Cells from normal donors (n=9) and from patients with adult ALL (n=6) were stimulated on day 0 followed by transduction with the CAR19-encoding lentiviral vector on day 1. Cells were harvested on days 3, 5, and 9. Cryopreserved aliquots were evaluated for T cell differentiation using polychromatic flow cytometry, cytokine secretion profile using Luminex, cytolytic ability against a leukemia cell line (NALM6), proliferative ability upon restimulation with CD19-expressing target cells, and in vivo control of our well-established xenogeneic ALL model employing NALM6 as the target. Our data show that all cultures contain a substantial proportion (40%-80%) of na•ve-like CD45RO-CCR7+ T cells that progressively differentiate leading to the accumulation of predominantly (60%-90%) central memory T cells by the end of expansion. Comparative assessment of the CART19 cells at all three time points demonstrated that the cells from the shorter cultures displayed a superior in vitrocytolytic activity, and proliferative response compared to the standard process. In addition,the cells from our standard and shortened cultures all secreted comparable levels of type I cytokines (i.e. IFN-g, IL-2, and TNF-α). Importantly, we investigated the therapeutic potential of cells harvested at day 3 versus later time points. We treated NALM6 xenograftmice with a low dose (0.5 x106 CAR+ T cell I.V.) or standard dose (3 x106 CAR+ T cell I.V.).We demonstrate that day 3 CART19 cells show superior anti-leukemic activity compared to day 5 or day 9 cells. Additionally, we show that mice treated at a low dose with day 3 cells exhibit the greatest anti-leukemic efficacy compared with day 9 cells where the latter fail to control leukemia (Figure 1). Our preclinical findings provide evidence that extended ex vivo manipulation of T cells negatively affects their in vivo potency.In summary, we show that limiting T cell culture ex vivo to the minimum required for lentiviral transduction provides the most efficacious T cells for adoptive T cell immunotherapy. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Ghassemi: Novartis: Research Funding. Scholler:Novartis: Patents & Royalties; University of Pennsylvania: Patents & Royalties: FAP-CAR US Patent 9,365,641 for targeting tumor microenvironment. Nunez-Cruz:Novartis: Research Funding. Barrett:Novartis: Research Funding. Bedoya:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Fraietta:Novartis: Patents & Royalties: Novartis, Research Funding. Lacey:Novartis: Research Funding. Levine:GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences: Consultancy; Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Grupp:Novartis: Research Funding. June:Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding; Tmunity: Equity Ownership, Other: Founder, stockholder ; University of Pennsylvania: Patents & Royalties; Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Patents & Royalties: Immunology, Research Funding; Immune Design: Consultancy, Equity Ownership; Celldex: Consultancy, Equity Ownership. Milone:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Melenhorst:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.

scholarly journals JCARH125, Anti-BCMA CAR T-cell Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Initial Proof of Concept Results from a Phase 1/2 Multicenter Study (EVOLVE)

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 957-957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sham Mailankody ◽  
Myo Htut ◽  
Kelvin P. Lee ◽  
William Bensinger ◽  
Todd Devries ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Introduction: B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is expressed on malignant plasma cells and is an attractive therapeutic target for multiple myeloma. BCMA CAR T-cells, antibody drug conjugates and bispecific T-cell engagers have demonstrated substantial preclinical and clinical activity to date. JCARH125 is a BCMA-targeting CAR T product containing a lentiviral CAR construct with a fully human scFv, optimized spacer, 4-1BB co-stimulatory and CD3z activation domains. The construct has shown minimal tonic signaling and lack of inhibition by soluble BCMA. JCARH125 is generated using a manufacturing process developed to optimize various aspects, including increased consistency of cell health, in the drug product. Methods: EVOLVE (NCT03430011) is a multi-center, phase 1/2 trial of JCARH125 in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, who have received 3 or more prior regimens, which must include autologous stem cell transplant, a proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory drug and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, unless not a candidate (i.e. contraindicated) to receive one or more of the above treatments. Lymphodepleting chemotherapy (LDC) consisting of 3 days of fludarabine (30 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2) is given 2 to 7 days prior to JCARH125 infusion. A single dose of JCARH125 is given on day 1. Dose escalation is determined using the modified toxicity probability interval 2 (mTPI-2). A minimum of 3 patients are evaluated at each dose level (DL). The first 2 DLs evaluated were 50 and 150x 106 CAR+ T cells. Additional DLs are planned, followed by an expansion at the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). The primary objectives of the phase 1 portion are safety and identifying a RP2D. Results: At the time of the July 12, 2018 data analysis, 19 patients have been enrolled (i.e. apheresed) and 13 patients dosed with JCARH125. Only one patient was unable to receive JCARH125, due to sepsis after LDC, leading to death before JCARH125 administration. Eight patients were evaluable for safety (≥ 1 mo follow-up). (n = 5 DL1; n = 3 DL2). Three patients (all from DL1) were evaluable for confirmed response (≥ 2 mo follow-up) per International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. Data reported here are from these initial 8 patients. Median follow-up is 5 weeks (range 4 - 13 weeks). Median age is 53 years (range 36 - 66) with a median time from diagnosis of 4 years (range 2 - 12). Patients had received a median of 10 prior regimens (range 4 - 15). Of these 8 patients, 4 (50%) were refractory (no response or progression within 60 days of last therapy) to bortezomib, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, pomalidomide and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Seven of 8 (88%) had prior autologous stem cell transplant and 4 of 8 (50%) have IMWG high risk cytogenetics. As of the data cut, no DLTs have been observed at the first 2 DLs. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), all grade 1 or 2, was observed in 6 of 8 (75%) patients. Median onset of CRS was 9 days (range 4 - 10) with a median duration of 4.5 days (range 2 - 19 days). None of the patients with grade 2 CRS required vasopressor support and only 1 patient received tocilizumab. No patients had grade ≥ 3 CRS. Three of 8 (38%) patients experienced neurologic adverse events (AE). Two patients had grade 1 events, and 1 had a grade 3 event (lethargy), which resolved within 24 hours after receiving steroids. Onset of neurologic AEs was 9,11 and 12 days with a duration of 2, 3 and 1 days respectively. Notably, the patient who experienced grade 3 neurotoxicity (NT), developed secondary plasma cell leukemia (PCL) just prior to receiving LDC. All 8 patients have evidence of objective response (≥ MR), including the patient with secondary PCL. 3 patients, all treated at DL1 (50 x 106 CAR+ T-cells), have confirmed responses (1 PR, 2 sCR) with the remainder unconfirmed (1 CR, 2 VGPR, 1 PR, 1 MR). As of the data cut, no patients have progressed. Additional clinical and translational data on at least 30 patients and additional follow up of at least 4 months will be available at time of presentation. Conclusion: At initial lower dose levels, JCARH125 showed an acceptable safety profile with no DLTs reported thus far. Incidence of grade ≥ 3 NT was low and no grade ≥ 3 CRS has occurred with clear clinical activity. Although durability of response and response rate in a greater number of patients remain to be determined, early experience with JCARH125 support a favorable risk-benefit profile and rapid clinical development. Disclosures Mailankody: Takeda: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Physician Education Resource: Honoraria; Juno: Research Funding. Bensinger:celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; amgen: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Devries:Junot Therapeutics: Employment. Piasecki:Juno Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership; Cascadian Therapeutics: Patents & Royalties; Amgen: Patents & Royalties. Ziyad:Juno Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Blake:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Byon:Juno Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Jakubowiak:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Consultancy, Honoraria; SkylineDx: Consultancy, Honoraria.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Directed Against CD19 Induce Durable Responses and Transient Cytokine Release Syndrome in Relapsed, Refractory CLL and ALL

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 717-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L Porter ◽  
Stephan A. Grupp ◽  
Michael Kalos ◽  
Alison W. Loren ◽  
Lester Lledo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
University Of Pennsylvania ◽  
Cytokine Release ◽  
Cytokine Release Syndrome ◽  
Variable Effect ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Signaling Domains

Abstract Abstract 717 Background: Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) combine the antigen recognition domain of an antibody with intracellular signaling domains into a single chimeric protein. CD19 is an ideal target for CARs since expression is restricted to normal and malignant B cells. Inclusion of the CD137 (4-1BB) signaling domain results in potent antitumor activity and in vivo persistence of anti-CD19 CARs in mice. We reported anti-tumor activity of CAR-modified autologous T cells targeted to CD19 (CART19 cells) in 3 patients (pts) with CLL with relatively short follow up (Porter, et al NEJM 2011; Kalos et al Sci Trans Med 2011). We now report on outcomes and longer follow up from 10 pts treated with CART19 cells. Methods: Autologous T cells collected by leukapheresis were transduced with a lentivirus encoding anti-CD19 scFv linked to 4-1BB and CD3-z signaling domains. Gene-modified T cells were expanded and activated ex-vivo by exposure to anti-CD3/CD28 beads. Pts had CLL or ALL with persistent disease after at least 2 previous treatments. Results: 10 pts have received CART19 cells; 9 adults median age 65 yrs (range 51–78) were treated for relapsed, refractory CLL and one 7 yr old was treated for relapsed refractory ALL. CLL pts had received a median of 5 prior regimens (range 2–10) and all had active disease at the time of infusion. 3/9 CLL patients had deletion of the p53 gene. The ALL pt had chemorefractory relapse, having received chemotherapy 6 weeks prior to infusion. All CLL pts received lymphodepleting chemotherapy 4–6 days before infusions (FC, PC or bendamustine, while the ALL pt had an ALC <10 after prior chemotherapy and did not require further lymphodepletion). A median of 7.5 × 108 total cells (range 1.7–50) corresponding to 1.45 × 108 (range 0.14–5.9) genetically modified cells were infused on day 0. Median follow-up as of 8/12/2012 was 5.6 mo (range 1–24 mo). 9 pts are evaluable for response (<30d follow up in 1 pt). No pt has died. There were no infusional toxicities >grade 2. CART19 homed to the marrow in the CLL pts and marrow and CSF for the ALL patient with detectable CART19 cells in the CSF (21 lymphs/uL, 78% CAR+) day 23 after infusion. 4/9 evaluable pts achieved CR. (3 CLL, 1 ALL). 2 CLL pts had a PR lasting 3 and 5 months, and 3 pts did not respond. In the 4 pts who achieved CR, maximal expanded cells in the blood were detected at an average of 27 fold higher than the infused dose (range 21–40-fold) with maximal in-vivo expansion between day 10 and 31 post infusion. No patient with CR has relapsed. All pts who responded developed a cytokine release syndrome (CRS) manifested by fever, and variable degrees of nausea, anorexia, and transient hypotension and hypoxia. In responding CLL pts the maximal fold elevation from baseline for IFN-γ was 89–298x, IL-6 6–40x, and IL2R 5– 25x, while no significant elevation in systemic levels of TNFα or IL2 were observed. For the ALL pt, maximal elevations from baseline were: IFNγ: 6040x; IL-6: 988x; IL2R: 56x, while significant elevations in TNFα (17x) and IL2 (163x) were also observed. The timing for maximum cytokine elevation differed but in all cases correlated with peak T cell expansion in the PBMC. 5 pts with CRS required treatment; patient 03 was treated with high dose steroids with resolution of symptoms but only achieved a PR. While steroid treatment had a variable effect on the CRS, we noted that these symptoms were temporally associated with significant elevations in serum IL-6. Accordingly, 4 of these pts were treated with the IL6-receptor antagonist tocilizumab on day 3–10 with prompt resolution of fevers, hypotension and hypoxia. 3 of these patients are evaluable for response and 2 achieved a CR. For the pts in CR, CART19 expression in the blood was documented by flow cytometry at the most recent follow up for each patient: 24 mo (pt 01), 22 mo (pt 02), 3 mo (pt 100), and 2 mo (pt 09). Conclusions: Autologous T cells genetically engineered to express an anti-CD19 scFv coupled to 4-1BB/CD3-z signaling domains can undergo robust in-vivo expansion, persist for at least up to 2 yrs, and can be associated with a significant CRS that responds to anti-cytokine therapy. CART19 cells can induce potent and sustained responses (6/9 responses, 4 CR) for patients with advanced, refractory and high risk CLL and relapsed refractory ALL. Disclosures: Porter: Novatis: Patents & Royalties; Celgene: Honoraria; Genentech: Employment; Pfizer: Research Funding. Off Label Use: The use of CART19 cells to treat CD19+ malignancy and the use of tocilizumab to treat cytokine activation syndrome related to CART19 cells. Kalos:University of Pennsylvania: Employment, Patents & Royalties. Levine:TxCell: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; University of Pennsylvania: financial interest due to intellectual property and patents in the field of cell and gene therapy. Conflict of interest is managed in accordance with University of Pennsylvania policy and oversight Patents & Royalties. June:Novartis: Research Funding, entitled to receive royalties from patents licensed to Novartis, entitled to receive royalties from patents licensed to Novartis Patents & Royalties.

scholarly journals Allogeneic Anti-Bcma CAR-T Cells Show Tumour Specific Killing Against Primary Multiple Myeloma Cells from Different Genomic Sub-Groups

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1834-1834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana M Metelo ◽  
Ieuan Walker ◽  
Agnieszka Jozwik ◽  
Charlotte Graham ◽  
Charlotte Attwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Relevant Model ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T ◽  
Equity Ownership

Introduction: Autologous anti-BCMA CAR-T cells have been successfully used in clinical trials for the treatment of relapsed refractory Multiple Myeloma (rrMM), achieving high initial response rates (>80%). However, in some patients these therapeutic responses were not sustained long-term and patients relapsed within 12-18 months1,2. Poor T cell fitness leading to early CAR-T cell exhaustion as well as BCMA negative tumour escape are thought to be factors contributing to treatment failure. In this study we describe for the first time the activity of an allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T cell product derived from young healthy donors (HD) against primary MM cells using patient bone marrow (BM) biopsies. In addition, we compare the performance of HD and MM patient-derived anti-BCMA CAR-T cells. Results: We have developed a clinically relevant model to test the efficacy of allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T cells against primary MM cells. This ex vivo platform uses bulk BM biopsies from MM patients to represent the heterogeneity seen in MM tumours in vivo, including their complex genomic background and unique immunosuppressive microenvironment. Newly diagnosed patients and rrMM patients with high risk genetics are included in the cohort. Using this model we show that allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T cells efficiently eliminate primary MM cells after 4 hours of co-culture, in a dose-dependent manner (n=9). These allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T cells specifically target BCMA-expressing primary MM cells (including samples with low BCMA levels and high risk genomic abnormalities, with specific anti-BCMA CAR-T cell killing of 13-73%), whilst not affecting non-tumour cells in the BM microenvironment. Moreover, we show that anti-BCMA CAR-T cells become significantly activated after exposure to CD138+ MM cells (>50% CD25+ T cells versus <10% CD25+ T cells against negative controls) and release a range of cytokines detected in the cell culture media by Luminex (including IFNγ, TNFα, IL8, GMCSF, IL-13, IL-12, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, RANTES, IL-5, IFN-α and IL-7). Finally, we compare the T cell profile of rrMM-derived anti-BCMA CAR-T cells (n=6) versus HD-derived anti-BCMA CAR-T cells (n=6), showing that HD-derived anti-BCMA CAR-T cells have a higher CD4/CD8 ratio (0.684 vs. 0.334, p<0.05), increased percentage of naïve CD4 T cells (13.6% vs. 5.05%, p<0.05) and naïve CD8 T cells (34.13% vs. 4.43%, p<0.05) and generate an expanded population of activated CD25+ T cells after exposure to MM cells. In contrast, MM-derived anti-BCMA CAR-T cells express increased levels of TIGIT (a checkpoint inhibitory molecule involved in MM relapse) and have a large percentage of permanently dysfunctional T cells (CD101+CD38+CD8+), which might affect their T cell fitness and persistence in vivo. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T cells are therapeutically active against primary MM cells, in a clinically relevant model that includes the BM microenvironment and different MM genomic subgroups. HD-derived anti-BCMA CAR-T cells were shown to have distinct phenotypic and functional characteristics compared to MM-derived anti-BCMA CAR-T cells. This work lends further support to the development of a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of rrMM patients using this allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy. 1 Raje N et al. N Engl J Med. 2019; 380(18):1726-1737. 2 Zhao WH et al. J Hematol Oncol. 2018; 11(1):141. Disclosures Metelo: Pfizer: Research Funding; Allogene: Research Funding. Jozwik:Servier: Research Funding. Graham:Servier: Research Funding; Gillead: Other: Funding to attend educational meeting. Cuthill:Amgen: Other: Conference support; Takeda: Other: Conference support; Janssen: Speakers Bureau. Bentley:Allogene Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Boldajipour:Pfizer: Employment. Sommer:Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sasu:Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Benjamin:Takeda: Honoraria; Pfizer: Research Funding; Servier: Research Funding; Allogene: Research Funding; Gilead: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Eusapharm: Consultancy; Novartis: Honoraria.

scholarly journals Sustained Remissions Following Chimeric Antigen Receptor Modified T Cells Directed Against CD19 (CTL019) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory CD19+ Lymphomas

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 183-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Schuster ◽  
Jakub Svoboda ◽  
Sunita Dwivedy Nasta ◽  
David L. Porter ◽  
Elise A. Chong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Chimeric Antigen Receptor ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract BACKGROUND: Autologous T cells genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor consisting of an external anti-CD19 single chain antibody domain with CD3ζ and 4-1BB signaling domains (CTL019 cells) can mediate potent anti-tumor effects in patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic and acute lymphoblastic leukemias. We are conducting a phase IIa clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CTL019 cells in pts with relapsed or refractory CD19+ non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). METHODS: Pts with CD19+ diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), or mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) with no available curative treatment options, a limited prognosis (<2 years anticipated survival), and responsive or stable disease with most recent therapy are eligible. Pts with DLBCL have residual disease after primary and salvage therapies and are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or have relapsed or residual disease after ASCT; FL pts have progression of lymphoma <2 years after second or higher line of therapy (not including single agent monoclonal antibody therapy); MCL pts have relapsed, residual, or progressive disease after rituximab-chemotherapy combination therapy and are not appropriate for transplant or have relapsed after transplant. After steady state apheresis to collect peripheral blood leukocytes, pts receive lymphodepleting chemotherapy based on disease burden, histology, and past therapies. One to 4 days after chemotherapy, pts receive a single dose of CTL019 cells by intravenous infusion. Peripheral blood and marrow samples are collected for immunophenotypic, cytokine, and molecular studies at pre-specified times after T cell infusion. Initial tumor response assessment is performed 3 months after T cell infusion using International Working Group response criteria. Enrollment started in February 2014; data reported here are through July 26, 2015. RESULTS: To date, 38 pts have enrolled (DLBCL 21; FL 14; MCL 3). The median age is 56 years (range: 25-77), male: female ratio is 22:16, median number of prior therapies is 4 (range: 1-10), and number of pts with prior transplant is 12 (32%; 11 ASCT, 1 allotransplant). Ann Arbor stages at enrollment are: Stage IV 23 pts (61%), Stage III 7 pts (18%), Stage II 6 pts (16%), Stage 1E 2 pts (5%); 11 pts (29%) had bone marrow involvement. LDH was increased in 28 pts (74%). ECOG PS was 0 in 16 pts (42%) and 1 in 22 pts (58%). As of July 26, 2015, 24 patients have received the protocol-specified dose of CTL019 cells (13 DLBCL; 9 FL; 2 MCL). Lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimens were bendamustine (6 pts), cyclophosphamide (11 pts), cyclophosphamide-fludarabine (1 pt), modified EPOCH (3 pts), and radiation-cyclophosphamide (3 pts). Median total CTL019 cell dose is 5.00e8 (range: 1.79e8 - 5.00e8); median CTL019 cell dose/kg is 5.84e6 (range: 3.08e6-8.87e6). Median peak CTL019 cell expansion in blood occurred 7 days after infusion (range: 2-14 days); there was no difference in peak expansion between responders and non-responders. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 16 pts (14 grade 2; 1 grade 3; 1 grade 4) and did not predict response. Neurologic toxicity occurred in 3 pts: 2 episodes of delirium (1 grade 2, 1 grade 3) and one possibly related grade 5 encephalitis. 22 pts are evaluable for response (DLBCL 13, FL 7, MCL 2). Overall response rate (ORR) at 3 months is 68% (15/22): DLBCL 54% (7/13); FL 100% (7/7); MCL 50% (1/2). At the median follow-up 11.7 months, progression-free survival (PFS) from CTL019 infusion is 62% (DLBCL 43%; FL 100%). For responders at median follow up, response duration is 83% for DLBCL and 100% for FL. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that CTL019 cells can be prepared from extensively pretreated pts with active NHL and can induce durable responses with toxicity that is less than reported for chronic lymphocytic and acute lymphoblastic leukemias. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Schuster: Phamacyclics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Nordic Nanovector: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy; Hoffman-LaRoche: Research Funding. Svoboda:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding; Immunomedics: Research Funding. Dwivedy Nasta:BMS: Research Funding; Millenium Takeda: Research Funding. Porter:Genentech: Other: Spouse Employment; Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Mato:Celgene Corportation: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy; Pharmacylics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pronai Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding. Lacey:Novartis: Research Funding. Melenhorst:Novartis: Research Funding. Chew:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Hasskarl:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. Shah:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wasik:Janseen and Novartis: Research Funding. Zheng:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Levine:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. June:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.

scholarly journals Itolizumab As a Potential Therapeutic for the Prevention and Treatment of Graft Vs Host Disease

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 5603-5603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cherie Tracy Ng ◽  
Jeanette Ampudia ◽  
Robert J. Soiffer ◽  
Jerome Ritz ◽  
Stephen Connelly
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Chronic Gvhd ◽  
Vehicle Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Equity Ownership

Background: CD6 is a co-stimulatory receptor, predominantly expressed on T cells, that binds to activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), a ligand expressed on antigen presentation cells and various epithelial and endothelial tissues. The CD6-ALCAM pathway plays an integral role in modulating T cell activation, proliferation, differentiation and trafficking and is central to inflammation. While effector T cell (Teff) are CD6hi and upregulate expression upon activation, regulatory T cells (Treg) remain CD6lo/-, making this an attractive target to modulate Teff activity while preserving Treg activity. Early studies by Soiffer and colleagues demonstrated using T12, an anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that ex-vivo depletion of CD6+ donor cells prior to transplantation decreased the incidence of both acute and chronic GVHD, highlighting the importance of CD6+ cells in GVHD pathogenesis and validating it as a therapeutic target. However, it remains to be shown whether modulating the CD6-ALCAM pathway in vivo can attenuate GVHD. We investigated the use of itolizumab, a humanized anti-CD6 mAb that has demonstrated clinical efficacy in other autoimmune diseases, as both a preventive and therapeutic treatment for GVHD, using a humanized xenograft mouse model. Methods: Humanized xenograft mice were generated by intravenous transfer of 2x10^7 human PBMCs into 6-8 weeks old NOD/SCID IL2rγ-null (NSG). To investigate the ability of itolizumab to prevent GVHD, mice were dosed with either 60μg or 300μg of itolizumab, 150μg of abatacept (CTLA4-Ig), or vehicle, starting one day prior to PBMC transplantation. To investigate the therapeutic effect of itolizumab, mice were dosed with either 150μg of itolizumab or vehicle, starting at Day 5 post-PBMC transfer, when transplanted T cells are already activated. All treatments were administered IP every other day. Weight and disease scores were monitored throughout the study. At Days 18 and 35, peripheral blood was evaluated by flow cytometry to examine T cell prevalence, and tissues were collected for histological examination of pathology and T cell infiltration. Results: When administered as prevention (Day -1), treatment with either 60μg or 300μg of itolizumab significantly decreased mortality compared to the vehicle control (100% vs. 10%); this decrease was similar to the positive control group treated with abatacept (Figure 1). At 60μg, itolizumab-treated mice demonstrated significant reductions in the prevalence of human T cells in peripheral blood vs. vehicle-treated mice at Day 18 (<0.2% vs. 74.5%; p < 0.001). The reduction in peripheral T cells was accompanied by reductions in tissue-infiltrating T cells in lung (85-fold) and gut (9.5-fold), as well as reductions in disease scores and weight loss. When administered therapeutically, treatment with itolizumab was associated with a survival rate of 50% compared to 10% in the control group (Figure 2). Similarly, peripheral T cell prevalence (34.3% vs. 65.1%; p < 0.001), weight loss, and disease scores were inhibited by itolizumab compared to vehicle control mice. Conclusions: These data suggest that systemic treatment with itolizumab can modulate pathogenic Teff cell activity, establishing this antibody as a potential therapeutic for patents with GvHD. A phase I/II study using itolizumab as first line treatment in combination with steroids for patients with aGVHD is currently ongoing (NCT03763318). Disclosures Ng: Equillium: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ampudia:Equillium: Employment. Soiffer:Mana therapeutic: Consultancy; Kiadis: Other: supervisory board; Gilead, Mana therapeutic, Cugene, Jazz: Consultancy; Juno, kiadis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: DSMB; Cugene: Consultancy; Jazz: Consultancy. Ritz:Equillium: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Avrobio: Consultancy; TScan Therapeutics: Consultancy; Talaris Therapeutics: Consultancy; Draper Labs: Consultancy; LifeVault Bio: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Aleta Biotherapeutics: Consultancy; Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Connelly:Equillium: Employment, Equity Ownership.

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.

Final Results of Open-Label Treatment with Eltrombopag During ENABLE 1: A Study of Eltrombopag As An Adjunct for Antiviral Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Associated with Thrombocytopenia

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2232-2232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Dusheiko ◽  
Nezam H Afdhal ◽  
Edoardo Giannini ◽  
Pei-Jer Chen ◽  
Kwang-Hyub Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Treatment Phase ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Equity Ownership

Abstract Abstract 2232 Introduction: Thrombocytopenia (TCP) is a common complication of cirrhosis in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections (Louie et al 2011); the presence of TCP impairs the ability to initiate peginterferon alpha (PEG) therapy and necessitates PEG dose reduction or discontinuation, thus reducing the potential for sustained virologic response (SVR). Eltrombopag, an oral, nonpeptide thrombopoietin receptor agonist approved for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenia, increases platelet counts in patients with TCP due to HCV-related cirrhosis (McHutchison et al 2007). ENABLE 1 was a phase 3, multicenter, two-part study of eltrombopag for the treatment of HCV-associated TCP. Part 1 involved open-label, pre-antiviral treatment with eltrombopag. Patients achieving platelet counts ≥90,000/μL were randomized in Part 2 to receive eltrombopag or placebo in combination with antiviral therapy (PEG-2a plus ribavirin). Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of eltrombopag during the open-label, pre-antiviral treatment phase (Part 1) of ENABLE 1 in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: Patients with chronic HCV and a baseline platelet count <75,000/μL were enrolled. In Part 1, all patients received open-label oral eltrombopag (25 mg daily with dose escalations every 2 weeks to a maximum dose of 100 mg) for up to 9 weeks or until platelet counts reached ≥90,000/μL. Patients who failed to achieve platelet counts ≥90,000/μL following 3 weeks of eltrombopag 100 mg daily did not enter Part 2 and attended scheduled follow-up visits. Patients achieving these counts were randomized 2:1 to eltrombopag or placebo (Part 2) at the final dose received in Part 1, in combination with antiviral therapy for up to 48 weeks. Results: A total of 716 patients were enrolled; 1 patient withdrew due to a protocol deviation, and 715 entered the open-label pre-antiviral phase. At study entry, most patients were male (62%) and Caucasian (72%); 17% were of Japanese/East Asian heritage. The median age was 52 years (range, 19–76). 488 patients (68%) had cirrhosis (FibroSURE™ score equivalent to METAVIR F4). The median duration of treatment during Part 1 was 20 days and the median of the mean daily dose was 25 mg (range, 0.8–75 mg). Median baseline platelets were 59,000/μL; these increased to 89,000/μL by week 2 and remained consistently elevated throughout open-label treatment (Figure). Following a median of 2 weeks of treatment (range, 0.1–9.6 weeks), 691 patients (97%) achieved platelet counts ≥90,000/μL. Treatment was discontinued during Part 1 for 33 patients (5%): platelets <90,000/μL (11); adverse events (AEs, 9); investigator discretion (7); patient decision (3); loss of follow-up (2); or a protocol deviation (1). During Part 2, 682 patients (95%) were randomized, 2 patients withdrew consent following randomization, and 680 patients (95%) initiated antiviral treatment. Of the patients who initiated treatment, 451 (66%) did so within 2 weeks and 627 (92%) did so within 4 weeks. The most common AEs observed during the open-label treatment phase were headache (7%), fatigue (4%), nausea (3%), and diarrhea (3%). Ninety-five patients (13%) experienced platelet counts >200,000/μL. No thromboembolic events were observed during open-label treatment. Conclusions: Eltrombopag was generally well-tolerated and resulted in sustained increase in platelet counts during the open-label, pre-antiviral treatment phase. Platelet count increases were seen as early as 2 weeks following initiation of treatment. The vast majority of patients (97%) achieved platelet count increases to ≥90,000/μL, the threshold for initiating PEG-2a plus ribavirin therapy, and most did so within 4 weeks of initiating eltrombopag treatment. Disclosures: Dusheiko: GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: Eltrombopag, inteferon and Ribavirin; eltrombopag is a thrombopoetin receptor agonist. Its efficacy and safety in raising platelet counts in hepatitis C positive patients (most with cirrhosis) and thrombocyotopaenia was studied in this protocol. Afdhal:Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Vertex: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Idenix: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Springbank: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pharmasett: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbott: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Giannini:GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Hoffman-LaRoche: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Chen:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Mostafa Kamel:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment, Equity Ownership. Brainsky:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment, Equity Ownership. Geib:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment. Vasey:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment. Patwardhan:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment, company shares. Campbell:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment, Equity Ownership. Theodore:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties.

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