Efficacy and Safety of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a in Patients with Essential Thrombocythemia and Polycythemia Vera: Results after a Median 7-Year Follow-up of a Phase 2 Study

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 60-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Masarova ◽  
Srdan Verstovsek ◽  
Keyur P. Patel ◽  
Kate J Newberry ◽  
Jorge E. Cortes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polycythemia Vera ◽  
Interferon Alpha ◽  
Essential Thrombocythemia ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Pegylated Interferon ◽  
Molecular Remission ◽  
Molecular Responses ◽  
Pegylated Interferon Alpha ◽  
Allele Burden

Abstract Introduction: It has been previously reported that pegylated interferon alpha-2a can induce hematologic and molecular responses in patients with essential thrombocythemia "ET" and polycythemia vera "PV", but the follow up in these studies were relatively short. Objective: We present longer-term efficacy and safety results of a prospective phase II study of pegylated interferon alpha-2a in patients with ET and PV after a median follow up of 82.5 months (range, 8-107). Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of ET or PV, in a need of therapy, either newly diagnosed or previously treated, were eligible for this study. Median interferon starting dose of 180 mcg/week SQ (range, 450-90; 39% started on 90mcg/week) was modified in majority of the patients based on toxicity or lack of efficacy. Clinical and molecular responses were assessed every 3 to 6 months. Results: Among 83 enrolled patients (43 PV, 40 ET), 32 patients (39%) are still on study (but in 8 therapy is on hold: 5 due to toxicity, and 3 for financial reasons). Median age was 53 years (range, 19-78). Overall 37% of patients did not receive prior cytoreductive treatment. The overall median exposure to therapy was 87 months (range, 58-107) and was no different for patients still enrolled on the study and those who stopped study participation. Nine (28%) patients still on study are currently on a dose equal or higher than 90 mcg/week and 15 (47%) are on dose equal or smaller than 45mcg/week. JAK2 status or allele burden had no impact on achievement of response (clinical or molecular), time to response or duration of therapy. 55 of 59 (71%) JAK2V617F positive patients were evaluable for molecular response (Figure); 8 patients carried CARL mutation, 3 carried MPL and in 13 were triple negative. Median duration of hematologic and molecular response was 66 and 53 months, respectively; and directly correlated with treatment length and type of response (CMR had the longest duration of response). Overall yearly discontinuation rate were gradually decreasing for first 5 years, from 17% to 5%, and slowly increasing afterward to 10%. Of the 51 patients not on the study anymore, 27 (35% of the total) discontinued therapy primarily due to treatment toxicity. New late (≥24 months from start of therapy) G3/4 toxicity occurred in 17% of patients. Among patients in complete hematologic response treatment failure due to vascular adverse event or disease transformation was seen in 5 patients each. Three patients died on study (not related to therapy or disease), and 8 after stopping participation. Mean changes in allele burden over time in JAK2 positive patients are depicted in figure. Conclusions: Although pegylated interferon alpha-2a can induce significant hematologic and molecular responses; toxicity still limits its use over longer period of time and loss of response or transformation is encountered. Table.ResponseCharacteristicsFirst responseLast responseHem Resp, N. of patients (No), (%)CHR62 (76)25 (40)aPHR4 (5)1 (25)ORR66 (79)26 (39)aMol Resp, No, (%)CMR10 (18)9 (90)PMR20 (36)5 (25)*mMR5 (9)2 (40)ORR35 (74)16 (46)SafetyAny gradeGrade≥3Overall Adverse Events (AE), No, (%)any AE83 (100)57 (67)recurrent AE74 (89)13 (16)AE subtypes, No, (%)musculoskeletal73 (88)6 (8)neurological53 (64)2 (4)psychiatric38 (46)4 (11)gastrointestinal54 (65)11 (20)LFT elevation27 (33)5 (18)skin18 (22)2 (11)infection/fever26 (31)3 (12)respiratory23 (28)2 (9)cardiovascular13 (16)3 (23)metabolic16 (19)2 (13)neutropenia37 (45)21 (57)thrombocytopenia18 (22)a1 (6)anemia36 (43)1 (3)Autoimmune toxicity, No, (%)hepatitis1 (2.5)CNS vasculitis1 (2.5)lupus nephritis1 (2.3)Sjogren sy & dermatitis1 (2.5)Vascular AE (TEE/bleeding),Unprovoked6 (7)5 (83)No, (%)Provoked4 (5)3 (75)Disease transformation, No, (%)Myelofibrosis6 (7)AML1 (1)Safety over ≥24 months**Any gradeGrade≥3New AE, No (%)3th year10 (17)4 (40)4th year6 (11)4 (67)5th year5 (10)1 (20)≥ 6th year10 (24)1 (10)**Effective sample size for patients on therapy/year: Initial number of patients at risk at the beginning of period minus half of patients censored during that period*% calculated from 19 patientsastatistically significant differences by Fisher's exact testAbbr. CMR= complete molecular remission (undetectable JAK2 allele burden), PMR= partial molecular remission (>50% decrease in allele burden), mMR= minor molecular remission (20-49% decrease in allele burden) Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Off Label Use: Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a used for patients with essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera. Cortes:Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; BerGenBio AS: Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ambit: Consultancy, Research Funding; Arog: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; Jenssen: Consultancy. Konopleva:Novartis: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Stemline: Research Funding; Calithera: Research Funding; Threshold: Research Funding.

JAK2V617F Complete Molecular Remission in Long-Term Follow-up of Patients with Polycythemia Vera and Essential Thrombocythemia Treated with Ruxolitinib

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 3185-3185
Author(s):  
Lisa Pieri ◽  
Alessandro Pancrazzi ◽  
Annalisa Pacilli ◽  
Claudia Rabuzzi ◽  
Giada Rotunno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polycythemia Vera ◽  
Essential Thrombocythemia ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Jak2v617f Mutation ◽  
Prolonged Treatment ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Molecular Remission ◽  
Allele Burden ◽  
Jak2v617f Allele Burden

Abstract Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) characterized by the presence of JAK2V617F mutation in >95% and 60% of patients (pts), respectively. This mutation usually affects one allele in ET while most PV pts are homozygous due to mitotic recombination. Acquisition of the JAK2V617F mutation is strongly associated with the germline 46/1 predisposition haplotype. Ruxolitinib is a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor recently approved for myelofibrosis (MF) and under investigation in PV and ET pts intolerant or resistant to hydroxyurea. We enrolled 24 pts, 11 with PV and 13 with ET, in the phase II INCB18424-256 trial that overall included 34 PV and 39 ET pts. 21/24 pts were still on treatment at 5 years (yr), of which 19 JAK2V617F mutated. Results of the PV cohort have been reported recently (Verstovsek et al. Cancer, 2014): with a median follow up of 35 months (mo), the JAK2V617F allele burden decreased by a mean of 8%, 14%, and 22%, respectively, after 12, 24 and 36 mo. The proportion of pts who achieved a reduction ≥50 % at any time during the 1st yr, 2nd yr, and 3rd yr were 5.9%, 14.7%, and 23.5%, respectively, but no patients achieved a complete remission. In our series of pts we evaluated the JAK2V617F allele burden by two RTQ-PCR methods, according to Lippert (sensitivity, 0.8%) and to Larsen (sensitivity, 0.08%) method. We also analysed by next generation sequencing (NGS; Ion Torrent platform) a series of MPN-associated mutations including TET2, ASXL1, IDH1/2, LNK, CBL, SRSF2, EZH2 and MPL at baseline and at 5 yr of treatment in ruxolitinib treated pts who achieved a >25% JAK2V617F allele burden reduction at 5 yr (n=13/19). JAK2V617F allele burden decreased by a mean of 7%, 11%, and 19% at 12, 24 and 36 mo, and decreased further by a mean of 28% after 60 mo. Three (1 PV, 2 ET) of 19 pts (16%) achieved a 50% or greater allele burden reduction after 2 yr; no additional pts achieved this degree of allele burden reduction even in prolonged follow up. These 3 pts further improved their molecular response to a complete molecular response (CMR) after 5 yr of treatment. Their mean JAK2V617F allele burden was 46.6% at baseline, 28.3%, 16.3%, 8.7% and 0% after 1 yr, 2 yr, 3 yr and 5 yr, respectively. The JAK2 CMR was confirmed in at least one independent sample at 3 mo after first discovery. At this last timepoint, the PV pt was in complete haematological remission according to ELN criteria, the 2 ET pts were in partial remission due to platelet count still >400x109/L: 422x109/L and 812x109/L, respectively. BM histopathology in the 2 ET pts at 5 yr, while they were in CMR, showed still evidence of megakaryocyte hyperplasia. In the PV pt, histopathology at 5 yr is pending; evaluation at 3 yr, a time when she was in complete hematologic remission and JAK allele burden had decreased from 69 to 8%, showed normalization of cellularity, megakaryocyte and myeloid lineage compared to baseline but still slight erythroid hyperplasia. All 3 pts had normal karyotype at baseline that remained unchanged thereafter. CMR for JAK2V617F was confirmed by NGS. The 2 ET pts achieving CMR did not show any additional mutations, while the PV pts presented a TET2 Y867H mutation with an allele burden of 48.9% and 52%, respectively at baseline and 5 yr. No recurrent mutations in genes other than JAK2 were found in all other examined cases at baseline or at 5 yr. In 3 informative pts, we also analysed the proportion of JAK2V617F homozygous, heterozygous and wild type clones by the method of Hasan et al (Leukemia 2013) based on allelic discrimination of 46/1 haplotype and JAK2. We found that JAK2V617F/V617F clones were reduced by a mean of 95.5%, JAK2V617F/WT showed an uneven trend with a mean reduction of 45.54% while JAK2WT/WT conversely increased (mean 61.43%) at 5 yr, suggesting that in a subset a patients who present significant reduction of VF allele burden ruxolitinib may preferentially target the homozygous clones. Until now, complete molecular remission in PV pts has been described only in patients treated with interferon. Our data suggest that a subset of pts who present a rapid and sustained reduction of the JAK2V617F allele burden under ruxolitinib may eventually reach a condition of CMR with prolonged treatment. However, similar to findings with interferon, mutations establishing clonality, such as in TET2, may still persist in patients who eventually show the disappearance of JAK2V617F mutated subclones. Disclosures Verstovsek: Incyte: Research Funding. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Histomorphological Responses after Therapy with Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a in Patients with Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and Polycythemia Vera (PV)

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 4266-4266
Author(s):  
Lucia Masarova ◽  
C. Cameron Yin ◽  
Jorge E. Cortes ◽  
Marina Konopleva ◽  
Gautam Borthakur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interferon Alpha ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽  
Response Assessment ◽  
Pegylated Interferon ◽  
Treatment Discontinuation ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Pegylated Interferon Alpha ◽  
Normal Morphology

Abstract Introduction: We previously reported the long-term efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (PEG-IFN-a-2a) in 83 patients with ET and PV after a median follow-up of 83 months. Here, we present the bone marrow (BM) response assessment according to modified International Working Group for-Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment (IWG-MPN). Objective: To identify histomorphological BM responses in patients with ET and PV treated with PEG-IFN-a-2a as part of a prospective phase II study. Methods: All patients had BM assessment done prior to their enrollment, and then every 6-12 months while on study if possible, and in some patients after treatment discontinuation. Complete BM remission (BM-CR) required absence of > grade 1 reticulin fibrosis and disappearance of megakaryocyte hyperplasia in ET or trilinear hyperplasia with age-adjusted normocellularity in PV. An incomplete, partial response (BM-PR), was defined when fibrosis grading had consistently improved by at least one grade level on at least 2 consecutive samples > 12 months apart, yet with persistent MPN morphological features. Hematologic (HR) and molecular response (MR) assessments were previously reported (ASH 2015, abstract #60). Results: Among 83 enrolled patients (43 PV, 40 ET), 58 patients (70%) had evaluable BM samples for histomorphological response assessment, with median number of 8 samples per patient (range, 3-12). Among the remaining 25 patients, 18 were treated ≤12 months, and 7 did not have representative samples. Median age was 52 years (range, 19-75), and 29% (n=17) were males. Median disease duration prior to enrollment was 31 months (range, 1-350), and the median exposure to PEG-IFN-a-2a was 80 months (range, 15-107). After a median follow-up of 84 months (range, 36-107), 32 patients are on study. Forty-two patients were JAK2 positive, 6 CALR positive, 2 MPL positive and 8 triple negative (TN). Hematologic and molecular (JAK2V617F mutation only) responses were seen in 54 (93%) and 29 (69% of JAK2V617F positive) patients, including complete HR and complete MR in 52 (90%) and 9 (31%) patients, respectively. In total, 29 evaluable patients (50%) had BM response, including 13 patients (22%) with BM-CR (MF-0 in 11, example in Figure 1). Among 16 patients with BM-PR, 3 had resolution of dense collagen bundles as well as decreased reticulin fibrosis. Except for increased platelets in those with BM-PR (p<0.001), likely due to the higher proportion of ET patients in that group, no other differences in basic demographic or clinical parameters were present among different response groups (Table 1). Patients with BM response (PR & CR) had lower discontinuation rate, higher duration of response (HR & MR) with longer time on therapy; 13 patients with BM-CR had higher probability of complete MR (Table 1). Median time to BM-CR was 48 months (range, 30-72), median duration was 30 months (24-52), and has been maintained in 9 patients (69%). Two patients who lost their BM-CR are still on active therapy with persistent complete MR. Interestingly, 4 patients achieved BM-CR after being off therapy for a median of 18 months (range, 2-30), and 3 of them have sustained the BM-CR for 24, 50 and 52 months. Conclusions: Histomorphological BM responses (including complete response) can occur in ET/PV patients treated with PEG-IFN-a-2a, and generally correlate with more durable treatment benefit. Complete BM responses may be sustained even after treatment discontinuation, or be seen after therapy discontinuation. Despite this, we could not identify a uniform correlation between hematologic, histomorphological and molecular response. Table Patients with BM assessment stratified by response, N=58 Table. Patients with BM assessment stratified by response, N=58 Figure BM assessment of a PV patient with BM-CR. A & C: Before treatment: increased cellularity and abnormal megakaryocytes number/morphology; MF-2. B & D: After treatment: normocellular BM, normal morphology, MF-0. Figure. BM assessment of a PV patient with BM-CR. A & C: Before treatment: increased cellularity and abnormal megakaryocytes number/morphology; MF-2. B & D: After treatment: normocellular BM, normal morphology, MF-0. Disclosures Cortes: ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding. Konopleva:Reata Pharmaceuticals: Equity Ownership; Abbvie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Stemline: Consultancy, Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Cellectis: Research Funding; Calithera: Research Funding.

scholarly journals Molecular analysis of patients with polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia receiving pegylated interferon α-2a

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 893-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso Quintás-Cardama ◽  
Omar Abdel-Wahab ◽  
Taghi Manshouri ◽  
Outi Kilpivaara ◽  
Jorge Cortes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polycythemia Vera ◽  
Molecular Analysis ◽  
Essential Thrombocythemia ◽  
Pegylated Interferon ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Interferon Α ◽  
Molecular Remission ◽  
Molecular Responses ◽  
Key Points

Key Points Treatment with PEG-IFN-α-2a in PV and ET results in a high rate of complete hematologic and molecular responses. Patients failing to achieve complete molecular remission tended to have higher frequencies of mutations in genes other than JAK2.

High Rates of Molecular Response After Long-Term Follow-up of Patients with Advanced Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) or Polycythemia Vera (PV) Treated with Pegylated Interferon-ALFA-2A (PEG-IFN-α-2A; PEGASYS)

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 461-461
Author(s):  
Alfonso Quintás-Cardama ◽  
Ross Levine ◽  
Taghi Manshouri ◽  
Outi Kilpivaara ◽  
Hagop M. Kantarjian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polycythemia Vera ◽  
Essential Thrombocythemia ◽  
Covalent Attachment ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Molecular Responses ◽  
Allele Burden ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Starting Dose ◽  
Jak2v617f Allele Burden

Abstract Abstract 461 Background: The use of IFN-α in polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) has been hampered by poor tolerance and inconvenient dosing schedules. The covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol to IFN-α renders a molecule with prolonged serum half-life, which can be administered weekly. Objectives: We conducted a phase II study of subcutaneous PEG-IFN-α-2a (Pegasys) in 84 patients (pts) with high-risk PV (n=44) or ET (n=40). We performed high throughput mutational analysis of JAK2, MPL, TET2, and ASXL1 in all pts. Patients and Therapy: Median age was 51 years (range, 18–79), time from diagnosis to PEG-IFN-α-2a 51 months (range, 0–355), and number of prior therapies was 1 (range, 0–6), including hydroxyurea (HU; n=47), anagrelide (AG; n=26), IFN-α (n=12: 5 oral and 7 sc), imatinib (n=7), and dasatinib (n=1). PEG-IFN-α-2a was initial therapy in 16 (19%) pts (7 PV) that refused HU. JAK2V617F was detected in 19/40 (48%) ET and in 42/44 (95%) PV pts. Nine (11%) pts had abnormal cytogenetics. Initial PEG-IFN-α-2a starting dose was 450 mcg/wk, but that was modified to the current starting dose of 90 mcg/wk. Results: After a median follow-up of 40 months (range, 8–62), 66/83 (80%) assessable pts have responded. Median time to response was 4 weeks (range, 0.5–26). Complete response (CR) was achieved by 62 (75%) pts (for ET: platelets <440×109/L, in the absence of thromboembolic events; for PV: Hb <15 g/dL, no phlebotomy, disappearance of splenomegaly) whereas 4 (5%) pts (2 PV, 2 ET) had a partial response ([PR]; no phlebotomy, off HU and AG, still palpable spleen). Of 5 pts with abnormal karyotype at study entry who were evaluable for response, 2 reverted to diploid cytogenetics. JAK2V617F to total JAK2 ratio was determined by quantitative pyrosequencing assay in all 84 pts prior to PEG-IFN-α-2a. Sixty-one (73%) pts carried the JAK2V617F mutation, which was quantitated at least once on therapy in 54 (64%). Overall, 29 (54%) had >20% reduction in JAK2V617F allele burden, including 10 (19%) in whom the mutation became undetectable (complete molecular response [CMR]) and 15 (28%) who had a >50% reduction (partial molecular response). Molecular responses have not yet reached a plateau among pts with PV. We also analyzed pts for mutations in exon 12 of JAK2, MPL, and the tumor suppressors TET2 and ASXL1 to determine their impact on response to PEG-IFN-α-2a. No pts carried JAK2 exon 12 mutations. One JAK2V617F−negative pt with ET had a MPLW515L mutation, achieved CHR but did not achieve a molecular response. Full length resequencing of all exons of TET2 and ASXL1 genes identified somatic TET2 mutations in 9/71 (13%) and somatic ASXL1 mutations in 3/71 (4%) pts; we identified TET2 (3 JAK2V617F− ET, 2 JAK2V617F+ ET, 3 JAK2V617F+ PV, 1 JAK2V617F− PV) and ASXL1 (1 pt with ET JAK2V617F+, ET JAK2V617F−, and PV JAK2V617F+) mutations in PV and ET pts who were JAK2V617F–positive and negative. TET2 or ASXL1 mutational status did not impact the likelihood of achievement of JAK2 molecular responses, and there was no difference in JAK2V617F allele burden with PEG-IFN-α-2a according to TET2 or ASXL1 mutational status. One pt with baseline mutations in JAK2, TET2, and ASXL1 became JAK2V617F–negative on PEG-IFN-α-2a. Most pts had grade 1–2 toxicities but at doses ≤90 mcg/wk, grade 3–4 toxicity was infrequent. Twenty-five (30%) patients were taken off study after a median of 9 months (range, 3–36) but only 13 (15%) of them due to therapy-related toxicity: g3 neutropenia, anorexia, depression (n=3), ischemic retinopathy, g2 fatigue (n=5), dyspnea, g2 neuropathy. The remaining 59 pts are currently receiving 450 mcg/wk (n=1), 360 mcg/wk (n=1), 240 mcg/wk (n=1), 180 mcg/wk (n=2), 135 mcg/wk (n=3), 90 mcg every 1 (n=8), 2 (n=12), 3 (n=2), or 4 wks (n=1), 45 mcg every 1 (n=9), 2 (n=5), 3 (n=6), or 4 wks (n=8). Conclusion: PEG-IFN-α-2a is remarkably active and acceptably safe in advanced, previously treated PV and ET. Clinical responses are frequently accompanied by significant reduction of JAK2V617F allele burden, which becomes undetectable in a proportion of them suggesting selective targeting of the JAK2V617F clones. Quantitative analysis of ASXL1 and TET2 mutational allele burden during PEG-IFN-α-2a therapy to determine clonal evolution, and methylcellulose-based clonogenic assays in pts who achieved CMR to assess for the presence of erythropoietin independent colony formation are ongoing and will be presented. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Pegylated Interferon Alpha – 2a in Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN): International Experience in 115 Cases

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2818-2818
Author(s):  
Krisstina Gowin ◽  
Prakash Thapaliya ◽  
J Samuelson ◽  
C N Harrison ◽  
Deepti Radia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Interferon Alpha ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Pegylated Interferon ◽  
Pegylated Interferon Alpha ◽  
Clinical Records ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

Abstract Abstract 2818 Background: Pegylated interferon alpha-2a (Peg INF2a) has been demonstrated to be active therapy for high-risk essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV), as well as treatment for early myelofibrosis (MF). We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of Peg INF2a therapy in MPN patients treated outside the constraints of a clinical trial in the USA and EU. Methods: Clinical records of MPN patients treated at the participating centers, receiving Peg INF2a outside of the context of a clinical trial, were analyzed for response (ET and PV by ELN criteria; MF by EUNMET and IWG-MRT criteria), toxicity, and duration of response. Results: Patients: 115 patients were identified (54 PV (47%), 44 ET (38%), 17 MF (15%)) with a median age at diagnosis (48) and gender distribution (59% females) typical for the disorders. The patients had been diagnosed with the MPN a median of 44 months (0.0–312 months) prior to initiation of the Peg IFN2a and 64% harbored the JAK2-V617F mutation. The majority of patients (81%) had received at least one prior cytoreductive therapy for their disease (73 hydroxyurea, 39 anagrelide, 37 aspirin, 21 prior interferon (non pegylated), 3 phlebotomy alone). Therapy: Median starting dose of Peg INF2a was 45 micrograms/week (range: 22.5–180) with peak starting doses ranging from 30 to 300 micrograms/week. A total of 84 patients (73%) remain on Peg IFN2a with median duration of treatment of 17 months (range: 1.0–92). Toxicity: Overall the Peg INF2a was well tolerated. Hematological toxicity was Gr 3 or lower. There were 6 cases with anemia (5%), 10 with thrombocytopenia (9%) and 8 had leukopenia (7%). Most common non-hematologic toxicities were Gr 1–3 fatigue in 27 (23%), Gr 1 LFT elevation in 6 (5%), Gr 2–3 skin/allergic reaction in 6 (5%), Gr 1–2 nausea in 5 (4%), and Gr 2 mood disorder in 5 (4%) patients. Twenty patients (17%) discontinued therapy secondary to toxicity. Response: ET-PV: By ELN criteria, 30 PV patients achieved CR (55%), 17 achieved PR (31%), 4 achieved NR (7%), and 3 patients (5%) were lost to follow up or were too early to evaluate for response. In ET, the responses were CR in 27 (61%), PR in 7 (16%), NR in 4 (9%), and 6 patients (14%) were lost to follow up or were too early to evaluate for response. MF: The responses by IWG criteria were 1 CR (6%), 2 PR (12%), 2 CI (12%) and 9 SD (53%). By EUNMET, there were 2 CR (12%), 4 major responses (24%), 4 moderate responses (24%), 1 minor response (6%), 2 no response (12%), and 3 patients (17%) were lost to follow up or were too early to evaluate for response. Conclusions: Peg INF2a used at doses consistent with published clinical trials is active and well-tolerated when administered in a clinical setting outside of the support of a clinical trial. Given the majority of patients had previously failed cytoreductive therapy these results substantiate prior reports of efficacy of Peg INF2a in MPNs. Upcoming randomized clinical trials through the Myeloproliferative Disorders Research Consortium will help further define the role of Peg INF2a as first line therapy in high-risk MPNs. Disclosures: Mesa: Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; SBio: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.

Pilot study of pegylated interferon-alpha 2b in patients with essential thrombocythemia

2003 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yesid Alvarado ◽  
Jorge Cortes ◽  
Srdan Verstovsek ◽  
Deborah Thomas ◽  
Stephan Faderl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Interferon Alpha ◽  
Essential Thrombocythemia ◽  
Pegylated Interferon ◽  
Pegylated Interferon Alpha ◽  
Interferon Alpha 2B

scholarly journals Outcome of Pregnancy in the Era of Pegylated Interferon Alpha 2a in Females with Essential Thrombocythemia: An Experience from Qatar

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 336-340
Author(s):  
Mohammad Abu-Tineh ◽  
Nancy Kassem ◽  
Mohammad Abdul-Jaber Abdulla ◽  
Omar Mohammad Ismail ◽  
Rola Ghasoub ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interferon Alpha ◽  
Essential Thrombocythemia ◽  
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽  
Pegylated Interferon ◽  
Myelogenous Leukemia ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Pegylated Interferon Alpha ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Hemorrhagic Complications

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are a diversified group of diseases of the hematopoietic stem cell, such as essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera. They are mainly caused by mutations in the following genes: JAK2, CALR, and MPL. All carry an increased risk to transform into acute leukemia or chronic myelogenous leukemia along with thrombosis and hemorrhagic complications. Treatment of such disorders during pregnancy is a challenging footstep, given the high risk of complications for both the mother and the fetus. Here, we report about two pregnant females with ET that has been treated with pegylated interferon alpha with safe and effective outcome.

Sex differences in depressive symptomatology in patients with chronic hepatitis C during pegylated interferon alpha therapy: A 72-week prospective study

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S80-S80
Author(s):  
Z. Pavlovic ◽  
M. Jasovic-Gasic ◽  
D. Delic ◽  
N. Maric ◽  
O. Vukovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis C ◽  
Interferon Alpha ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Pegylated Interferon ◽  
Pegylated Interferon Alpha ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression

IntroductionTreatment with pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α) is associated with depression more frequently in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients than with other inflammatory diseases.ObjectivesTo prospectively asses sex differences in the prevalence of depression in CHC patients during the PEG-IFN-α, as well as in the CHC group with no therapy.MethodsSample consisted of 103 subjects with CHC on the PEG-IFN-α and 103 subjects with CHC without interferon therapy. The diagnosis of depressive disorder was established by using Structured Clinical Interview and Criteria of International Classification Disorder. The severity of depression was assessed by using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD ≥ 8) prior to PEG-IFN-α (baseline) and at the follow-up visits (4th, 12th, 24th, 48th, 72nd week).ResultsDuring the course of PEG-IFN-α, 49.5% of subjects showed depressive symptomatology (HAMD ≥ 8). Except at baseline and in the 72nd week, on the all other follow-up visits the prevalence of depression was significantly higher in female subjects (*all Ps < 0.05). The strongest difference was observed in the 12th week: of all the subjects with HAMD ≥ 8, 68.8% were female and 32.7% were male (P < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that female sex is a very strong predictor for the development of depression during the interferon treatment [Exp (B) = 6.729]. There were no significant sex differences in the prevalence of depression in the control group.ConclusionsOur study (the longest study in this area) indicate that the prevalence of depression is significantly higher in female subjects with CHC during antiviral treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Pegylated Interferon-Alpha 2a in Combination with Nilotinib As First-Line Therapy in Newly Diagnosed Chronic Phase Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (Nilopeg trial). Four-Year Follow-up Results

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 1578-1578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franck E. Nicolini ◽  
Gabriel Etienne ◽  
Viviane Dubruille ◽  
Lydia Roy ◽  
Françoise Huguet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Pegylated Interferon ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Molecular Responses ◽  
Log Reduction

Abstract Background & aims In the Nilopeg trial (EudraCT 2010-019786-28), we have previously demonstrated that the combination of nilotinib (Tasigna® Novartis), a second generation inihibitor (TKI2), combined to pegylated interferon-alpha 2a (Peg-IFN, Pegasys®, Roche) in de novo chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) patients is able to induce high rates of molecular responses with an acceptable additional toxicity (F. E. Nicolini et al. Lancet Haematology 2015) within 24 months of follow-up. We report here the ≥4-year follow-up of such patients for toxicity and efficacy. Methods In a phase 2 study, newly diagnosed CP-CML patients were assigned to a priming strategy by Peg-IFN (± HU) for a month at 90 mg/wk, prior to a combination of nilotinib 300 mg BID + Peg-IFN 45 micro.g/wk for ≥ 1 year, maximum 2 years. After 2 years nilotinib was continued alone. The primary endpoint was the rate of confirmed molecular response 4.5 (MR4.5) by 1 year. Molecular assessments were centralised for all patients and expressed as BCR-ABLIS in % for 2 years and then performed in each center [all expressed in % on the international scale (IS)]. All data presented here are in intention-to-treat. Events were defined as death, progression to AP or BC, failure on nilotinib or nilotinib treatment discontinuation for any cause excluding treatment-free remission (TFR). Results Fourty-two patients were enrolled in this trial (one withdrawn its consent prior to treatment initiation), and the median follow-up is now 50.7 (47.8-52.8) months. Sokal and Euro scores were high for 12% and 2%, intermediate for 49% and 55% and low for 39% and 43% of the patients respectively. The median age at treatment initiation was 53 (23-85) years, 2 patients had a masked Philadelphia chromosome, 3 a variant form, and 1 additional chromosomal abnormalities, all patients had "major" BCR-ABL1 transcripts. The rates of Complete Cytogenetic Responses (CCyR) at "6", and "12" months of combination (i. e. at 5 and 11 months of TKI2) were 71%, and 100% respectively. Eighty seven percent of patients had a BCR-ABLIS ≤10% at M3 (i. e. after 2 months TKI). The rates of molecular responses respectively at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months were 76%, 78%, 83%, 73% for MMR, 51%, 58.5%, 66%, 58.5% for 4 log reduction (MR4), 17%, 34%, 34%, 44% for 4.5 log reduction (MR4.5), 12%, 32%, 29%, 41.5% for ≥5 log reduction (MR5), shown as cumulative incidence curves for MR4.5 in figure 1. The median doses of Peg-IFN delivered to the patients during the first year were 45 (0-45) micro.g/wk, and for nilotinib 600 (300-600) mg daily. Interestingly, logistic regression analysis adjusted on MR4.5 responses showed a significant relationship with the mean doses of Peg-IFN delivered to the patients at 12 months (p=0.003, OR = 1.09 [1.03-1.16]), 24 months (p=0.005, OR = 1.08 [1.02-1.14]) and 48 months (p=0.024, OR = 1.09 [1.01-1.17], but not with the mean doses of nilotinib [p=0.84, OR = 0.99 [0.99-1.01], p=0.087, OR = 1 [0.99-1.01], and p=0.88, OR = 1 [0.99-1.01] respectively. Eight patients (19.5%) were in TFR for a median of 6.8 (0.5-9.5) months after 2-year consecutive MR4.5, and none lost MMR yet at last follow-up. One patient died of progression (unmutated myeloid blast crisis at M6, who relapsed after unrelated allogeneic stem cell transplantation). There was no additional grade 3-4 hematologic or biochemical toxicities occurring after 24 months. At last follow-up 10 patients switched for another TKI (2 for dasatinib, 5 for imatinib, and 3 for imatinib followed by dasatinib), for unsufficient cytogenetic or molecular response (2 patients) or for toxicity (7 patients). Overall, 4 patients presented some cardio-vascular events 3 coronary stenoses, one brain stroke). Conclusion Despite additional initial toxicities Peg-IFN priming strategy, followed by the combination of nilotinib and Peg-IFN during the first year induces very high rates of durable deep molecular responses (MR4 and MR4.5) at later time-points, offering TFR for number of patients. To date, no emerging severe adverse events occurred. However, to confirm these promising results, a randomised phase III study testing nilotinib versus nilotinib + Peg-IFN is absolutely warranted and in progress. Figure 1. Cumulative incidence of MR4.5 Figure 1. Cumulative incidence of MR4.5 Disclosures Nicolini: Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Ariad Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Etienne:ARIAD: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Congress Travel/Accomodations, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Roy:BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding. Huguet:Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; ARIAD: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; PFIZER: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Legros:ARIAD: Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Giraudier:Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Coiteux:BMS: Speakers Bureau; ARIAD: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Guerci-Bresler:ARIAD: Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; PFIZER: Speakers Bureau. Rea:Pfizer: Honoraria; Ariad: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Amé:BMS: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Cony-Makhoul:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Gardembas:Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Hermet:Novartis: Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau. Rousselot:Pfizer: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Mahon:ARIAD: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document