A Phase-Ib/II Study of Ruxolitinib Plus Pomalidomide in Myelofibrosis

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 826-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Stegelmann ◽  
Markus Bangerter ◽  
Florian H Heidel ◽  
Martin Griesshammer ◽  
Holger Hebart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Severe Neutropenia ◽  
International Prognostic Scoring System ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Phase Ib ◽  
Treatment Interruptions ◽  
Rbc Transfusion

Abstract Background: Myelofibrosis (MF) patients (pts) frequently suffer from constitutional symptoms, splenomegaly, and cytopenia. While ruxolitinib (RUX) is available for the treatment of symptomatic splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms in MF, therapeutic options for the treatment of cytopenia are limited. Recent data indicate that the immunomodulatory drug pomalidomide (POM) may improve anemia and thrombocytopenia in a subset of MF pts (e.g. Tefferi et al., J Clin Oncol 2009). We designed a single arm, multicenter phase-Ib/II combination study of RUX and POM (MPNSG-0212 trial, NCT01644110) to evaluate potential synergistic effects of both drugs in MF. Study Design: Primary endpoints are response rate after 12 treatment cycles (28 days each) according to IWG-MRT criteria (Tefferi et al., Blood 2006) and achievement of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion independence (Gale et al., Leuk Res 2011). Secondary endpoints are safety, quality of life, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Main inclusion criterion is pre-treated or untreated primary or secondary (post-ET / post-PV) MF with anemia (Hb <10 g/dL and/or RBC transfusion dependency). Key exclusion criteria are suitability for allotransplant, low platelet count (<100 /nL), and severe neutropenia (ANC <0.5 /nL). While POM is given at the fixed dosage of 0.5 mg QD, RUX is started at 10 mg BID with dose modifications being allowed to optimize efficacy and to manage myelosuppression. According to a Simon´s two-stage design, recruitment will be extended to a total number of 72 pts if response is achieved in a minimum of 12/37 pts tested initially. Results: Safety of the combination therapy was evaluated favorably by an independent safety monitoring committee after treatment of the first 6 pts as reported previously (Stegelmann et al, ASH 2014). Here, we present follow-up data from 25 pts. Median age of the study population was 75 years (range 51-82). Ten of 25 pts (40%) had one or more previous therapies. The most frequent previous drugs were hydroxyurea (n=6), ruxolitinib (n=3), EPO (n=2), pomalidomide (n=2), and steroids (n=2). Median Hb at study entry was 8.6 g/dL (range 6.8-10.6); 6 pts (24%) were RBC transfusion dependent. Median spleen size measured by ultrasound was 18 cm (range 13-28). Eight pts (32%) were intermediate-1, 10 pts (40%) intermediate-2, and 7 pts (28%) high-risk according to the dynamic international prognostic scoring system (DIPSS). Mutation frequencies of JAK2 V617F, MPL W515L, and CALR exon 9 were 72%, 12%, and 16%, respectively. ASXL1 was mutated in 5 pts (20%). Regarding safety, 287 adverse events (AE) of any grade (CTCAE 1-5) were recorded. Among these, worsening of anemia (°3/°4) was the most frequent AE (n=35 in 9 pts), followed by musculoskeletal pain (n=25 in 6 pts; °1-°3), and constitutional symptoms (n=13 in 2 pts; °1-°3). In total, 11 serious AE (SAE) CTCAE °2-5 were recorded. While 9 SAE (pneumonia °3, n=3; cardiac decompensation °5, malignant melanoma °2, septic shock °5, syncope °3, and TIA °2, worsening of general condition °3, n=1 each) were considered non-related to the study drugs, 2 SAE (hemoglobin °4, neuropathy °3) were considered related. Of note, neuropathy resolved after end of study. Treatment interruptions and dose reductions of RUX were uncommon. RUX could be step-wise increased to 15 or 20 mg BID in 10 pts (40%). Median time on treatment was 8 28-days cycles (range 1-13) in 24 pts, while one patient has not yet started therapy; 14 pts (56%) are still on study treatment. A total of 10 pts (40%) discontinued, due to death (n=2), no response after 12 cycles (n=5), or withdrawal of informed consent (n=3). Within this short observation time, 3 pts experienced ´clinical improvement´ (CI) according to IWG-MRT criteria in the following categories: i) spleen reduction, ii) spleen reduction + increase of Hb, and iii) increase of both Hb and ANC. RBC transfusion independency criteria have not yet been fulfilled in transfusion dependent pts. None of the study pts progressed during treatment. Conclusions: Taking into account that the majority of study pts were pre-treated and at advanced risk, the combination therapy of RUX and POM was well tolerated and is feasible. First efficacy evaluation shows that clinical improvement regarding reduction of splenomegaly and improvement of cytopenia is achieved in a subset of MF pts. Recruitment of the study continues. An update on safety and efficacy will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures Hochhaus: ARIAD: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Scheid:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Schlenk:Arog: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Boehringer-Ingelheim: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Teva: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

scholarly journals A Randomized Phase II Study of Azacitidine Combined with Lenalidomide or with Vorinostat Vs. Azacitidine Monotherapy in Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML): North American Intergroup Study SWOG S1117

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. LBA-5-LBA-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikkael A. Sekeres ◽  
Megan Othus ◽  
Alan F. List ◽  
Olatoyosi Odenike ◽  
Richard M. Stone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Phase Ii Study ◽  
International Prognostic Scoring System ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
N Rates

Abstract Background: Higher-risk MDS and CMML comprise a spectrum of disorders associated with cytopenias, high risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and truncated survival. Initial treatment with a hypomethylating agent such as azacitidine (AZA) is considered standard of care. Whether addition of the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat (VOR), which acts synergistically with AZA to reactivate epigenetically silenced genes, or addition of lenalidomide (LEN), which impacts the bone marrow microenvironment, improves response rates compared to AZA monotherapy is unknown. Methods: This Phase II study (ClinTrials.gov # NCT01522976) randomized higher-risk MDS (International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) Int-2 or High and/or bone marrow blasts >5%) and CMML patients (pts) with <20% blasts to receive AZA (75 mg/m2/d on d1-7 of a 28d cycle), AZA + LEN (10 mg/d on d1-21), or AZA + VOR (300 mg BID on d3-9). Eligibility criteria included: >18 years (yrs), no previous allogeneic transplant, no prior treatment with any of the study drugs, and adequate organ function; therapy-related (t)MDS was allowed. Pts continued treatment until disease progression, relapse, unacceptable toxicity, or lack of response. Dose reductions occurred for unresolved grade >3 adverse events (per NCI CTCAE) or delayed count recovery. The primary endpoint was improvement in overall response rate (ORR), by intention to treat and reviewed centrally, of one of the combination arms vs. AZA monotherapy per 2006 International Working Group MDS response criteria (complete response (CR) + partial response (PR) + hematologic improvement (HI)). Relapse-free survival (RFS) was from time of response. The study had 81% power to detect a 20% improvement in ORR from 35% to 55%. Results: Of 282 pts enrolled from 3/12–6/14, 276 are included in analyses (6 ineligible pts excluded): 92 on the AZA arm, 93 on AZA+LEN, and 91 on AZA+VOR. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced across arms (Table). Pts received a median of 23 weeks of therapy: 25 of AZA; 24 of AZA+LEN; and 20 of AZA+VOR and were followed for a median of 9 months (range: 0-26). Numbers of pts with notable adverse events >grade 3 for AZA:AZA+LEN:AZA+VOR included febrile neutropenia (10:13:13); gastrointestinal disorders (4:11:23); infections (2:3:3); and rash (2:12:1). Responses were assessable in 260 pts (94%). ORR for the entire cohort was 33%: 19% CR, 1% PR, and 13% HI, with a median RFS of 7 months. ORR was similar across study arms: 36% for AZA, 37% for AZA+LEN (p=1.0 vs. AZA), and 22% for AZA+VOR (p=.07 vs. AZA). CR/PR/HI rates across arms were also similar: 23%/0%/13% for AZA; 18%/1%/17% for AZA+LEN (CR p=.47 vs. AZA); and 14%/1%/7% for AZA+VOR (CR p=.18 vs. AZA); rates of bone marrow exams to assess response were 76%, 67%, and 73%, respectively. HI-P/HI-E/HI-N rates were 21%/15%/5% for AZA, 26%/14%/15% for AZA+LEN, and 12%/8%/4% for AZA+VOR. HI-N rates were higher in AZA+LEN vs. AZA (p=.05) but otherwise were similar across arms. Median time to best response across arms was 15 weeks in AZA, 16 weeks in AZA+LEN, and 16 weeks in AZA+VOR. ORR did not vary significantly across arms in subgroup analyses for tMDS, baseline red blood cell (RBC) transfusion dependence, and by IPSS risk group. ORR for CMML pts for AZA:AZA+LEN:AZA+VOR was 33%:53%(p=.15 vs. AZA):12%(p=.41 vs. AZA). Allogeneic transplantation rates were: 7 pts on AZA, 6 on AZA+LEN, and 9 on AZA+VOR. For AZA:AZA+LEN:AZA+VOR, median RFS was: 6:8:11 months (log-rank p=.3 for combination arms vs. AZA, Figure); and for pts on therapy >6 months, it was 7:7.5:13 months (log-rank p=.11 for AZA+VOR, .74 for AZA+LEN vs. AZA). Conclusions: In higher-risk MDS pts, ORR was similar for AZA monotherapy compared to AZA-containing combination arms, though some subgroups may have benefitted from combination therapy. Differences in types of response may have resulted from differential rates of follow-up bone marrow assessments. While a non-significant signal of a DFS advantage for combination therapy was observed, longer-term outcome data are being assessed. Table Table. Figure Figure. Disclosures Sekeres: Boehringer-Ingelheim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Off Label Use: lenalidomide, vorinostat for higher-risk MDS. List:Celgene Corporation: Consultancy. Gore:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. Attar:Celgene: Consultancy. Erba:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.

A Phase IB, Multi-Center, Open-Label Dose-Escalation Study of Oral Panobinostat (LBH589) and I.V. Bortezomib in Patients with Relapsed Multiple Myeloma.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 3852-3852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús F. San-Miguel ◽  
Orhan Sezer ◽  
David Siegel ◽  
Andreas Guenther ◽  
Maria-Victoria Mateos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Clinical Investigation ◽  
Advisory Board ◽  
Protease Inhibition ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Dose Escalation Study ◽  
Phase Ib ◽  
Synergistic Cytotoxicity

Abstract Abstract 3852 Poster Board III-788 Introduction Panobinostat (LBH589) is a highly potent pan-deacetylase inhibitor (pan-DACi), inclusive of HDAC6, which disrupts aggresome function, promotes accumulation of cytotoxic misfolded protein aggregates and triggers myeloma cell death. Combination of pan-DAC and protease inhibition by co-treatment with panobinostat (PAN) and bortezomib (BTZ) has demonstrated synergistic cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo in multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and may provide increased efficacy in patients with MM. The primary objective of this Phase Ib trial is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of oral PAN when combined with BTZ in patients with relapsed or refractory MM. Safety, tolerability, PK/PD, and preliminary efficacy are the secondary objectives. Results A total of 29 patients have been enrolled into four completed dosing Cohorts: (I) 10 mg PAN (TIW) + 1 mg/m2 BTZ (i.v., Days 1, 4, 8, 11) during a 21-day cycle; (II) 20 mg PAN + 1 mg/m2 BTZ; (III) 20 mg PAN + 1.3 mg/m2 BTZ; (IV) 30 mg PAN + 1.3 mg/m2 BTZ. Enrollment into Cohort V is ongoing at 25 mg PAN + 1.3 mg/m2 BTZ with 6 patients accrued to date. In Cohorts I– IV, the median number of prior therapies was 3 (range 1–6); 25 patients had at least one prior auto-SCT. Of 16 BTZ pretreated patients, 11 were refractory to their last prior BTZ-based therapy (9 with PD, 2 with SD on BTZ). Median time on study has been 97 days (range 7–424). Overall, the combination of PAN and BTZ was safe and tolerated in Cohorts I - III with one dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) (Gr 4 afebrile neutropenia) in Cohort II. In Cohort IV, four DLTs were reported: two Gr 4 thrombocytopenias,(requiring platelet transfusions), Gr 3 pneumonia, and Gr 3 fatigue. In the subsequent Cohort V, PAN dose was de-escalated. Hematologic adverse events (AEs) have been frequent, including Gr 3/4 thrombocytopenia (25), neutropenia (18), and anemia (6). Non-hematologic AEs included: diarrhea (18), fever (15), nausea (14), fatigue (14), and asthenia (11). A total of 1,778 ECGs were centrally, reviewed with neither QTcF prolongation from baseline >60 msec nor absolute QTcF duration >480 msec noted. Gr 3/4 thrombocytopenia was manageable by dose modification and platelet transfusion; two patients only discontinued for this AE in Cohorts I – III and no hemorrhagic events were reported in association with thrombocytopenia. Encouraging clinical efficacy was observed in all four Cohorts, with 14 responders (partial response [PR] or better) in 28 evaluable patients (50%), including 4 with immunofixation (IF) negative complete response (CR). Four additional patients achieved minor responses, resulting in 64% overall response rate. Responses were also seen in the subset of patients refractory to prior BTZ, suggesting a strong clinical correlate for synergism of the PAN/BTZ combination: 6 of 10 (60%) BTZ-refractory evaluable pts responded, including 4 PR and 2 MR (see Table for details). Dexamethasone (DEX) was introduced at Cycle 2 (or 3) in 9 pts; 11 of 18 pts with a response did not receive DEX, including several pts refractory to BTZ. All 15 patients in Cohorts III and IV treated with the full registered dose of BTZ (1.3 mg/m2) in combination with PAN 20 mg experienced a clinical benefit; however, toxicity in Cohort IV was not acceptable. Conclusion The encouraging clinical anti-myeloma synergism of the PAN and BTZ combination in this trial warrants further clinical investigation in patients with refractory and relapsed MM. Given the frequency of thrombocytopenia and dose adjustments, the dosing schedule in subsequent Phase II/III studies will be modified to take the safety profile and dose-reduction/-interruption pattern into account. Disclosures: San-Miguel: Novartis: Advisory Board, Consultancy, Honoraria; J&J: Advisory Board, Consultancy, Honoraria; Millenium: Advisory Board, Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Advisory Board, Consultancy, Honoraria. Sezer:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Siegel:Millenium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Speakers Bureau. Guenther:Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding. Mateos:Ortho Biotech: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria. Cavo:Novartis: Honoraria. Blade:Novartis: Honoraria; Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Boccadoro:Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen Cilag: Honoraria. Bengoudifa:Novartis Pharma AG: Employment. Klebsattel:Novartis Pharma AG: Employment. Bourquelot:Novartis Pharma AG: Employment. Anderson:Millenium: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Phase Ib Study of Oral Panobinostat In Combination with 5-Azacitidine (5-aza) In Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML), or Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4957-4957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Fenaux ◽  
Daniel J DeAngelo ◽  
Guillermo Garcia-Manero ◽  
Michael Lübbert ◽  
Anand P. Jillella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Febrile Neutropenia ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Dose Cohort ◽  
Phase Ib ◽  
Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Abstract Abstract 4957 Background: Panobinostat is a potent pan-deacetylase inhibitor (pan-DACi) that causes increased acetylation of target proteins such as HSP90, p53, α-tubulin and HIF-1α which are involved in cell cycle regulation, gene transcription, angiogenesis, and tumor cell survival. Preliminary evidence from phase I trials has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in patients with hematologic malignancies including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The advent of hypomethylating agents, such as 5-aza, represent a significant advancement in the treatment of MDS, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and AML. Although an improvement in clinical outcomes has been observed, including increased overall survival in patients with MDS, a substantial number of patients do not benefit from the therapies currently available. Preclinical studies suggest that the combination of a demethylating agent and a pan-DACi represents a rational strategy to reverse silencing of tumor suppressor genes, which contributes to the malignant phenotype, and improve outcomes in patients with MDS and AML. In this study, the combination of the pan-DACi, panobinostat, and the hypomethylating agent, 5-aza, was evaluated in patients with MDS, CMML and AML. Methods: This phase Ib, open-label, multicenter, dose-finding study is comprised of 2 stages: a dose-escalation stage to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of panobinostat in combination with standard dose 5-aza, and a subsequent expansion stage to evaluate safety, tolerability, and preliminary activity at the MTD dose level. The primary endpoint is incidence of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and secondary endpoints include type, duration, frequency, and relationship of adverse events (AEs) to the combination. Exploratory endpoints include clinical response and hematologic improvement according to IWG response criteria, and biomarker analysis of methylation status and expression of disease-associated genes in peripheral blood cells prior to and during therapy. Adult patients with IPSS INT-2 or high-risk MDS, CMML, or AML with multi-lineage dysplasia and ≤ 30% marrow blasts who are candidates for therapy with 5-aza and have not received a prior hypomethylating agent or pan-DACi are eligible for enrollment on the trial. Oral panobinostat was administered on Days (D) 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, and 15, starting at 20 mg, in combination with 5-aza (75 mg/m2 sc D 1–7) during a 28-D cycle. Patients received treatment for ≤ 6 cycles or until progression of disease, incidence of unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Results: To date, 11 patients have been enrolled including 9 patients with MDS, 1 patient with AML and 1 patient with CMML. The median age of patients enrolled on the trial was 69.0 (60-80). Patients have been evaluated at 2 panobinostat dose cohorts; 6 (20 mg) and 5 (30 mg). The AE analysis is based on 9 patients (6 from 20 mg cohort and 3 from 30 mg cohort) and the nature and incidence of AEs observed in the two cohorts were similar. Adverse events regardless of study drug relationship included nausea (4 [44%]), vomiting, fatigue (5 [55%] each) and asthenia (3 [33%]). Grade 3/4 AEs suspected to be treatment related included thrombocytopenia (2 [22%], febrile neutropenia and arthritis (1 [11%] each). Serious adverse events observed included febrile neutropenia, asthenia (2 [22%] each), atrial fibrillation and septic shock (1 [11%] each). One DLT has been observed (grade 4 febrile neutropenia) in the 20 mg panobinostat dose cohort. Conclusions: Panobinostat has been well tolerated up to a dose of 30 mg in combination with 5-aza (75 mg/m2) with dose escalation ongoing. Patients are currently being enrolled at the 40mg dose cohort. The most common AEs observed included febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia with one DLT observed (grade 4 febrile neutropenia) in the 20mg panobinostat dose cohort. The current data show that the addition of panobinostat to 5-aza is safe with no unexpected toxicities. Updated data, including safety and preliminary efficacy data will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures: Fenaux: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen Cilag: Honoraria, Research Funding; ROCHE: Honoraria, Research Funding; AMGEN: Honoraria, Research Funding; GSK: Honoraria, Research Funding; Merck: Honoraria, Research Funding; Cephalon: Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: Panobinostat is an investigational agent currently being evaluated for the treatment of hematologic and solid malignancies. DeAngelo: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Sekeres: Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Winiger: Novartis Pharma AG: Employment. Squier: Novartis: Employment. Li: Novartis: Employment. Ottmann: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Impact Of The Proportion Of Metaphases With Isolated Del(5q) On Clinical Outcomes In Lenalidomide (LEN)-Treated Patients With IPSS Low-/Int-1-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) In MDS-003 and MDS-004

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 1538-1538
Author(s):  
Aristoteles Giagounidis ◽  
Alan List ◽  
Eva Hellström-Lindberg ◽  
Mikkael A. Sekeres ◽  
Ghulam J. Mufti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Log Rank Test ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Rbc Transfusion

Abstract Introduction The proportion of aberrant metaphases is prognostic for overall survival (OS) in MDS patients with trisomy 8 (Mallo M, et al. Leuk Res. 2011;35:834-6). The impact of the proportion of metaphases with del(5q) on clinical outcomes, including OS, disease progression and response to therapy with LEN in MDS remains undefined. In two large multicenter studies of LEN (MDS-003 and MDS-004) in RBC transfusion-dependent patients with International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) Low- or Intermediate (Int)-1-risk del(5q) MDS, RBC transfusion independence (TI) ≥ 8 weeks was achieved in 51–67% of patients (List A, et al. N Engl J Med. 2006;355:1456-65; Fenaux P, et al. Blood. 2011;118:3765-76). This retrospective analysis evaluated response to treatment, progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and OS by proportion of del(5q) metaphases in patients with isolated del(5q) from the MDS-003 and 004 studies. Methods In order to allow sufficient patient numbers for analysis, ≥ 16 metaphases were evaluated for del(5q) by standard karyotyping (MDS-003 and MDS-004) and 200 interphase nuclei were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH; MDS-004 only) using a probe for the commonly deleted region 5q31 (LSI EGR1/D5S721, Abbott, Wiesbaden, Germany). Patients received LEN on days 1–21 of each 28-day cycle (10 mg) or continuously (5 mg or 10 mg), or placebo. In MDS-004, patients randomized to placebo could cross over to LEN 5 mg by week 16. RBC-TI ≥ 26 weeks, time to AML progression and OS were analyzed by the proportion of del(5q) metaphases or interphases (≤ 60% vs > 60%) using standard karyotyping and FISH, respectively. Results Of the 353 patients from MDS-003 and MDS-004, 194 had isolated del(5q) by standard karyotyping; median proportion of del(5q) metaphases was 96% (range 4–100). Baseline characteristics including age, time from diagnosis, RBC transfusion burden, hemoglobin level, platelet and absolute neutrophil counts were comparable among patients with ≤ 60% (n = 21) and > 60% (n = 173) del(5q) metaphases. Rates of RBC-TI ≥ 26 weeks were similar across patients in the ≤ 60% and > 60% groups (P = 0.6515). Time to AML progression was comparable for patients in the ≤ 60% group versus the > 60% group (log-rank test P = 0.9802); 2-year rates were 22.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.7–54.5%) and 14.6% (95% CI: 9.9–21.2%), respectively. Time to AML progression was similar when analyzed with death without AML as competing risk (Gray’s test P = 0.5514). OS was longer in the > 60% versus the ≤ 60% group (log-rank test P = 0.0436); median OS was 3.7 years (95% CI: 3.0–4.2) and 2.4 years (95% CI: 1.5–4.9), respectively. In MDS-004, the proportion of del(5q) interphases was analyzed using FISH in 106 patients, including 46 with ≤ 60% and 60 with > 60%. When analyzed by FISH, rates of RBC-TI ≥ 26 weeks were similar across patients in the ≤ 60% and > 60% groups (P = 1.000). Time to AML progression and OS were similar across these groups (log-rank test P = 0.7311 and P = 0.8639, respectively) when analyzed by FISH. In the ≤ 60% and > 60% groups respectively, 2-year AML progression rates were 14.8% (95% CI: 6.9–30.1%) and 18.6% (95% CI: 10.4–32.0%), and median OS was 3.1 years (95% CI: 2.3–4.8) and 2.9 years (95% CI: 2.3–4.4). Time to AML progression was similar when analyzed with death without AML as competing risk (Gray’s test P = 0.8631). Conclusions In IPSS Low- or Int-1-risk MDS patients with isolated del(5q) treated with LEN in MDS-003 and MDS-004 studies, baseline characteristics, RBC-TI ≥ 26 weeks and AML progression were comparable in patients with > 60% versus ≤ 60% del(5q) metaphases. Although similar across groups when analyzed by FISH in a subset of patients, surprisingly, OS was longer in patients with > 60% del(5q) metaphases than in those with ≤ 60% del(5q) metaphases by standard karyotyping. However, the number of patients with ≤ 60% del(5q) metaphases was limited and no adjustment was made for multiple testing. These findings suggest that the number of cells with the isolated del(5q) abnormality measured by FISH does not impact clinical outcome in this RBC transfusion-dependent study population, but this finding could not be confirmed for OS by standard karyotyping. Disclosures: Giagounidis: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. List:Celgene: Serve on Celgene Data Safety & Monitoring Committee Other. Hellström-Lindberg:Celgene: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Sekeres:Celgene: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mufti:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Schlegelberger:Celgene: Consultancy. Morrill:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wu:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Skikne:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Fenaux:Celgene: Honoraria.

Combined Treatment with Lenalidomide (LEN) and Epoetin Alfa (EA) Is Superior to Lenalidomide Alone in Patients with Erythropoietin (Epo)-Refractory, Lower Risk (LR) Non-Deletion 5q [Del(5q)] Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): Results of the E2905 Intergroup Study-an ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group Study, Grant CA180820, and the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 223-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan F List ◽  
Zhuoxin Sun ◽  
Amit Verma ◽  
John M. Bennett ◽  
Kathy L McGraw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Median Response ◽  
Erythroid Response ◽  
Receptor Complexes ◽  
Erythroid Precursors

Abstract Background: Treatment with rhu-Epo ameliorates anemia in a subset of LR-MDS patients, however, effective salvage therapy is limited. LEN promotes erythroid lineage competence and expansion of primitive erythroid precursors in vitro. In the MDS-002 and MDS-005 trials, treatment with LEN improved erythropoiesis, yielding RBC transfusion-independence in 26% of azanucleoside-naïve, transfusion-dependent (TD) LR, non-del(5q) MDS patients for a median of 10.2 and 7.75 months, respectively. We previously reported that LEN restores Epo-responsiveness in MDS progenitors by inducing formation of lipid rafts enriched for signaling competent JAK2/Epo-receptor complexes and excluding large isoforms of the JAK2/lyn kinase-phosphatase CD45 (McGraw K, et. al. PLoS One 2014; Basiorka A, et. al. Cancer Res 2016). In a pilot study of Epo-refractory MDS patients, addition of EA yielded erythroid responses in 28% of patients who were unresponsive to LEN alone, suggesting that LEN may overcome resistance and augment response to rhEpo (Komrokji R, et. al. Blood 2012). To test this hypothesis, we performed a randomized phase III trial comparing treatment with LEN to LEN+EA in LR non-del(5q) MDS patients who were refractory to, or not candidates for treatment with rhEpo. Methods: Patients with Low or Intermediate-1 (Int-1) risk IPSS MDS with hemoglobin <9.5 g/dL who were unresponsive to rhEpo treatment or were TD (>2 units/mo) with serum Epo >500mU/mL were eligible for study. Patients were stratified by serum Epo level and prior rhEpo (EA vs. darbepoetin vs. none) then randomized to treatment with LEN 10 mg/d x21d q4wk (Arm A) or LEN + EA 60,000U SC/wk (Arm B). Primary endpoint was IWG 2006 major erythroid response (MER) rate after 4 cycles. Arm A non-responders were offered cross-over to combined therapy. Secondary endpoints included analysis of response biomarkers. Results: Between April 2009 and May 2016, 248 patients were enrolled and 195 were randomized and will be included in the primary analysis. Interim analysis of 163 patients (Arm A, 81; B, 82) accrued before July 2015 showed that the study met predefined stopping criteria. Baseline characteristics were balanced between arms. Median age was 74 years (range, 47-89) receiving a median of 2 RBC units/mo (0-8). Overall, 64 (39%) patients had Low IPSS risk and 90 (55%) Int-1 risk. Among these, 150 received prior rhuEpo (92%) and 27, azanucleosides (17%). In an ITT analysis, MER rate was significantly higher with combination therapy, Arm B 25.6% (n=21) vs. Arm A 9.9% (n=8) (P=0.015). Among 116 patients evaluable at week 16, 33.3% (20/60) and 14.3% (8/56) achieved MER, respectively (P=0.018), with a median response duration of 25.4 months vs. not reached in Arm A responders. Response to combined treatment was associated with baseline CD45-isoform distribution in erythroid precursors. Patients achieving MER had a significantly lower CD45 RA+RB:RO ratio (median, 1.51) compared to non-responders (median, 4.21; P=0.04), favoring homo-dimerization of the short CD45-RO isoform and inhibition of phosphatase activity. MER rate in Arm B patients with a low isoform ratio (< median) was 72.7% vs. 18.2% in the high ratio group (P=0.03). Thirty-four Arm A non-responders crossed over to combination-therapy with only 1 MER. There was no difference in the frequency or distribution of >Grade 3, non-hematologic AEs. Conclusions: LEN restores sensitivity to rhEpo in Epo-refractory LR-non-del(5q) MDS patients to yield durable and significantly higher rates of erythroid response to combination treatment without added toxicity. Erythroid CD45 isoform profile may serve as a response biomarker for selection of candidates for combination therapy. Disclosures Bennett: Celgne: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Altman:Syros: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Komrokji:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Schiffer:Teva: Other: DSMB member; BMS: Research Funding; Ariad: Research Funding; Pfizer: Other: DSMB member.

Polatuzumab Vedotin Combined with Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Prednisone (R-CHP) for Patients with Previously Untreated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): Updated Results of a Phase Ib/II Study

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 1853-1853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hervé Tilly ◽  
Franck Morschhauser ◽  
Nancy L Bartlett ◽  
Jeff Sharman ◽  
Corinne Haioun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Febrile Neutropenia ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Motor Dysfunction ◽  
The Other ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Phase Ib ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Genetics Research

Abstract Introduction: Previously reported results from an ongoing study of polatuzumab vedotin (PoV), an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) containing the anti-mitotic MMAE targeting CD79b, in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (R-CHP) demonstrated an acceptable safety profile in patients (pts) with previously untreated DLBCL. The dose escalation (esc) phase established a recommended phase 2 dose of PoV at 1.8 mg/kg. We report updated safety and efficacy results for this multicenter, open-label Phase Ib/II study of PoV combined with R-CHP in previously untreated DLBCL pts (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01992653). Methods: In the esc phase of this study, pts aged 60-80 years, with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory B-cell NHL were given PoV intravenously 1.0, 1.4, or 1.8 mg/kg with R-CHP every 21 days for a total of 6 or 8 cycles. In the dose expansion (exp) phase, pts were restricted to those with previously untreated DLBCL and aged 18-80 years. Investigator assessments for anti-tumor activity by Cheson 2007 were performed following 4 cycles of study treatment (tx) and at the end of study tx (EOT). Patients: DLBCL patient characteristics as of February 5, 2016 are included in Table 1. The majority of the subjects were IPI 4-5. Results: Of the 36 safety evaluable pts, the most common adverse events (AEs) in > 20% of pts were fatigue (36%) and diarrhea (30%), nausea (31%), and neutropenia (25%). 44% had at least one Gr 3/4 AE including neutropenia (22%), febrile neutropenia (14%), hypertension (8%), thrombocytopenia (4%), leukopenia (4%), oral fungal infection (4%), dysphagia (4%), vomiting (4%), asthenia (4%), fatigue (4), decreased appetite (4%), hyponatremia (4%), malnutrition (4%), chylothorax (4%), back pain (4%), motor dysfunction (4%), and confusional state (4%). Serious AEs were reported in 33% of pts, with 17 different events. These included 4 episodes of febrile neutropenia, 2 of neutropenia, 2 of pneumonia, and 1 each of E. coli UTI, oral fungal infection, hyponatremia, malnutrition, chylothorax, pulmonary embolism, pyrexia, pathologic femur fracture, and worsening of rheumatoid arthritis. 33% of pts experienced peripheral neuropathy (PN). The reported terms included PN, paresthesia, muscular weakness, neuralgia, and motor dysfunction. All neurologic AEs attributed to PoV were Gr 1 except one PN that was Gr 2 and improved to Gr 1 after PoV dose reduction. There were 2 pts that discontinued study treatment due to AEs (one with a Gr 2 tremor who is still in CR, and the other with Gr 2 UTI who ultimately progressed) while 5 (14%) had PoV dose reductions (2 PN, 2 neutropenia, 1 weight decrease and asthenia). No Gr 5 AEs were reported among the exp cohort. At the time of this report, response assessments were available in 26 pts. All pts in the esc phase have completed study tx and 8 in exp cohort have completed study tx. Interim and EOT PET response is summarized in Table 2. Among the 2 pts that developed progressive disease in the exp phase, one pt had a new axillary lesion and subsequently died despite salvage tx; the other patient had a CR at interim evaluation, but stopped all tx after 5 cycles due to E. coli UTI and subsequently developed recurrent disease. Conclusions: Early results show that PoV plus R-CHP has an acceptable safety profile in pts with previously untreated DLBCL. Although the protocol-specified MTD was not formally reached, the recommended phase 2 dose of PoV was established at 1.8 mg/kg based on the overall safety and tolerability profile at that dose. The pts treated at the phase 2 dosing were strongly weighted in the high risk category by IPI and in that context, efficacy is promising and will be updated at the time of presentation. Disclosures Morschhauser: Janssen: Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Honoraria; Servier: Consultancy, Honoraria. Bartlett:Gilead: Consultancy. Sharman:Gilead: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding. Haioun:Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sandoz: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kolibaba:Celgene: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Cell Therapeutics: Research Funding; GSK: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Pharmcyclics: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Honoraria, Research Funding. Chen:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy. Jones:Genentech, Inc.: Employment. Penuel:Genentech/Roche: Employment. Lee:Genentech, Inc.: Employment. Salles:Gilead: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Mundipharma: Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche/Genentech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

scholarly journals Preliminary Results from a Phase II Study of the Combination of Azacitidine and Pembrolizumab in Patients with Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 464-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly S. Chien ◽  
Jorge E. Cortes ◽  
Gautam Borthakur ◽  
Courtney D. DiNardo ◽  
Naval G. Daver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Myelodysplastic Syndrome ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
International Prognostic Scoring System ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Genetics Research ◽  
Ongoing Phase

Abstract Background: The survival of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) after hypomethylating agent (HMA) failure is poor at about 4 to 6 months. The exposure of CD34 positive cells from patients with MDS to HMA has been shown to result in increased expression of PD-1 and PD-L1, with a sequential increase in the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 particularly in patients that have failed HMA (Yang H, Leukemia 2014). Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting PD-1, thus blocking its interaction with ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2, that has been FDA-approved for certain solid tumors. Consequently, we designed an ongoing phase II clinical trial to evaluate the safety and clinical activity of the combination of azacitidine and pembrolizumab in patients with higher-risk MDS. Methods: Adult patients with intermediate-1 or higher disease by the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) were eligible for the study. Patients were divided into two cohorts: those who had not received prior therapy and those who had not responded to, progressed on, or relapsed after HMA therapy, with a goal enrollment of 20 patients per cohort. Patients received azacitidine 75 mg/m2 IV or SQ daily for 7 days on a 28-day cycle and pembrolizumab 200 mg IV starting on cycle 1 day 1 and every 3 weeks thereafter independent of azacitidine dosing schedule. The endpoints were overall response rate and safety. Patients were discontinued from the clinical trial if there was disease progression, unacceptable adverse experiences, intercurrent illness preventing further administration of study treatment, confirmed positive serum pregnancy test, noncompliance, loss to follow-up, completion of 24 months of uninterrupted treatment with pembrolizumab or 35 administrations of the study medication (whichever occurred later), lack of efficacy, or any other reason leading to the investigator's decision for withdrawal. Clinical trial information: NCT03094637. Results: At data cut-off (July 2018), 18 patients have been treated with azacitidine and pembrolizumab with a median follow-up time of 16 weeks and 9 patients continuing on treatment in cycles 1-6. Twelve patients were enrolled in the HMA failure cohort and 6 patients in the previously untreated MDS cohort. Of the 12 patients evaluable for response, 7 were in the HMA failure cohort and 5 in the previously untreated MDS cohort. In the HMA failure cohort, 1 patient achieved CR, 1 patient demonstrated hematological improvement with mCR or CRi, and 5 patients progressed. In the previously untreated MDS cohort, 1 patient attained CR, 2 patients exhibited hematological improvement, 1 patient showed progression, and 1 patient died due to treatment-unrelated causes. The most frequently observed mutations in the 5 responding patients were TET2 in 3 patients and ASXL1, DNMT3A, and RUNX1 in 2 patients each. Three of the responders had diploid cytogenetics, 1 had del(10), and 1 had complex karyotype. Treatment was overall well-tolerated. Most common treatment-related adverse events (all grades) were neutropenia (22%); elevated ALT, elevated AST, anemia, and injection site reactions (17%); and constipation, joint pain, anorexia, pneumonitis, and pneumonia (11%). Conclusions: In this ongoing phase II trial, preliminary data suggest that azacitidine and pembrolizumab was relatively safe and may have antitumor activity in patients who failed HMA. Disclosures Cortes: Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Arog: Research Funding. DiNardo:Karyopharm: Honoraria; Medimmune: Honoraria; Agios: Consultancy; Bayer: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria. Daver:Sunesis: Research Funding; ARIAD: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Sunesis: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Kiromic: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Incyte: Research Funding; Alexion: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding; ImmunoGen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Research Funding. Jain:Adaptive Biotechnologioes: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Cellectis: Research Funding; Servier: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Servier: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Infinity: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novimmune: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Research Funding; Cellectis: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; ADC Therapeutics: Research Funding; Verastem: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novimmune: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Verastem: Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Servier: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Servier: Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Verastem: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Infinity: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Research Funding; Verastem: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive Biotechnologioes: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

scholarly journals Safety and Efficacy of Combined Ruxolitinib and Thalidomide in Patients with Myelofibrosis: Initial Results of a Phase II Study

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 354-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raajit K. Rampal ◽  
Srdan Verstovsek ◽  
Sean M Devlin ◽  
Eytan M. Stein ◽  
Tapan M. Kadia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Response Assessment ◽  
Platelet Response ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Background: Among the most frequent and challenging hematologic manifestations of myelofibrosis (MF) are anemia and thrombocytopenia, the presence of which portends an adverse outcome. Few effective modalities to address these cytopenias exist, particularly thrombocytopenia. Further, although the FDA-approved JAK1/2 inhibitor Ruxolitinib (RUX) has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in MF patients, RUX frequently results in anemia and thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia in particular often results in dose attenuation of RUX. Thalidomide (THAL) is a first-in-class immunomodulatory agent. Studies of THAL in MF patients, alone and with prednisone, have demonstrated improvements in anemia and thrombocytopenia. We therefore sought to examine whether combination of RUX and THAL could result in improvement in both disease-related and therapy-related cytopenias, as well as improve overall disease response in patients with MF. Here we report initial analysis of this study (NCT03069326). Methods: We conducted a multicenter two stage phase II trial designed to assess the effect of RUX and THAL combination in subjects with primary, post-polycythemia vera, or post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis. Patients taking RUX at the time of enrollment must have had less than PR per IWG-MRT/ELN 2013 criteria, or be refractory, to RUX single-agent therapy. Patients must have been taking RUX for a minimum of 3 months, and must have been on a stable dose of RUX for a minimum of 4 weeks immediately prior to enrollment. Treatment-naïve patients received single-agent RUX for 3 months (run-in phase) per label, and went on to combination therapy if they achieved less then a PR per IWG-MRT/ELN criteria. Each cycle of therapy was 28 days. Response assessment was evaluated according to the IWG-MRT/ELN 2013 criteria. Platelet response criteria in patients with baseline thrombocytopenia (less than lower limit of normal) included: Major response (≥75% increase in platelet count), Intermediate Response (≥50% increase) and Minor Response (≥25% increase). Adverse events were assessed using the NCI CTCAE v. 4.0. The primary endpoint was the proportion of treated subjects that achieved a response by IWG-MRT criteria and by platelet response criteria. Results: A total of 25 patients are planned to be accrued. At the time of this writing, a total of 18 patients have been accrued. The median age was 70.5 years (47-85). 8 patients had received prior therapies other than RUX, including imetelstat, momelotinib, danazol, pomalidomide, darbepoetin alpha and sotatercept. 7 patients enrolled to the run-in phase. 14 patients received red blood cell transfusions prior to study enrollment. Evaluation of platelet count in patients with baseline thrombocytopenia demonstrated a significant increase in platelet count at cycle 3 of therapy compared to baseline (Figure 1A and B; P<0.05). An increase in Hgb was observed over successive cycles of combination therapy (Figure 1C and D). 5 of 18 accrued patients completed ≥6 cycles of combined therapy at the time of abstract submission and were thus evaluable for response assessment. The overall response rate in these patients was 80% (4/5 patients). Clinical Improvement (Anemia response and Symptom response) occurred in 3 patients (both responses observed in all 3 patients). Major platelet response was observed in 4 of 5 patients with baseline thrombocytopenia. 1 patient met criteria for spleen response (Table 1). Grade 3/4 non-hematologic adverse events regardless of attribution included; limb edema, diverticulitis, hypertension, syncope. 1 patient experienced a thromboembolic event. 1 patient experienced a grade 3 hematologic AE (neutropenia). Conclusions: The combination of THAL and RUX has demonstrated a promising efficacy signal in this initial analysis of an ongoing phase II study, and appears to be well tolerated. Platelet count increases were observed in all patients who entered study with baseline thrombocytopenia, a response which appears to be maintained in the majority of patients observed 6 months after starting combination therapy. As well, anemia responses were observed in 3 of 5 evaluable patients. Collectively, these data indicate a potential role for this regimen in patients with anemia and/or thrombocytopenia, who otherwise have limited treatment options. Updated data on duration of response and overall response of all accrued patients will be presented. Disclosures Rampal: Constellation: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria, Research Funding; Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria; Stemline: Research Funding. Verstovsek:Italfarmaco: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Consultancy; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Stein:Celgene: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy. Kadia:Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Celgene: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Jazz: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy; Jazz: Consultancy, Research Funding. Mauro:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy. Pemmaraju:SagerStrong Foundation: Research Funding; daiichi sankyo: Research Funding; novartis: Research Funding; abbvie: Research Funding; cellectis: Research Funding; samus: Research Funding; Affymetrix: Research Funding; stemline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; plexxikon: Research Funding. Bose:Blueprint Medicines Corporation: Research Funding; Astellas Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Honoraria, Research Funding; Constellation Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer, Inc.: Research Funding; CTI BioPharma: Research Funding.

scholarly journals A Phase IB Study of Blinatumomab (blina) in Patients with B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) As Post-Allogeneic Blood or Marrow Transplant (allo-BMT) Remission Maintenance

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 778-778
Author(s):  
Jonathan Webster ◽  
Richard F. Ambinder ◽  
Richard J. Jones ◽  
Nina D. Wagner-Johnston ◽  
Gabrielle T. Prince ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
High Risk ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Phase Ib ◽  
Post Transplant ◽  
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Remission Maintenance

Background: AlloBMT can be curative as consolidation for high risk B ALL and NHL. However, long term survival is limited by transplant-related toxicity and particularly by disease relapse. Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis limits GVHD and facilitates the use of alternative allograft sources. Moreover, following PTCy, cellular immune reconstitution is favorable for the integration of strategies to augment anti-tumor immunity. Blina, a CD19/CD3 bispecific T cell engager antibody construct, is effective in the treatment of CD19+ ALL and NHL. Blina leads to T cell activation that may enhance established posttransplant tumor-specific T cell responses, leading to a more potent graft-versus-tumor effect. Thus, we have undertaken a phase Ib trial to assess the tolerability and preliminary efficacy of blina as post-alloBMT remission maintenance in B-cell ALL and NHL. Methods: Patients ³18 years-old with high risk CD19+ B ALL or NHL who underwent alloBMT using PTCy were eligible including those with prior blina exposure. Patients had to be 60-180 days from transplant with documented count recovery and no evidence of disease progression. Patients had to be off all post-transplant immunosuppression including steroids for the treatment of GVHD for ≥4 weeks prior to treatment initiation, and without a history of grade ≥3 acute GVHD or severe chronic GVHD. Patients could receive two cycles of blina if they had evidence of disease (including MRD) at their pre- and/or post-transplant evaluations but otherwise received only one cycle. Blina was given as a continuous infusion at 9 mcg/day on C1D1-7 and 28 mcg/day on C1D8-28 and C2D1-28. Results: As of July 23, 2019, 12 adults (10 males/2 females) have enrolled including 4 patients with B ALL and 8 patients with NHL. Among the B ALL patients, two with known TP53 mutations were transplanted in CR1, while two with relapsed disease were transplanted in CR3. Among the NHL patients, five had large cell transformation (3 from follicular and 2 from CLL); one had relapsed primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL); one had relapsed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL); and one had diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The median age was 53 (range, 30-73). All patients underwent alloBMT using a conditioning regimen of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and total body irradiation (TBI). Eight patients received allografts from haploidentical donors, three from matched-unrelated donors, and one from a matched-related donor. Five patients received peripheral blood allografts, and seven bone marrow. Two patients were enrolled after a second alloBMT, and 3/4 ALL patients previously received blina. Baseline characteristics are presented in Figure 1. Patients started blina a median of 144 days post-transplant (range, 90-180). One patient stopped treatment on day 5 due to a grade 2 tremor, and one patient required dose reduction on day 25 due to grade 4 neutropenia. Toxicities were otherwise mild and are presented in Figure 2. There were no exacerbations of GVHD. At a median follow-up of 13.7 months after BMT (range 3.8-23 months), ten patients remain in remission, while one patient suffered a third CNS relapse of ALL at 20.6 months after his 2nd transplant and another had relapse of his transformed lymphoma. Data on biomarkers including changes in T cell subpopulations in both BM and PB, and co-signaling molecule expression will be presented. Conclusions: Post-alloBMT maintenance therapy with blina is feasible with minimal toxicity. 83% of the very high risk patients treated on study remain in CR at a median of 13.7 months post-transplant. Based on promising safety and efficacy data from the phase IB, the plan is to proceed to the phase II portion of the study. Disclosures Webster: Amgen: Consultancy; Genentech: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy. Wagner-Johnston:Jannsen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bayer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; ADC Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Luznik:Merck: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy; WindMiL Therapeutics: Patents & Royalties: Patent holder. Gojo:Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Merck: Research Funding; Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen Inc: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Juno: Research Funding; Amphivena: Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: Blinatumomab is not labeled for use as post-transplant maintenance therapy or for use in the non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

scholarly journals Imerge: A Study to Evaluate Imetelstat (GRN163L) in Transfusion-Dependent Subjects with IPSS Low or Intermediate-1 Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) That Is Relapsed/Refractory to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA) Treatment

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 4248-4248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uwe Platzbecker ◽  
David P. Steensma ◽  
Koen Van Eygen ◽  
Azra Raza ◽  
Valeria Santini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Myelodysplastic Syndromes ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Phase 3 ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rbc Transfusion

Background: Current treatment options for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-dependent (TD) patients with lower risk (LR) myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) relapsed after or refractory to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have limited efficacy and durability; new approaches are needed. Imetelstat is a 13-mer lipid-conjugated oligonucleotide that targets the RNA template of human telomerase and is a competitive inhibitor of telomerase enzymatic activity (Asai et al, Cancer Res 2003; Herbert et al, Oncogene 2005). Preclinical, in vivo xenograft models (Dikmen et al, Cancer Res 2005; Hochreiter et al, Clin Cancer Res 2006) and preliminary clinical data from a pilot study conducted at Mayo Clinic (Tefferi et al, Blood Cancer Journal 2016) supported initiation of a study in TD LR MDS patients. A Phase 2 study of imetelstat, IMerge, demonstrated an 8-week RBC transfusion independence (RBC-TI) rate of 42%, 24-week RBC-TI rate of 29%, and 68% erythroid hematologic improvement (HI-E) rate in 38 heavily TD patients (median prior RBC transfusion burden 8 units / 8 weeks over the 16 weeks pre-study period) with LR MDS. Responses were durable with median duration of 8-week RBC-TI of 85.9 weeks by Kaplan Meier estimates (range 8.0-140.9) (Steensma ASH 2018, Fenaux EHA 2019). These Phase 2 results provided further evidence of potential clinical benefit of imetelstat treatment in TD LR MDS, and supported initiation of a Phase 3 trial. Methods: IMerge is two-part, Phase 2/3 study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02598661). The Phase 2 portion of the study described above is closed for enrollment. The Phase 3 portion of the study is open for enrollment of adult patients with International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) low or intermediate-1 risk, non-del(5q) MDS, who are TD, are relapsed after or refractory to ESAs, and have not received treatment with lenalidomide or hypomethylating agents. The study is a randomized (2:1) double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to compare efficacy of imetelstat vs. placebo that will enroll approximately 170 patients and will be conducted at approximately 90 centers in North America, Europe, Asia and Middle East. Imetelstat will be administered as 2-hour IV infusion every 4 weeks at 7.5 mg/kg. The primary endpoint of the study is to assess the rate of RBC-TI lasting ≥8 weeks. Secondary endpoints include safety, rate of RBC-TI ≥24 weeks, time to RBC-TI start, RBC-TI duration, rate of HI-E, the amount and relative change in RBC transfusions, rate of CR or PR, overall survival, progression of MDS, pharmacokinetics and effect of treatment on quality of life. Biomarkers relevant to the mechanism of action of imetelstat will be assessed to demonstrate target inhibition and their association with clinical responses. Cytogenetics and mutation analyses will be performed to evaluate the impact of imetelstat on reduction/depletion of malignant clones leading to disease modification. Disclosures Platzbecker: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria. Steensma:Astex: Consultancy; Arrowhead: Equity Ownership; Summer Road: Consultancy; Onconova: Consultancy; Aprea: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Stemline: Consultancy; H3 Biosciences: Other: Research funding to institution, not investigator.. Santini:Celgene Corporation: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Johnson & Johnson: Honoraria; Acceleron: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Menarini: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Germing:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria. Font:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Díez-Campelo:Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Patnaik:Stem Line Pharmaceuticals.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Sherman:Geron Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Dougherty:Geron Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Feller:Geron Corporation: Employment. Sun:Geron Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wan:Geron Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huang:Geron Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Rizo:Geron Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Fenaux:Celgene Corporation: Honoraria, Research Funding; Aprea: Research Funding; Astex: Honoraria, Research Funding; Jazz: Honoraria, Research Funding.

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