Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) abnormalities and Baseline Clinical Features at Diagnosis in African American Multiple Myeloma Patients

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 2351-2351
Author(s):  
Megan H Jagosky ◽  
Kyle L Madden ◽  
Blake B Goodbar ◽  
Virginia Thurston ◽  
Manisha Bhutani ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is the most common hematologic malignancy in the African American (AA) population with an incidence more than 2-3 times higher than Caucasians [Landgren O et al Blood 2006]. In the pre-novel therapy era, SEER data [1975-2008] indicated better survival outcomes for AA patients with MM. However, with the recent advent of novel drugs for treatment of MM, the survival gap for Caucasian patients with MM has closed [Ailawadhi S et al Br J Haematol 2012]. A recent pooled analysis of diagnostic cytogenetics in 292 AA MM patients [Greenberg et al Blood Cancer J 2015] reported on differences in commonly observed baseline cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) between AA and Caucasian MM patients. The large and diverse population of patients with MM at our institution prompted us to examine diagnostic cytogenetics in our MM patients along with other clinical features. PATIENTS & METHODS: The MM database was interrogated for all patients presenting with MM between January 2012 and February 2016. Baseline clinical and pathology variables were compared between the AA and Caucasian cohorts. Continuous variables were compared using nonparametric rank tests, while incidences and proportions (e.g. CAs including t(11;14), t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14:20), amplification 1q21, monosomy13/del13q and del17p) were compared using Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: A total of 398 patients were identified for the analysis (African Americans n = 168, Caucasian n = 230). The median age of AA MM patients was significantly younger than Caucasian MM patients (median age 63 years vs. 68 years, p<0.0001), with a similar sex distribution. There was no significant difference in the degree of anemia, renal insufficiency, serum LDH levels, bone marrow flow cytometry, bone marrow cellularity or plasmacytosis in the two cohorts. Although there was a trend toward more ISS I amongst Caucasian MM patients, there was no statistical difference in ISS stages (p = 0.126) and no significant difference in R-ISS stage between the cohorts (p = 0.361). There was 72.7% agreement between the ISS and R-ISS staging (88 of 121 evaluable subjects had the same stage by ISS and R-ISS staging criteria), while 27.3% of the patients were upstaged from Stage I or II by ISS criteria to Stage III by R-ISS criteria. Of those upstaged, 19 patients were in the Caucasian cohort and 14 were in the AA cohort. The magnitude of this upstaging was significant when evaluated with a Generalized McNemar's test (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a similar incidence of common FISH abnormalities in the AA cohort compared to the Caucasian cohort [Table 1]. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest single institution report of FISH data in AA MM patients. Unlike previous reports, we show similar clinical, pathological, and cytogenetic features between AA and Caucasian patients with MM at presentation. It is possible that molecular abnormalities not detectable by FISH in our patient cohort could account for differences in our data and the published literature. Table 1 FISH Abnormalities Table 1. FISH Abnormalities Disclosures Bhutani: Prothena: Research Funding; Takeda Oncology: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Speakers Bureau; Onyx, an Amgen subsidiary: Speakers Bureau. Symanowski:Eli Lilly & Co: Consultancy; Ra Pharma: Consultancy; Caris Life Sciences: Consultancy; Endocyte: Consultancy. Avalos:Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Usmani:Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Skyline: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Britsol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millenium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Array: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; BioPharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau.

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 804-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Bustoros ◽  
Chia-jen Liu ◽  
Kaitlen Reyes ◽  
Kalvis Hornburg ◽  
Kathleen Guimond ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. This study aimed to determine the progression-free survival and response rate using early therapeutic intervention in patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) using the combination of ixazomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. Methods. Patients enrolled on study met eligibility for high-risk SMM based on the newly defined criteria proposed by Rajkumar et al., Blood 2014. The treatment plan was designed to be administered on an outpatient basis where patients receive 9 cycles of induction therapy of ixazomib (4mg) at days 1, 8, and 15, in combination with lenalidomide (25mg) at days 1-21 and Dexamethasone at days 1, 8, 15, and 22. This induction phase is followed by ixazomib (4mg) and lenalidomide (15mg) maintenance for another 15 cycles. A treatment cycle is defined as 28 consecutive days, and therapy is administered for a total of 24 cycles total. Bone marrow samples from all patients were obtained before starting therapy for baseline assessment, whole exome sequencing (WES), and RNA sequencing of plasma and bone marrow microenvironment cells. Moreover, blood samples were obtained at screening and before each cycle to isolate cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Stem cell collection is planned for all eligible patients. Results. In total, 26 of the planned 56 patients were enrolled in this study from February 2017 to April 2018. The median age of the patients enrolled was 63 years (range, 41 to 73) with 12 males (46.2%). Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (iFISH) was successful in 18 patients. High-risk cytogenetics (defined as the presence of t(4;14), 17p deletion, and 1q gain) were found in 11 patients (61.1%). The median number of cycles completed was 8 cycles (3-15). The most common toxicities were fatigue (69.6%), followed by rash (56.5%), and neutropenia (56.5%). The most common grade 3 adverse events were hypophosphatemia (13%), leukopenia (13%), and neutropenia (8.7%). One patient had grade 4 neutropenia during treatment. Additionally, grade 4 hyperglycemia occurred in another patient. As of this abstract date, the overall response rate (partial response or better) in participants who had at least 3 cycles of treatment was 89% (23/26), with 5 Complete Responses (CR, 19.2%), 9 very good partial responses (VGPR, 34.6%), 9 partial responses (34.6%), and 3 Minimal Responses (MR, 11.5%). None of the patients have shown progression to overt MM to date. Correlative studies including WES of plasma cells and single-cell RNA sequencing of the bone microenvironment cells are ongoing to identify the genomic and transcriptomic predictors for the differential response to therapy as well as for disease evolution. Furthermore, we are analyzing the cfDNA and CTCs of the patients at different time points to investigate their use in monitoring minimal residual disease and disease progression. Conclusion. The combination of ixazomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone is an effective and well-tolerated intervention in high-risk smoldering myeloma. The high response rate, convenient schedule with minimal toxicity observed to date are promising in this patient population at high risk of progression to symptomatic disease. Further studies and longer follow up for disease progression are warranted. Disclosures Bustoros: Dava Oncology: Honoraria. Munshi:OncoPep: Other: Board of director. Anderson:C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Celgene: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Takeda Millennium: Consultancy; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopep: Equity Ownership. Richardson:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Ghobrial:Celgene: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 3876-3876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej J Jakubowiak ◽  
William Bensinger ◽  
David Siegel ◽  
Todd M. Zimmerman ◽  
Jan M. Van Tornout ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3876 Poster Board III-812 Background Elotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody directed against CS1, a cell surface glycoprotein, which is highly and uniformly expressed in multiple myeloma (MM). In mouse xenograft models of MM, elotuzumab demonstrated significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity when combined with bortezomib compared to bortezomib alone (Van Rhee et al., Mol. Cancer Ther., in press, 2009). This phase 1/2 trial will determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), overall safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and clinical response of elotuzumab in combination with bortezomib in patients with relapsed MM following 1-3 prior therapies. Methods The study consists of 4 escalating cohorts of elotuzumab (2.5 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg) administered on Days 1 and 11 and bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2) administered on Days 1, 4, 8 and 11 of a 21-day cycle. Patients with progressive disease at the end of Cycle 2 or 3 also receive oral dexamethasone (20 mg) on Days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11 and 12 of each subsequent cycle. Patients with stable disease or better at the end of 4 cycles will continue treatment for 6 or more cycles unless withdrawn earlier due to unexpected toxicity or disease progression. Key entry criteria: age ≥ 18 years; confirmed diagnosis of MM and documentation of 1 to 3 prior therapies; measurable disease M-protein component in serum and/or in urine; and no prior bortezomib treatment within 2 weeks of first dose. Results To date, a total of 16 MM patients with a median age of 64 years have been enrolled in the study. The median time from initial diagnosis of MM was 3.5 years and patients had received a median of 2 prior MM treatments. Patients have been treated in four cohorts; 3 each in 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg elotuzumab cohorts, and 7 in the 20 mg/kg elotuzumab cohort. No dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed during the first cycle of the study and the MTD was not established. Five SAEs have been reported in four patients in later treatment cycles; two events, chest pain and gastroenteritis, occurring in one patient, were considered elotuzumab-related. Other SAEs include grade 3 sepsis, vomiting, pneumonia and grade 2 dehydration. The most common AEs reported include Grade 1-3 diarrhea, constipation, nausea, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia and peripheral neuropathy. The best clinical response (EBMT criteria) for the 16 patients who have received at least two cycles of treatment is shown in the table below. Preliminary PK analysis suggests a serum half-life of 10-11 days at higher doses (10 and 20 mg/kg). Preliminary analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bone marrow of patients on study indicates that objective responses in the study correlate well with complete saturation of CS1 sites by elotuzumab on bone marrow plasma and NK cells. Conclusions The combination of elotuzumab with bortezomib has a manageable adverse event profile and shows promising preliminary efficacy with ≥PR in 44% and ≥MR in 75% of all enrolled patients. Accrual is ongoing in the expanded 20 mg/kg cohort. Updated safety, efficacy, and PK data will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures: Jakubowiak: Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Centocor Ortho Biotech: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Exelixis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Off Label Use: Bortezomib in combination with elotuzumab for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Bensinger:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Siegel:Millennium: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Zimmerman:Millennium: Speakers Bureau; Centecor: Speakers Bureau. Van Tornout:BMS: Employment. Zhao:Facet Biotech: Employment. Singhal:Facet Biotech: Employment. Anderson:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 2946-2946
Author(s):  
Carlos Fernández de Larrea ◽  
Natalia Tovar ◽  
María Rozman ◽  
Laura Rosiñol ◽  
Juan I. Aróstegui ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2946 Background: The achievement of complete remission (CR) is the crucial step for a long-lasting response and prolonged survival after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) criteria for CR include the negativity of serum and urine immunofixation (IFE) and less than 5% of bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs). Additionally, the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) has even proposed a stringent CR category, which requires to rule out the clonal nature of the BMPCs. However, few studies have addressed this issue in patients with MM and negative IFE. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of plasma cell count in the bone marrow aspirate on the long-term outcome of patients with MM with negative IFE after ASCT. Methods: Thirty-five patients (16M/19F; median age at ASCT 55 years, range 26–68) with MM who underwent ASCT from March 1994 to December 2008, were studied. All patients had achieved a negative serum and urine IFE after high dose therapy with melphalan-based regimens. Bone marrow aspirate was performed when negative serum and urine IFE was achieved and at least three months from ASCT (median 3.24 months). The analysis was based on microscopic revision for May-Grünwald-Giemsa stained bone marrow smears performed according to standard procedures. BMPC percentage was calculated independently by two observers counting 500 bone marrow total nucleated cells in random areas from two different slides (1000 cells on each patient). Results: Median BMPCs percentage was 0.8 (range 0.1–5.8). Only two patients had more than 3% BPMCs. These results are in contrast with a recent report from the Mayo Clinic group, where 14% of the patients with MM and negative IFE had 5% or more BMPCs. In univariate Cox-model regression analysis, the number of BMPCs significantly correlated with progression-free survival (PFS)(p=0.021) with no impact on overall survival (OS)(p=0.92). This statistical significance on PFS was retained in the multivariate analysis, when baseline prognostic factors such as age, hemoglobin level, serum creatinine, β2-microglobulin and Durie-Salmon stage were added to the model (p=0.003). To establish the best predictive cut-off for progression and survival, a receptor-operator curve (ROC) analysis was developed. It showed the value of 1.5% BMPCs, with a sensitivity of 53%, specificity of 90% and area under the curve of 0.66 for predicting progression. Ten patients had more than 1.5% BMPC, and 25 equal or less than 1.5% BMPC. Median PFS was 8.5 years (CI 95% 2.6 to 14.3) and was not reached in patients with ≤1.5% BMPCs versus 3.1 years in patients with >1.5% BMPCs, with a hazard ratio probability to progression of 3.02 (CI 95% 1.18 to 9.71)(p=0.016) in the group with more than 1.5% of BMPCs (Figure 1). Median OS was not reached in patients with ≤1.5% compared with a median of 9.7 years in those with more than 1.5% BMPCs (p=0.195) (Figure 2). It is likely that serological CR with very low percentage of BMPCs (i.e. ≤1.5%) is equivalent to negative MRD assessed by MFC or molecular studies. In fact, all 8 patients in continued CR between 9 and 16 years beyond ASCT (“operational cures”) are in the group with ≤1.5% BMPCs, while all patients in the group with >1.5% BPMC have relapsed within the first 9 years from ASCT (Figure 1). Conclusion: The percentage of BMPCs in patients with MM in CR after ASCT is a strong predictor of progression. Bone marrow morphology examination is an easy, inexpensive, and non-time consuming test and it should be the first step in the estimation of the residual tumor mass in patients with MM in CR after ASCT. Disclosures: Rosiñol: Janssen-Cilag: 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. Cibeira:Janssen-Cilag: 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. Blade:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 883-883
Author(s):  
Yu-Tzu Tai ◽  
Betty Y Chang ◽  
Sun-Young Kong ◽  
Mariateresa Fulciniti ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 883 Specific expression of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) in osteoclasts (OC), but not osteoblasts (OB), suggests its role in regulating osteoclastogenesis. Although Btk is critical in B cell maturation and myeloid function, it has not been characterized in plasma cell malignancies including multiple myeloma (MM) and Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM). We here investigate effects of PCI-32765, an oral, potent, and selective Btk inhibitor with promising clinical activity in B-cell malignancies, on OC differentiation and function within MM bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, as well as on MM and WM cancer cells. We further define molecular targets of Btk signaling cascade in OCs and MM in the BM milieu. In CD14+ OC precursor cells, RANKL and M-CSF stimulate phosphorylation of Btk in a time-dependent fashion; conversely, PCI-32765 abrogates RANKL/M-CSF-induced activation of Btk and downstream PLCγ2. Importantly, PCI-32765 decreased number of multinucleated OC (>3 nuclei) by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and the secretion of TRAP5b (ED50 = 17 nM), a specific mature OC marker. It increased size of OCs and number of nuclei per OC, with significantly defective bone resorption activity as evidenced by diminished pit formation on dentine slices. Moreover, lack of effect of Dexamethasone on OC activity was overcome by combination of Dexamethasone with PCI-32765. PCI-32765 significantly reduced cytokine and chemokine secretion from OC cultures, including MIP1α, MIP1β, IL-8, TGFβ1, RANTES, APRIL, SDF-1, and activin A (ED50 = 0.1–0.48 nM). It potently decreased IL-6, SDF-1, MIP1α, MIP1β, and M-CSF in CD138-negative cell cultures from active MM patients, associated with decreased TRAP staining in a dose-dependent manner. In MM and WM cells, immunoblotting analysis confirmed a higher Btk expression in CD138+ cells from majority of MM patients (4 out of 5 samples) than MM cell lines (5 out of 9 cell lines), whereas microarray analysis demonstrated a higher expression of Btk and its downstream signaling components in WM cells than in CD19+ normal bone marrow cells. PCI-32765 significantly inhibits SDF-1-induced adhesion and migration of MM cells. It further blocked cytokine expression (MIP1a, MIP-1β) at mRNA level in MM and WM tumor cells, correlated with inhibition of Btk-mediated pPLCγ2, pERK and NF-kB activation. Importantly, PCI-32765 inhibited growth and survival triggered by IL-6 and coculture with BM stromal cells (BMSCs) or OCs in IL-6-dependent INA6 and ANBL6 MM cells. Furthermore, myeloma stem-like cells express Btk and PCI-32765 (10–100 nM) blocks their abilities to form colonies from MM patients (n=5). In contrast, PCI-32765 has no adverse effects on Btk-negative BMSCs and OBs, as well as Btk-expressing dendritic cells. Finally, oral administration of PCI-32765 (12 mg/kg) in mice significantly suppresses MM cell growth (p< 0.03) and MM cell-induced osteolysis on implanted human bone chips in a humanized myeloma (SCID-hu) model. Together, these results provide compelling evidence to target Btk in the BM microenvironment against MM and WM., strongly supporting clinical trials of PCI-32765 to improve patient outcome in MM and WM. Disclosures: Chang: Pharmacyclics Inc: Employment. Buggy:Pharmacyclics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Elias:Pharmacyclics Inc: Consultancy. Treon:Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech: Honoraria. Richardson:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Johnson & Johnson: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Munshi:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Anderson:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Actelion: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 2016-2016
Author(s):  
Tomer M Mark ◽  
Peter Forsberg ◽  
Ihsane Ouansafi ◽  
Adriana C Rossi ◽  
Roger N Pearse ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Assessment of malignant plasma cell cycling via plasma cell labeling index (PCLI) has been a validated prognostic tool in multiple myeloma (MM) but the test requires specialized technical expertise and is not widely available. Ki67 is a well-known protein marker of cellular proliferation on immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with prognostic utility in other malignancies. In an effort to develop a simpler system to provide analogous information to PCLI, we used a novel IHC co-staining technique for CD138 and Ki67 to quantify plasma cells in active cycling. We then performed a retrospective analysis of the ratio of Ki67/CD138 (Ki67%) in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma receiving 1st-line therapy to correlate with clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients (pts) with treated symptomatic MM was performed by interrogation of the clinical database at the Weill Cornell Medical College / New York Presbyterian Hospital. For inclusion in the analysis, subjects must have started first-line treatment in the period of 2005-2010, and had available bone marrow biopsies. Double-staining with Ki67 and CD138 was performed by IHC. The Ki67% was calculated as the percent of plasma cells expressing CD138 that were also found to express Ki67. Treatment outcomes were stratified and compared based on %Ki67. Response was determined by monthly serum protein electrophoresis / immunofixation (IFX) with free light chain analysis according to International Multiple Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) guidelines. Pts who were IFX negative but had no subsequent bone marrow biopsy were classified as being in unconfirmed complete remission. Results: We identified 151 patients with newly diagnosed MM and available %Ki67 expression who received first-line therapy over the period of 2005-2010. Patient were subdivided into two groups based on %Ki67: Low: %ki67 <= 5%, n = 87; and High: %Ki67 >5, n=64, to allow for comparison of treatment response and survival analysis. Specific therapeutic agent exposure history did not differ significantly between patients. Both groups had similar depth of response rates (ORR) to front-line therapy, Table 1. Median progression-free survival for the high versus low %Ki67 groups approached statistical significance at 54 months (95% CI 30.8,67.4) versus 26.9 months (95% CI 21.6,40.2), respectively (P = 0.083). At data cut-off, there were 30 deaths in the low %Ki67 group (1-yr OS 93%, 5-yr OS 71%) and 36 deaths in the high %Ki67 group (1-yr OS 94%, 5-yr OS 62%). Median overall survival (OS) was not reached for Ki67% <= 5% (95% CI 97.3,NR) vs. 78.9 months (95% CI 55.9,93.1) for Ki67% > 5%, (P = 0.0434), Figure 1. Multivariate cox regression for factors with influence on OS showed that only high-risk cytogenetics (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.17, 2.92, P = 0.027), ISS (HR 1.835, 95% CI 1.33, 3.60, P = 0.000), and %Ki67 group status had an independent effect on survival outcome. Low (<=5%) versus high (>5%) %Ki67 influenced overall survival with a hazard ratio of 1.76 (CI 1.07,2.92, P = 0.027). Survival after ASCT was significantly longer in the low %Ki67 group with median OS not reached (95%CI, 97.3, NR) versus 86.9 months (95% CI 43.9, NR) for high %Ki67 group (P = 0.04). Discussion: The ratio of IHC double positive Ki67 and CD138 of > 5% is an independent prognostic marker for overall survival in newly diagnosed MM undergoing 1st line therapy. The %Ki67 serves as a simpler and widely available analog to PCLI that can be presently performed in most hematopathology laboratories. Table 1: First Line Treatment and Best Response (modified IMWG Criteria) Ki67% <= 5(N = 87)n (%) Ki67% > 5(N = 64)n (%) P Treatment Exposure* Lenalidomide 59 (67.8) 48 (75) 0.34 Thalidomide 30 (34.5) 14 (21.9) 0.09 Bortezomib 25 (28.7) 14 (21.9) 0.34 Alkylating agent 11 (12.6) 4 (6.3) 0.19 ASCT 27 (31) 22 (34.4) 0.66 Best Response Overall Response (>= Partial response) 77 (88.4) 57 (89.1) 0.41 Complete response 15 (17.2) 22 (34.4) Unconfirmed complete response** 14 (16.1) 8 (12.5) Very good partial response 23 (26.4) 15 (23.4) Partial response 25 (28.7) 12 (18.8) Stable disease 9 (10.3) 5 (7.8) Progressive disease 1 (1.2) 2 (3.1) * Percentages do not add to 100% due to instances of concurrent therapy use ** Unconfirmed complete response: immunofixation negative, but no confirmatory bone marrow biopsy available Figure 1 Overall Survival by %Ki67 Figure 1. Overall Survival by %Ki67 Disclosures Mark: Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Rossi:Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Pekle:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Perry:Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Coleman:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Honoraria. Niesvizky:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 1824-1824
Author(s):  
Sonali Panchabhai ◽  
Ilana Miriam Schlam ◽  
Sinto Sebastian Chirackal ◽  
Rafael Fonseca

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is an age dependent second most common hematopoietic malignancy which remains incurable despite recent advances in therapies. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a common premalignant condition that precedes MM. Dysregulation and mutations of myriad of molecules is implicated in pathogenesis of MM. Cyclins (CCND) are almost universally dysregulated in MGUS and MM, while c-MYC overexpression and sometimes RAS mutations are associated with MGUS to MM progression. c-MYC, because of its strong association in this malignant transformation and it being a master regulatory factor is a logical therapeutic target. But, a therapeutic approach to target c-MYC has not been successful. So a strategy to target either upstream or downstream molecules in c-MYC pathway is worth considering. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is one such downstream effector of c-MYC which regulates polyamine synthesis and thus regulates cell proliferation. ODC is also downstream of RAS which makes it common to two of the important oncogenes involved in MM. To know whether ODC plays a role in MM pathogenesis, we looked into its gene expression profile in the MM patients. In the Mayo cohort of 100 patients we found significant difference in ODC expression as disease progresses from MGUS to MM. We found significant survival difference in MM patients from this cohort which were divided by ODC expression and this survival difference was more pronounced in non-hyperdiploid group (median survival were for ODC < 1 - 66 mo vs for ODC > 1 - 29.5 mo, Figure 1A) which is a known poor prognostic group. When looked at ODC expression among different TC classes in MMRC dataset, we find ODC expression significantly higher in known high risk and poor prognostic groups 4p16 and MAF than other groups. These findings suggest higher ODC expression associated with poor survival. To further strengthen our observation, we analyzed TT3 group of Arkansas cohort and we observe prolonged event free survival (Figure 1B) and overall survival in patients with low ODC expression as compared to patients with high ODC expression (Figure 1C). After establishing poor prognostic role of ODC, we wanted to test it as a potential therapeutic target. For this purpose, we employed DFMO (Difluromethylornithine) which is the enzymatic irreversible inhibitor of ODC. We tested 15 different MM cell lines for proliferation with DFMO, majority of them respond to DFMO and IC 50 ranged from 28uM to 70 uM. DFMO generally halted cell cylce in G1S and had a cytostatic effect. We further tested efficacy of DFMO in combination with standard anti-myeloma agents lenalidomide, bortezomib, Vorinostat, melphalan and dexamethasone. We found these combinations to be synergistic except with melphalan where the combination was antagonistic. We therefore suggest that DFMO, which has a good toxicity profile can be advantageous in MM patients who are relatively old and many times cannot tolerate extensive chemotherapy for its toxicity. Moreover since it is synergistic in preclinical model with two main anti-myeloma agents lenalidomide and bortezomib, it may well be combined with both to decrease the amount of drug needed and hence toxicity. We think it will be especially beneficial to those patients who have high ODC levels. So we propose ODC to be a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in MM. Disclosures Chirackal: Mayo Clinic: Patents & Royalties: Filed a professional US patent for quantifying cellular anti-oxidative capacity. Fonseca:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Onyx/Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Binding Site: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Applied Biosciences: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 722-722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan J Keats ◽  
Gil Speyer ◽  
Legendre Christophe ◽  
Christofferson Austin ◽  
Kristi Stephenson ◽  
...  

Abstract The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass trial (NCT145429) is a longitudinal study of 1000 patients with newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma from clinical sites in the United States, Canada, Spain, and Italy. Each patient receives a treatment regimen containing a proteasome inhibitor, immunumodulatory agent, or both. Clinical parameters are collected at study enrollment and every three months through the five-year observation period. To identify molecular determinants of clinical outcome each baseline and progression tumor specimen is characterized using Whole Genome Sequencing, Exome Sequencing, and RNA sequencing. This will be the first public presentation of the interim analysis seven cohort with 760 enrolled patients of whom 565 are molecularly characterized. This cohort of patients includes 14 patients with baseline and secondary samples along with 7 patients with characterized tumor samples from the bone marrow and peripheral blood. Although the median follow-up time for the cohort is only 260 days the patients on proteasome and IMiD based combinations are currently showing a PFS and OS benefit compared to those receiving combinations with each agent alone. From the raw mutational analysis we identified 24 significant genes that are recurrently mutated and the mutated allele is detectably expressed in all but one, DNAH5. Suggesting these mutations are likely contributing to myelomagenesis through an unconventional mechanism. Interestingly, DIS3 mutations are independent of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF indicating a potential mechanistic link while PRKD2 mutations are associated with t(4;14). To identify events driving the initiation of myeloma we performed a detailed clonality analysis using a bayesian clustering method that corrects for copy number abnormalities and tumor purity to assign mutations into distinct clonal branches versus the initiating trunk mutations. On average 63.8% of mutations are trunk mutations and in 86.7% of patients at least one trunk mutation is associated with somatic hypermutation of an immunoglobulin gene as expected in a late stage B-cell malignancy. This identified many expressed trunk mutations that did not come out in the classic significance analysis like ATM, EGR1, and CCND1. To identify molecular subtypes we performed unsupervised clustering using a consensus clustering approach on independent discovery and validation cohorts, which identified 12 distinct subtypes, using a combination of silhouette score and cumulative distribution of consensus scores. This analysis identified two distinct groups associated with t(4;14) with mutations in FGFR3 and DIS3 being exclusive to one subgroup. In addition, this analysis separates patients with cyclin D translocations into three different groups, with one group having the second lowest PFS proportion. Three patients without CCND1 or CCND3 translocations were found to have IgH translocations targeting CCND2. The MAF subgroup was associated with the lowest OS and PFS proportion, and the three MAF/MAFB translocation negative patients in the subgroup all had MAFA translocations. The remaining 6 subgroups are associated with hyperdiploid copy number profiles and harbor the majority of the IgH-MYC translocation events. Two of the hyperdiploid groups are associated with a low level of NFKB activation compared to the remaining four, one of these is defined by the highest proliferation index but paradoxically the other has the second worst OS proportion. Another group is enriched with FAM46C and NRAS mutations. The genomic profiles of the paired tumors isolated from the peripheral blood and bone marrow are highly similar indicating these are not genetically distinct tumor compartments, at least in this subset of seven patients. Applying our bayesian clustering method to the serial samples resolved additional clonal clusters as mutations with similar cancer cell fractions at diagnosis clearly diverged at later timepoints. These analyses have identified tumor initiating mutations and new subtypes of myeloma, which are associated with distinct molecular events and clinical outcomes. Disclosures Jagannath: Novartis: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria. Siegel:Celgene Corporation: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Merck: Speakers Bureau. Vij:Takeda, Onyx: Research Funding; Celgene, Onyx, Takeda, Novartis, BMS, Sanofi, Janssen, Merck: Consultancy. Zimmerman:Amgen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Honoraria. Niesvizky:Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Rifkin:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lonial:Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 311-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Herviou ◽  
Alboukadel Kassambara ◽  
Stephanie Boireau ◽  
Nicolas Robert ◽  
Guilhem Requirand ◽  
...  

Abstract Multiple Myeloma is a B cell neoplasia characterized by the accumulation of clonal plasma cells within the bone marrow.Epigenetics is characterized by a wide range of changes that are reversible and orchestrate gene expression. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications play a role in multiple myeloma (MM) by silencing various cancer-related genes. We investigated the epigenetic genes differentially expressed between normal bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC ; N=5) and MM plasma cells from patients (N=206). Using SAM (Significance Analysis of Microarrays) analysis, only 12 genes significantly differentially expressed between BMPC and MM cells (ratio > 2 and FDR (false discovery rate) < 5%) were identified, including the EZH2 histone methyltransferase. EZH2, the enzymatic subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2, is a histone methyltransferases able to repress gene expression by catalyzing H3K27me3 histone mark. EZH2 overexpression has been associated with numerous hematological malignancies, including MM. We thus studied EZH2 role in MM physiopathology and drug resistance. EZH2 expression was analyzed in normal bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs; N=5), primary myeloma cells from newly diagnosed patients (MMCs; N=206) and human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs; N=40) using Affymetrix microarrays. EZH2 gene is significantly overexpressed in MMCs of patients (median 574, range 105 - 4562) compared to normal BMPCs (median = 432; range: 314 - 563) (P < 0.01). The expression is even higher in HMCLs (median 4481, range 581 - 8455) compared to primary MMCs or BMPCs (P < 0.001). High EZH2 expression is associated with a poor prognosis in 3 independent cohorts of newly diagnosed patients (Heidelberg-Montpellier cohort - N=206, UAMS-TT2 cohort - N=345 and UAMS-TT3 cohort - N =158). Furthermore, GSEA analysis of patients with high EZH2 expression highlighted a significant enrichment of genes involved in cell cycle, downregulated in mature plasma cells vs plasmablasts, and EZH2 targets. Specific EZH2 inhibition by EPZ-6438 EZH2 inhibitor induced a significant decrease of global H3K27me3 in all the HMCLs tested (P < 0.01) and inhibited MM cell growth in 5 out of the 6 HMCLs tested. The inhibitory effect of EZH2 inhibitor on MM cell growth appeared at day 6 suggesting that it is mediated by epigenetic reprogramming. To confirm that EZH2 is also required for the survival of primary MMCs from patients, primary MM cells (n = 17 patients) co-cultured with their bone marrow microenvironment and recombinant IL-6 were treated with EPZ-6438. As identified in HMCLs, EZH2 inhibition significantly reduced the median number of viable myeloma cells by 35% (P = 0.004) from a subset of patients (n=9) while the other group (n=8) was resistant. Of interest, EPZ-6438 induced a significant global H3K27me3 decrease in both groups of patient. RNA sequencing of 6 HMCLs treated with EPZ-6438 combined with H3K27me3 ChIP analyses allowed us to create an EZ GEP-based score able to predict HMCLs and primary MM cells sensitivity to EZH2 inhibitors. We also observed a synergy between EPZ-6438 and Lenalidomide, a conventional drug used for MM treatment. More interestingly, pretreatment of myeloma cells with EPZ-6438 significantly re-sensitize drug-resistant MM cells to Lenalidomide. Investigating the effect of EPZ-6438/Lenalidomide combination in MMC, we identified that IKZF1, IRF4 and MYC protein levels were significantly more inhibited by the combination treatment (65.5%, 63.9% and 14.8% respectively) compared with Lenalidomide (51.5%, 43% and 2.2%) or EPZ-6438 (45.2%, 38.7% and 6.2%) alone. Clinical trials are ongoing with EZH2 inhibitors in lymphoma and could be promising for a subgroup of MM patients in combination with IMiDs. Furthermore, the EZ score enables identification of MM patients with an adverse prognosis and who could benefit from treatment with EZH2 inhibitors. Disclosures Goldschmidt: Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Onyx: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Chugai: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Hose:EngMab: Research Funding; Takeda: Other: Travel grant; Sanofi: Research Funding.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 2872-2872
Author(s):  
Suresh Kumar Balasubramanian ◽  
Mai Ali ◽  
Taha Bat ◽  
Bhumika Patel ◽  
Bartlomiej P Przychodzen ◽  
...  

Abstract DNMT3A, a member of the DNA methyltransferases family along with DNMT1 and DNMT3B, is located on chromosome 2p23. Recurrent somatic mutations in DNMT3A are typically heterozygous and found mostly in non-CBF AML, less frequently in MDS and MPN. DNMT3A mutations are reported with other common myeloid mutations including NPM1, FLT3 and IDH1/2. The most canonical DNMT3A mutations are missense alteration in the R882 codon, accounting for >60% of all DNMT3A mutations and they imply dominant negative consequences. Overall, DNMT3A mutations carry a poor prognosis compared to the AML or MDS with wild type (WT) DNMT3A, although data within different subgroups (e.g., incorporating cytogenetic profiles) are conflicting. We hypothesized that molecular consequence of R882 mutations will differ from those of other somatic alterations of DNMT3A and may also result in distinct clinical features and outcomes. To test this theory, we analyzed a cohort of 1174 patients with myeloid neoplasias including 32% AML, 33% MDS, 13% MDS/MPN, 6% MPN and 16% other bone marrow failure disorders. These cases were subjected to multiamplicon targeted deep NGS including all ORFs of DNMT3A and other recurrently mutated genes. After application of various bioanalytic algorithms, confirmatory sequencing and thus stringent exclusion of all artifacts and germline alterations, we identified 140 somatic mutant cases (12% of the cohort), including 89 missense mutations (53 at R882, 19 at R693 and 17 other non-canonical missense alterations) and 51 truncations/frame shifts (all heterozygous). There was an age-related increase in the incidence of DNMT3A mutations, with the peak occurrence at 35-40 yrs. of age. Mutations in DNMT3A were most common in AML (54% in primary (p) AML, 8% in secondary (s) AML) followed by MDS (28%), MDS/MPN (4%), MPN (3%) and other bone marrow failure disorders (3%). Mutation in the R693 codon and truncating mutations were most commonly associated with MDS (p=.013) and sAML (p=.0013) whereas mutation occurring in codon R882 and other non-canonical missense mutations were frequently associated with pAML (p=.00001). For the whole cohort, DNMT3A mutations were most frequently associated with NPM1 (21% vs 8%, p=.014), FLT3 (24% vs. 2%, p=.0001), and IDH1/2 (26% vs. 8%, p=.001), compared to wild type DNMT3A. However, PRC2 complex mutations were less likely to occur in the context of DNMT3A mutations (6% vs. 24%, p=.0006). Canonical R882 mutation was commonly associated with FLT3 (p=.03) mutations, while truncating mutations were not (p=.03). Analyses of clonal hierarchy by ranking of VAF values demonstrated that 53% of DNMT3A mutations were dominant (mean VAF 39%, range 5-93%) (n=74/140). When DNMT3A mutations were dominant, IDH 1/2 (14%), TET2 (9%), ASXL (5%), PRC2 complex (3%) and BCOR (3%) mutations were common secondary events. In subgroup analyses, 55% of mutations in the R693 codon were dominant compared to 45% in R882 and 47% in truncating mutations. TET2 mutations were the most common associated secondary hits in dominant R693 mutations (n=10) compared to truncating (n=24) and R882 mutations (n=23) (40% vs. 8% vs. none, p=.0001). When DNMT3A mutations are secondary (mean VAF 34%, range 1-60%), as in 47% of our cases (n=66/140), then the common first hits were TET2 (10%), U2AF1 (8%) and cohesin complex (RAD21, SMC3, STAG2) mutations (6%). Dominant DNMT3A mutations correlated with MDS/MPN (60%, p=.007), while secondary DNMT3A mutations correlated with sAML (73%, p=.001). DNMT3A mutant myeloid neoplasms showed worse survival (p<.0001) compared to WT cases. Among different subgroups, there was significant difference in OS between R882, R693, truncating and other non-canonical missense mutations (p=.013). The R882 mutations had worse survival compared to other DNMT3A mutations (p=.003). Non-canonical mutations (truncating and other missense) vs. canonical mutations (R882 and R693) had better survival (p<.04). Survival for mutant R882 DNMT3A was worse compared to truncating mutations (p=.005) while there was no difference between R693 and truncating mutations. Among AML cases, R882 mutations vs. other mutations had worse survival (p=.01) while in MDS and MDS/MPN there was no significant difference in OS. DNTMT3A mutations often occur as founder lesion in AML. Our study shows that different types of mutations other than canonical R882 alterations may have a differential impact on OS and distinct clinical features. Disclosures Carraway: Celgene Corporation: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Baxalta: Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 23-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabor Kovacs ◽  
Sebastian Boettcher ◽  
Jasmin Bahlo ◽  
Sandra Kluth ◽  
Matthias Ritgen ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Within clinical trials in CLL, response assessment is based on the NCI 1996 guidelines or its update, the iwCLL 2008 guidelines, respectively. Whereas detailed response criteria with clear cut-off values are provided for the assessment of most parameters, a few parameters such as splenomegaly are not defined quantitatively in the guidelines. In addition, the detection of MRD, which was recommended for clinical trials but not formally included in the definition of response, is gaining increasing importance. Both MRD negativity (with a threshold of <10-4 leukemic cells per leukocytes) and the occurrence of a complete response (CR) predict long progression free survival (PFS). In order to investigate the value of MRD with respect to clinical response, the MRD status was explored in patients (pts) with CR and partial remission (PR) in two phase III trials of the GCLLSG. Furthermore, we evaluated the relevance of residual splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy or bone marrow involvement in MRD negative (-) pts with clinical PR. Patients and Methods: 542 pts from two prospective phase III trials of the GCLLSG (CLL8 trial: fludarabine and cyclophosphamide without (FC) or with rituximab (FCR); CLL10 trial: FCR vs bendamustine and rituximab (BR)) were included in the analysis (Figure 1). The comprehensive dataset included MRD results from peripheral blood at final restaging (RE) (2 months after the end of last treatment cycle), bone marrow (BM), clinical and radiological assessment for organomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Clinical response was defined according to the iwCLL 2008 guidelines. Splenomegaly was determined by physical and radiological examination. Moreover, different cut-off values defining splenomegaly by CT or ultrasound (longest diameter >12 cm and >14 cm) were investigated. PFS was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methodology, and survival curves were compared using two-sided log-rank tests. Additionally hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Significance was set at a p value<0.05. No adjustments for multiple testing were performed. Results: 542 pts were included in the analysis. Their median age was 61 years, median CIRS score 2 (range 0-6), median follow up time 45.9 months (mo) (range 5.5-96.1). 121 pts (22.3%) received FC, 283 (52.2%) FCR and 138 (25.5%) BR. 13.3% of pts had Binet stage A, 52.3 % stage B and 34.4% stage C disease. Among 514 pts with IGHV results, 63.0% had an unmutated status. In 524 pts FISH was available, del(17p) was only found in 1.3% (exclusion criterion in CLL10 trial), del(11q) in 25.0%, 12+ in 10.1%, normal in 25.4%, and del(13q) in 38.2% of the pts. MRD negativity was achieved in 81.8% (175/214) of pts with CR and in 47.9% (157/328) of the pts with PR, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in PFS between MRD- CRs and MRD positive (+) CRs (69.2 mo vs 40.4 mo; HR 0.445, 95% CI=0.282-0.703, p=0.001). Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference between MRD- PRs and MRD+ CRs (61.7 mo vs 40.4 mo; HR 0.537, 95% CI=0.340-0.847, p=0.008). No statistically significant difference between MRD- CRs and MRD- PRs was detected (69.2 mo vs. 61.7 mo; HR 0.822, 95% CI=0.572-1.182, p=0.29) (Figure 2). Of the 157 pts presenting with an MRD- PR, 106 pts were evaluable for remaining CLL involvement: 48 pts (45.3%) had a splenomegaly, 12 (11.3%) lymphadenopathy, 19 (17.9%) bone marrow involvement as the sole abnormality. Only 25.5% (27) of the pts had more than one abnormality. There was no statistically significant difference in PFS between MRD- PRs with single splenomegaly and MRD- CRs (not reached (NR) vs 69.2 mo; HR 0.737, 95% CI=0.387-1.404, p=0.4). Moreover, patients with MRD- PRs and single splenomegaly had a statistically significant longer PFS than MRD+ CR pts (NR vs 40.4 mo; HR 0.348, 95% CI=0.172-0.701, p=0.003). (Figure 3) The difference was independent of the cut-off values used for splenomegaly (12 cm or 14 cm) (p=0.001 and p=0.03). Conclusion: MRD negativity determined in the peripheral blood after end of treatment is a potent predictor of treatment efficacy regardless of the clinical response assessment. The persistence of splenomegaly as sole abnormality post treatment in MRD- patients has no negative influence on PFS. More data are needed to prove the relevance of residual BM involvement and lymphadenopathy in MRD- PR pts. These results support the use of MRD for response evaluation. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Boettcher: Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding, Travel grant Other. Ritgen:Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding, Travel grant Other. Cramer:Mundipharma: Travel grant, Travel grant Other; Roche: Travel grant Other. Maurer:Mundipharma: Travel grant Other. Doehner:Roche: Research Funding. Stilgenbauer:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Kneba:Mundipharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding. Fischer:Roche: Travel grant Other. Hallek:Mundipharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding. Eichhorst:Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Travel grant Other; Mundipharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Travel grant, Travel grant Other; GSK: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Consultancy. Off Label Use: The Combination of Bendamustine and Rituximab is not approved for frontline chemoimmunotherapy of CLL.


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