Clinical Outcomes with Ruxolitinib (RUX) in Patients with Myelofibrosis (MF) Stratified By Transfusion Status: A Pooled Analysis of the COMFORT-I and -II Trials

Abstract Background: The phase 3 COMFORT trials demonstrated that the Janus kinase (JAK)1/JAK2 inhibitor RUX reduces spleen volume, prolongs overall survival (OS), and improves MF−related symptoms and measures of quality of life in patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk MF, compared with either placebo (COMFORT-I) or best available treatment (BAT; COMFORT-II). Many patients with MF are anemic or transfusion-dependent; the impact of these features on clinical outcomes is unknown. We evaluated the relationship between transfusion requirement and clinical outcomes in patients treated with RUX in the COMFORT studies. Methods: Analyses of data pooled from COMFORT-I and -II were stratified by baseline anemia status (defined as receiving ≥2 units of red blood cells [RBCs] within the 12 weeks before baseline or baseline hemoglobin [Hb] <10 g/dL). Transfusion independence was defined as the absence of RBC transfusions and maintenance of Hb levels ≥8 g/dL for ≥12 weeks; transfusion dependence was defined as a requirement for ≥4 units of RBCs or Hb levels <8 g/dL during an 8-week interval (Gupta V, et al. JCO [ASCO Abstracts]. 2015;33[s15]:abstract TPS7102). Patients achieving transfusion independence during Weeks 13-24 were considered responders for independence by Week 24; those developing transfusion dependence during Weeks 17-24 were considered dependent by Week 24. Effects of transfusion status at Week 24 on MF Symptom Assessment Form total symptom scores (TSS), spleen volume, and body weight were assessed descriptively. The effect on OS was evaluated using the landmark approach (including patients completing ≥24 weeks of study treatment) with stratified log-rank tests for responder vs nonresponder comparisons. Times to first occurrence of transfusion independence and first occurrence of transfusion dependence in the ITT population (censored at last clinical visit), and time to discontinuation among patients in the RUX group who were anemic at baseline (censored at Week 240) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Overall, 301 patients were randomized to RUX (baseline anemia, n=138 [45.8%]) and 227 to the control group (placebo or BAT; baseline anemia, n=113 [49.8%]). In the RUX group, a greater proportion of patients who were nonanemic at baseline (range, 73.4%-73.8%) achieved transfusion independence compared with those who had anemia at baseline (range, 15.5%-22.4%). Week 24 transfusion independence vs nonindependence status did not significantly affect OS in the RUX group (P=0.1322; Figure A), whereas it was significant (P=0.0004; Figure B) in the control group. Similarly, Week 24 transfusion dependence vs nondependence status did not significantly affect OS in the RUX group (P=0.4547; Figure C), whereas it was significant (P=0.0323; Figure D) in the control group. Median OS was significantly longer in the RUX vs control group for patients who were not transfusion independent (baseline anemia, 200 vs 137 weeks; nonanemic, 271 vs 166 weeks; overall P=0.002) or became transfusion dependent (baseline anemia, 210 vs 127 weeks; nonanemic, 292 vs 90 weeks; overall P=0.0323). Changes from baseline in spleen volume, body weight, and TSS at Week 24 were not affected by transfusion or anemia status in the RUX group; however, TSS worsened in the control group among patients who did not achieve transfusion independence vs those who did. Risk of transfusion dependence decreased after Week 24 in the RUX group. The probability of becoming transfusion independent after 1 year of treatment was similar in both treatment groups (approximately 0.75); median time to transfusion independence for the RUX and control groups was 16.6 and 12.0 weeks, respectively. For patients in the RUX group who became transfusion dependent, the mean monthly units of RBCs peaked at Week 20 (2.82 units), decreasing thereafter to 0.52 units at Week 240. Transfusion dependence did not affect RUX discontinuation rates or dosage. Conclusion: Transfusion requirement had little impact on clinical outcomes or treatment discontinuation within the RUX group but was associated with reduced OS and worsened TSS in the control group. The risk of becoming transfusion dependent, units of RBCs administered, and the monthly proportion of patients requiring transfusions decreased rapidly after 24 weeks of RUX treatment. Disclosures Gupta: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding. Verstovsek:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; CTI BioPharma Corp: Research Funding; Galena BioPharma: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Geron: Research Funding; Lilly Oncology: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding. Paquette:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Ariad: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Kiladjian:AOP Orphan: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Cervantes:AOP Orphan: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Baxalta: 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. Sun:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gao:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Langmuir:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gopalakrishna:Novartis Pharma AG: Employment, Equity Ownership. Harrison:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel, accommodations, expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Baxaltra: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte Corporation: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.

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Northstar-2: Updated Safety and Efficacy Analysis of Lentiglobin Gene Therapy in Patients with Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia and Non-β0/β0 Genotypes

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-126046 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 3543-3543 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alexis A. Thompson ◽

Mark C. Walters ◽

Janet L. Kwiatkowski ◽

Suradej Hongeng ◽

John B. Porter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Therapy ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Advisory Board ◽

Adult Patients ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Transfusion Independence ◽

Equity Ownership

Background Transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) is treated with regular, lifelong red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and despite iron-chelating therapy, carries a risk of serious organ damage from iron overload and other complications. Transplantation with autologous CD34+ cells encoding a βA-T87Q-globin gene (LentiGlobin for β-thalassemia) is being evaluated in patients with TDT. Interim results are presented here from the ongoing, international, single-arm, phase 3 Northstar-2 study (HGB-207; NCT02906202) of LentiGlobin gene therapy in pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients with TDT (defined by receiving ≥100 mL/kg/yr of RBCs or ≥8 RBC transfusions/yr) and non-β0/β0 genotypes. Methods Patients undergo hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization with G-CSF and plerixafor. Following apheresis, CD34+ cells are transduced with BB305 lentiviral vector and infused into patients after pharmacokinetic-adjusted, single-agent busulfan myeloablation. The primary efficacy endpoint is transfusion independence (TI; weighted average hemoglobin [Hb] ≥9 g/dL without RBC transfusions for ≥12 months). HSC engraftment, βA-T87Q-globin expression, Hb levels, detection of replication competent lentivirus (RCL), and adverse events (AE) are also assessed. Patients are followed for 2 years and offered participation in a long-term follow-up study. Summary statistics are presented as median (min - max). Results Twenty patients were treated in Northstar-2 as of 13 December 2018 and have been followed for a median of 8.1 (0.5 - 22.2) months. At enrollment, median age was 16 (8 - 34) years; 5 patients were <12 years of age. Median drug product cell dose was 8.0 (5.0 - 19.9) x106 cells/kg and vector copy number was 3.2 (1.9 - 5.6) copies/diploid genome. Time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment in the 18/20 and 15/20 evaluable patients was 22.5 (13 - 32) and 45 (20 - 84) days, respectively. Non-hematologic grade ≥3 AEs in ≥3 patients after LentiGlobin infusion included stomatitis (n=12), febrile neutropenia (n=6), pyrexia (n=4), epistaxis (n=3), and veno-occlusive liver disease (n=3). One serious AE of grade 3 thrombocytopenia was considered possibly related to LentiGlobin. No patient died, had graft failure, or had detection of RCL. No insertional oncogenesis has been observed. Gene therapy-derived HbAT87Q stabilized approximately 6 months after infusion. In adolescent and adult patients treated with LentiGlobin, median HbAT87Q at Months 6, 12 and 18 was 9.5 (n=11), 9.2 (n=8), and 9.5 (n=3) g/dL, respectively. The median total Hb without transfusions at Months 6, 12, and 18 were 11.9 (n=11), 12.4 (n=8), 12.3 (n=2) g/dL, respectively. At Month 6, 91% (10/11) of patients had total Hb of >11 g/dL without transfusions. Five adolescent and adult patients were evaluable for the primary endpoint of transfusion independence, 4 (80%) of whom achieved TI. The median weighted average Hb during TI was 12.4 (11.5 - 12.6) g/dL which compared favorably to pre-transfusion nadir Hb levels before enrollment (median 9.1 g/dL [7.5 - 10.0 g/dL]). At time of analysis, the median duration of TI was 13.6 (12.0 - 18.2) months. One patient who did not achieve TI stopped transfusions for 11.4 months but resumed transfusions due to recurrent anemia. This patient had a 71.4% reduction in RBC transfusion volume from Month 6 to Month 18 compared to baseline. Marrow cellularity and myeloid:erythroid (M:E) ratios were evaluated in 8 adolescent and adult patients with ≥12 months follow-up to assess the effect of LentiGlobin treatment on dyserythropoiesis. Seven of 8 patients had improved marrow M:E ratios at Month 12 (0.63 - 1.90) compared with baseline (0.14 - 0.48). In patients who stopped transfusions, soluble transferrin receptor levels were reduced by a median of 72% (58% - 78%) at Month 12 (n=6). Updated outcomes in adolescents and adults and outcomes in pediatric patients will be reported. Summary In this update of the Northstar-2 study of LentiGlobin gene therapy in patients with TDT and non-β0/β0 genotypes, transfusion independence was observed in 4/5 evaluable adolescent and adults and 10/11 treated patients had total Hb of >11 g/dL without transfusion support 6 months after LentiGlobin infusion. HbAT87Q stabilized approximately 6 months after treatment and patients who stopped RBC transfusions had improved erythropoiesis. A safety profile consistent with busulfan conditioning was observed after LentiGlobin gene therapy. Disclosures Thompson: bluebird bio, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Baxalta: Research Funding. Walters:TruCode: Consultancy; AllCells, Inc: Consultancy; Editas Medicine: Consultancy. Kwiatkowski:bluebird bio, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Terumo: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Imara: Consultancy; Apopharma: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Porter:Protagonism: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bluebird bio: Consultancy, Honoraria; Agios: Consultancy, Honoraria; La Jolla: Honoraria; Vifor: Honoraria; Silence therapeutics: Honoraria. Thrasher:Rocket Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Orchard Therapeutics: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Generation Bio: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; 4BIOCapital: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Thuret:BlueBird bio: Other: investigators for clinical trials, participation on scientific/medical advisory board; Celgene: Other: investigators for clinical trials, participation on scientific/medical advisory board; Novartis: Other: investigators for clinical trials, participation on scientific/medical advisory board; Apopharma: Consultancy. Elliot:bluebird bio, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Tao:bluebird bio, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Colvin:bluebird bio, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Locatelli:Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bellicum: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; bluebird bio: Consultancy; Miltenyi: Honoraria.

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Long-Term Safety, Efficacy, and Survival Findings From Comfort-II, a Phase 3 Study Comparing Ruxolitinib with Best Available Therapy (BAT) for the Treatment of Myelofibrosis (MF)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.801.801 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 801-801 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Francisco Cervantes ◽

Jean-Jacques Kiladjian ◽

Dietger Niederwieser ◽

Andres Sirulnik ◽

Viktoriya Stalbovskaya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Advisory Board ◽

Extension Phase ◽

Spleen Volume ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Abstract 801 Background: Ruxolitinib is a potent JAK1 & 2 inhibitor that has demonstrated superiority over traditional therapies for the treatment of MF. In the two phase 3 COMFORT studies, ruxolitinib demonstrated rapid and durable reductions in splenomegaly and improved MF-related symptoms and quality of life. COMFORT-II is a randomized, open-label study evaluating ruxolitinib versus BAT in patients (pts) with MF. The primary and key secondary endpoints were both met: the proportion of pts achieving a response (defined as a ≥ 35% reduction in spleen volume) at wk 48 (ruxolitinib, 28.5%; BAT, 0%; P < .0001) and 24 (31.9% and 0%; P < .0001), respectively. The present analyses update the efficacy and safety findings of COMFORT-II (median follow-up, 112 wk). Methods: In COMFORT-II, 219 pts with intermediate-2 or high-risk MF and splenomegaly were randomized (2:1) to receive ruxolitinib (15 or 20 mg bid, based on baseline platelet count [100-200 × 109/L or > 200 × 109/L, respectively]) or BAT. Efficacy results are based on an intention-to-treat analysis; a loss of spleen response was defined as a > 25% increase in spleen volume over on-study nadir that is no longer a ≥ 35% reduction from baseline. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The median follow-up was 112 wk (ruxolitinib, 113; BAT, 108), and the median duration of exposure 83.3 wk (ruxolitinib, 111.4 [randomized and extension phases]; BAT, 45.1 [randomized treatment only]). Because the core study has completed, all pts have either entered the extension phase or discontinued from the study. The primary reasons for discontinuation were adverse events (AEs; ruxolitinib, 11.6%; BAT, 6.8%), consent withdrawal (4.1% and 12.3%), and disease progression (2.7% and 5.5%). Overall, 72.6% of pts (106/146) in the ruxolitinib arm and 61.6% (45/73) in the BAT arm entered the extension phase to receive ruxolitinib, and 55.5% (81/146) of those originally randomized to ruxolitinib remained on treatment at the time of this analysis. The primary reasons for discontinuation from the extension phase were progressive disease (8.2%), AEs (2.1%), and other (4.1%). Overall, 70 pts (48.3%) treated with ruxolitinib achieved a ≥ 35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume at any time during the study, and 97.1% of pts (132/136) with postbaseline assessments experienced a clinical benefit with some degree of reduction in spleen volume. Spleen reductions of ≥ 35% were sustained with continued ruxolitinib therapy (median duration not yet reached); the probabilities of maintaining the spleen response at wk 48 and 84 are 75% (95% CI, 61%-84%) and 58% (95% CI, 35%-76%), respectively (Figure). Since the last report (median 61.1 wk), an additional 9 and 12 deaths were reported in the ruxolitinib and BAT arms, respectively, resulting in a total of 20 (14%) and 16 (22%) deaths overall. Although there was no inferential statistical testing at this unplanned analysis, pts randomized to ruxolitinib showed longer survival than those randomized to BAT (HR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27–1.00). As expected, given the mechanism of action of ruxolitinib as a JAK1 & 2 inhibitor, the most common new or worsened grade 3/4 hematologic abnormalities during randomized treatment were anemia (ruxolitinib, 40.4%; BAT, 23.3%), lymphopenia (22.6%; 31.5%), and thrombocytopenia (9.6%; 9.6%). In the ruxolitinib arm, mean hemoglobin levels decreased over the first 12 wk of treatment and then recovered to levels similar to BAT from wk 24 onward; there was no difference in the mean monthly red blood cell transfusion rate among the ruxolitinib and BAT groups (0.834 vs 0.956 units, respectively). Nonhematologic AEs were primarily grade 1/2. Including the extension phase, there were no new nonhematologic AEs in the ruxolitinib group that were not observed previously (in ≥ 10% of pts), and only 1 pt had a new grade 3/4 AE (epistaxis). Conclusion: In COMFORT-II, ruxolitinib provided rapid and durable reductions in splenomegaly; this analysis demonstrates that these reductions are sustained over 2 years of treatment in the majority of pts. Ruxolitinib-treated pts showed longer survival than those receiving BAT, consistent with the survival advantage observed in previous (Verstovsek et al. NEJM. 2012) and current analyses of COMFORT-I, as well as with the comparison of pts of the phase 1/2 study with matched historical controls (Verstovsek et al. Blood. 2012). Disclosures: Cervantes: Sanofi-Aventis: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other; Celgene: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other; Pfizer: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other; Teva Pharmaceuticals: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: AdvisoryBoard Other, Speakers Bureau. Kiladjian:Shire: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding. Niederwieser:Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Sirulnik:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. Stalbovskaya:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. McQuity:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. Hunter:Incyte: Employment. Levy:Incyte: Employment, stock options Other. Passamonti:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: 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. Barbui:Novartis: Honoraria. Gisslinger:AOP Orphan Pharma AG: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Knoops:Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Harrison:Shire: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria; YM Bioscience: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

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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 ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.1538.1538 ◽

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.

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Efficacy of Ruxolitinib By Baseline Spleen Volume in Patients with Polycythemia Vera Resistant to or Intolerant of Hydroxyurea

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.1840.1840 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 1840-1840 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alessandro M. Vannucchi ◽

Srdan Verstovsek ◽

Mark M Jones ◽

Shui He ◽

Jingjin Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Polycythemia Vera ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Spleen Volume ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Response Trial

Abstract Background : Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm defined by erythrocytosis; patients may also have increased platelets and white blood cells as well as splenomegaly and disease-related symptoms. JAK/STAT activation is the primary driver of PV pathogenesis, in most cases resulting from the JAK2V617F mutation. The RESPONSE trial compared ruxolitinib (RUX) and best available therapy (BAT) in patients with PV and splenomegaly who were intolerant of or resistant to hydroxyurea (HU) according to modified European LeukemiaNet criteria. At the time of the primary analysis, RUX demonstrated superior improvements in hematocrit (HCT) control, symptom burden, and spleen volume compared with BAT. This post hoc analysis of RESPONSE was conducted to determine if treatment outcomes were influenced by baseline spleen volume. Methods : Patients with PV ≥18 years of age who were resistant to or intolerant of HU with palpable spleen (confirmed by MRI/CT to be ≥450 cm3) and phlebotomy requirement were randomized 1:1 to receive open-label RUX 10 mg BID or BAT. The primary endpoint was a composite that required a ≥35% reduction in spleen volume at Week 32 and hematocrit (HCT) control. HCT control was defined as lack of phlebotomy eligibility (based on HCT values) between Weeks 8–32 with no more than 1 phlebotomy eligibility between randomization and Week 8. A linear regression was conducted to determine the effect of baseline spleen volume on the percent change in spleen volume at Week 32. A logistic regression was conducted to determine the effect of baseline spleen volume on HCT control through Week 32. Spleen volume was measured by MRI at screening and Weeks 16 and 32. Hematocrit was assessed at screening, prerandomization, and every 2 weeks from Day 1 to Week 12, followed by every 4 weeks until Week 32. Results :The RESPONSE trial enrolled 222 patients (RUX, 110; BAT, 112). Median (range) spleen volume at baseline was 1195 cm3 (396–4631 cm3) in the RUX arm and 1322 cm3 (254–5147 cm3) in the BAT arm. Baseline median (range) spleen length by palpation was 7.0 cm (0.0–24.0 cm) in the RUX arm and 7.0 cm (0.0–25.0 cm) in the BAT arm. In the 24 weeks prior to screening, most patients in both arms had ≥2 phlebotomy procedures (RUX, 87%; BAT, 80%). There was no correlation between the percentage change in spleen volume at Week 32 and baseline spleen volume; linear regression showed no significant effect of baseline spleen volume on the percentage change in spleen volume at Week 32 (P=0.40). No significant effect of baseline spleen volume on HCT control through Week 32 was identified based on logistic regression analysis (P=0.37). Conclusion : In PV patients with inadequate response to or intolerant of HU, the degree of splenomegaly at baseline did not influence achievement of HCT control or reduction in spleen volume with RUX therapy. Disclosures Vannucchi: Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Off Label Use: Ruxolitinib is a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis, including primary myelofibrosis, post polycythemia vera myelofibrosis, and post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis. Verstovsek:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding. Jones:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. He:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Li:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Habr:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kiladjian:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

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The Use of Erythropoietic-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) with Ruxolitinib in Patients with Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF), Post-Polycythemia Vera Myelofibrosis (PPV-MF), and Post-Essential Thrombocythemia Myelofibrosis (PET-MF).

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.2838.2838 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 2838-2838 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Mary Frances McMullin ◽

Claire N Harrison ◽

Dietger Niederwieser ◽

Hilde Demuynck ◽

Nadja Jakel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Spleen Size ◽

Epoetin Alfa ◽

Spleen Volume ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Safety And Efficacy ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Abstract 2838 Background: Ruxolitinib (rux), a potent oral JAK1 & 2 inhibitor, has demonstrated rapid and durable reductions in splenomegaly and improved MF-related symptoms and quality of life in 2 phase 3 COMFORT studies in MF patients (pts). Consistent with rux's known mechanism of action, anemia was one of the most frequently reported adverse events (AEs) and was generally transient and manageable leading to discontinuation in only 1 pt. In clinical practice, anemia can be managed with ESAs, which promote red blood cell proliferation via cytokine receptors that signal through the JAK pathway. Because these agents act upstream of rux in the JAK2 pathway, it is important to determine the effects of these medications on the safety and efficacy of rux. This post hoc analysis evaluated the safety and efficacy of rux in pts receiving concomitant ESA in COMFORT-II. Methods: COMFORT-II is an open-label, randomized, multicenter study. Pts were randomized (2:1) to receive rux 15 or 20 mg bid or best available therapy (BAT; as selected by the investigator). Use of ESAs (eg, darbepoetin alfa, epoetin alfa, epoetin nos), although not prohibited, was discouraged for pts randomized to rux because ESAs can increase spleen size, which could confound efficacy analyses. Spleen volume was assessed by MRI or CT every 12 wk. The rate of transfusions was calculated as the number of units transfused per exposure duration (typically 12 wk). Results: Concomitant use of ESA was reported for 13 (PMF, n = 10; PET-MF, n = 2; PPV-MF, n = 1) of the 146 pts who were treated with rux (darbepoetin alfa, 2% [n = 3]; epoetin alfa, 6% [n = 9]; epoetin nos, < 1% [n = 1]). The median exposure to rux was similar for pts who received an ESA (+ESA group; 500 d) vs those who did not receive ESA (468 d), and the median dose intensity of rux was the same for each group (30 mg/d). As shown in the table, 8 pts (62%) had no change, 2 pts (15%) had a decrease, and 3 pts (23%) had an increase in the rate of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions per mo after the first administration of ESA compared with 12 wk before ESA use. Six wk prior to the first administration of ESA, 10/13 pts (77%) had grade 3/4 hemoglobin abnormalities; however, 6 wk after the administration of ESA, most pts' conditions improved to grade 2 (7/13 [54%]). The majority of pts (77%) did not have any change in their reticulocyte counts within the 6 wk before and after the administration of ESA; 1 pt (8%) had a marked increase; for 2 pts (15%), the data were not available. The AEs reported in pts who received ESA were similar to those previously reported with rux. Serious AEs were reported for 8 pts in the +ESA group (3 events in 2 pts that were possibly related to study drug). Within the last assessment prior to and the first assessment after the first administration of ESA, 7/9 evaluable pts (78%) had spleen volume reductions. Conclusions: In this analysis, although the sample size is small, rux was generally well tolerated in pts who received ESA, and the tolerability profile of rux was similar to that reported in previous studies. Rux-treated pts who received ESA generally did not have any change in their transfusion rates, but the rate of grade 3/4 hemoglobin abnormalities decreased within 6 wk of the first administration of ESA, suggesting that the use of ESA in combination with rux was beneficial in some pts. ESA did not appear to affect the efficacy of rux concerning spleen size reduction. The use of ESA for the treatment of anemia is common in clinical practice, and further analyses in combination with rux in this pt population are warranted. Disclosures: McMullin: Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Harrison:Shire: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria; YM Bioscience: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Niederwieser:Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Sirulnik:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. McQuity:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. Stalbovskaya:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. Recher:Janssen Cilag: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, travel to ASH, travel to ASH Other; sunesis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genzyme: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding. Gisslinger:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; AOP Orphan Pharma AG: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Kiladjian:Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Shire: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Al- Ali:Sanofi Aventis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria.

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Imetelstat Treatment Leads to Durable Transfusion Independence (TI) in RBC Transfusion-Dependent (TD), Non-Del(5q) Lower Risk MDS Relapsed/Refractory to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA) Who Are Lenalidomide (LEN) and HMA Naive

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-114877 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 463-463 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

David P. Steensma ◽

Uwe Platzbecker ◽

Koen Van Eygen ◽

Azra Raza ◽

Valeria Santini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Lower Risk ◽

Research Funding ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Transfusion Independence ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Rbc Transfusion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Patients with TD lower-risk (LR)-MDS relapsed or refractory to ESA have limited treatment options. Imetelstat is a first-in-class telomerase inhibitor that targets cells with short telomere lengths and active telomerase, characteristics observed in some MDS patients. IMerge is an ongoing global study of imetelstat in RBC TD patients with LR-MDS (IPSS Low or Int-1). In the first 32 patients enrolled, 8-week TI rate was 34%, with 24-week TI of 16%, and HI-E of 59%. The most frequently reported adverse events were reversible grade ≥3 cytopenias (Fenaux et al EHA 2018 Abstr S1157). Higher response rates were observed in patients (n=13) who were LEN and HMA naïve without del(5q). We report here results in an additional 25 LEN and HMA naïve patients without del(5q), with longer term follow-up of the 13 initial patients meeting the same criteria. METHODS: IMerge is a phase 2/3 trial (NCT02598661) that includes LR-MDS patients with a high transfusion burden (≥4 units / 8 weeks) who are relapsed/refractory to ESA or have sEPO >500 mU/mL. The additional 25 were required to be LEN and HMA naïve and lack del(5q). Imetelstat 7.5 mg/kg was administered IV every 4 weeks. In addition to the key endpoints noted above, secondary endpoints include safety, time to and duration of TI. Biomarkers are also being explored, including telomerase activity, hTERT, telomere length, and genetic mutations. RESULTS: Overall, for the 38 LEN/HMA naïve and non-del(5q) patients, median age was 71.5 years and 66% were men. 63% of patients were IPSS Low and 37% Int-1. Median prior RBC transfusion burden was 8.0 (range 4-14) U, and 71% had WHO 2008 RARS or RCMD-RS. 9/37 (24%) patients with evaluable sEPO levels had baseline level >500 mU/mL. As of July 2018, with a median follow-up of 25.8 months for the initial 13 patients, and 5.2 months for the 25 recently included patients, the 8-week RBC-TI rate was 37% (14/38). Durability of 24-week TI responses was demonstrated, with a median duration of 10 months and the longest ongoing response now >2 years. Among the patients achieving durable TI, all showed a Hb rise of ≥3.0 g/dL compared to baseline during the transfusion-free interval. Response rates were similar in RARS/RCMD-RS (33% [9/27]) and other patients (27% [3/11]), and those with baseline EPO levels >500 mU/mL (33% [3/9]) and ≤500 mU/mL (32% [9/28]). Reversible grade ≥3 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were each reported in 58% of the patients. Liver function test (LFT) elevations were mostly grade 1/2. Reversible grade 3 LFTelevations were observed in 3 (8%) patients on study. An independent Hepatic Review Committee deemed the observed LFT elevations were not imetelstat-related hepatic toxicities. SUMMARY / CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of 38 non-del(5q) LR-MDS patients with a high RBC transfusion burden who were ESA relapsed/refractory and naïve to LEN/HMA, single-agent imetelstat yielded a TI rate of 37%, with a median duration of 10 months and limited side effects. Durable responses were characterized by transfusion independence >24 weeks and accompanied by Hb rise. Updated data will be presented. Disclosures Steensma: Takeda: Consultancy; Syros: Research Funding; Otsuka: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Onconova: Consultancy; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kura: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; H3 Biosciences: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Amphivena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Acceleron: Consultancy. Platzbecker:Celgene: Research Funding. Van Eygen:Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding. Raza:Kura Oncology: Research Funding; Onconova: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Research Funding; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Geoptix: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Research Funding; Syros: Research Funding. Santini:Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Otsuka: Consultancy; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Germing:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Font:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Samarina:Janssen: Research Funding. Díez-Campelo:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Bussolari:Janssen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sherman:Janssen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sun:Janssen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Varsos:Janssen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Rose:Janssen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Fenaux:Roche: Honoraria; Otsuka: Honoraria, Research Funding; Jazz: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding.

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A Phase 2 Study of the Safety and Efficacy of INCB050465, a Selective PI3Kδ Inhibitor, in Combination with Ruxolitinib in Patients with Myelofibrosis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-111338 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 353-353 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Naval G. Daver ◽

Marina Kremyanskaya ◽

Casey O'Connell ◽

Kim-Hien Dao ◽

Stephen T Oh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Spleen Volume ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Percent Change ◽

Phase 2 Study ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Median Percent Change

Abstract Introduction: Despite the demonstrated efficacy of ruxolitinib (Rux) in patients (pts) with myelofibrosis (MF), suboptimal or declining responses to Rux occur, possibly due to persistent PI3K/AKT activation with chronic JAK inhibitor therapy. We evaluated the combination of INCB050465, a potent and highly selective PI3Kδ inhibitor (≥19,000-fold selectivity for PI3Kδ vs other isoforms) and Rux in pts with MF with suboptimal response to chronic Rux monotherapy. Methods: Pts with primary, post-polycythemia vera or post-essential thrombocythemia MF with suboptimal response or loss of response (palpable spleen >10 cm below left subcostal margin [LSM], or splenomegaly 5-10 cm below LSM and presence of 1 symptom score ≥5 or 2 symptom scores ≥3 using the Screening Symptom Form) after ≥6 months of Rux monotherapy (5-25 mg twice daily, stable dose for ≥8 weeks [wks]), and ECOG performance status ≤2 were eligible for this phase 2 study (NCT02718300). All pts in Part 1 (safety run-in) and Part 2 (expansion) received oral INCB050465 once-daily (QD) for 8 wks followed by once-weekly (QW) at the same dose plus Rux (existing stable dose for ≥8 wks). Part 1 assessed up to 3 dose levels of INCB050465 (5, 10, and 20 mg). In Part 2, pts were randomized to treatment groups (TGs) in a 1:1 ratio between two doses of INCB050465 determined in Part 1. Primary endpoints were to identify tolerated INCB050465 dose in combination with Rux (Part 1) and percent change in spleen volume from baseline through wk 12 (Part 2). Results: At data cutoff (May 01, 2018), 10 and 18 pts were enrolled in Parts 1 and 2, respectively. INCB050465 doses of 10 mg (TG10, n=3) followed by 20 mg (TG20, n=7) were explored in Part 1. No DLTs were observed, thus the 5 mg dose was not assessed, and the 10 mg (TG10, n=11) and 20 mg (TG20, n=7) doses were expanded in Part 2. In Part 1 (n=10) (median age, 69 years [60-79]; males, 60%), median spleen volume (cm3) was 3058 (996-5324) at baseline. Five pts (50%) discontinued treatment due to progressive disease (n=1, TG10), physician decision (n=1; TG20), adverse event (AE; n=1; TG20, blood bilirubin increased), consent withdrawal (n=1; TG10), and decision to proceed to transplant (n=1; TG10). Median percent change in spleen volume was +4.3% and -2.0% at wks 12 and 24, respectively (Figure). By wk 16, 40% of pts reported that their MF-related symptoms were much improved on the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) form. In Part 2 (n=18) (median age, 63.5 years [41-89]; males, 38.9%), median spleen volume (cm3) was 2201 (327-3569) and median total symptom score (TSS; by the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Symptom Assessment Form [MPN-SAF]) was 30 (3-61) at baseline. One pt in TG20 discontinued treatment due to physician decision. Median percent change in spleen volume was -0.3% and -5.2% at wks 12 and 24, respectively (Figure). By wk 16, 33.3% of pts reported that their MF-related symptoms were much or very much improved on the PGIC. Median percent change in TSS by the MPN-SAF was -21.9% and -27.8% at wks 12 and 24, respectively. MPN-SAF TSS was a planned longitudinal endpoint only for Part 2 and updated data for Part 2 pts will be presented. In both Parts 1 and 2, nonhematologic treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) occurring in ≥3 pts were primarily grade (Gr) 1/2 (Table). Most common new or worsening Gr 3/4 hematologic AEs were thrombocytopenia (Gr 3: 4 pts [14.3%]; Gr 4: 4 pts [14.3%]) and neutropenia (Gr 3: 2 pts [7.1%]; both pts had Gr 2 neutropenia at baseline). No serious TEAEs of interest were reported. TEAEs led to INCB050465 dose interruption in 11 pts (thrombocytopenia [n=8 events], pyrexia [n=2 events], and abdominal pain, diarrhea, alanine aminotransferase increased, and aspartate aminotransferase increased [n=1 event each]), and to Rux dose interruption in 3 pts (pyrexia [n=2 events] and thrombocytopenia [n=1 event]). Conclusion: The add-on strategy of INCB050465 plus Rux demonstrated preliminary efficacy in MF pts with suboptimal spleen and/or symptom response to chronic Rux monotherapy. The dosing regimen (QD for 8 wks followed by QW) of INCB050465 in this study seemed to mitigate AEs observed with other PI3K inhibitors (limited Gr 3/4 TEAEs and no TEAEs of colitis or rash reported). Long term dosing strategies will be explored in Part 3 of the study, and additional trials are underway to identify optimal dosing of INCB050465 for enhanced safety and efficacy in combination with other agents. Disclosures Daver: Karyopharm: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Alexion: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; ImmunoGen: Consultancy; ARIAD: Research Funding; Sunesis: Consultancy; BMS: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy; Pfizer: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Sunesis: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Research Funding; Kiromic: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy. Kremyanskaya:Incyte: Research Funding. O'Connell:Incyte: Research Funding. Dao:Incyte: Consultancy. Oh:Takeda: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding. Gerds:Celgene: Consultancy; Apexx Oncology: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy. Verstovsek:Italfarmaco: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Consultancy. Erickson-Viitanen:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zhou:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Assad:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Yacoub:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau.

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A Pooled Overall Survival (OS) Analysis of 5-Year Data from the COMFORT-I and COMFORT-II Trials of Ruxolitinib for the Treatment of Myelofibrosis (MF)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.3110.3110 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 3110-3110 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Srdan Verstovsek ◽

Vikas Gupta ◽

Jason R. Gotlib ◽

Ruben A. Mesa ◽

Alessandro M. Vannucchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Spleen Volume ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Phase 3 ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Safety And Efficacy ◽

Equity Ownership

Abstract Background:The Janus kinase (JAK) 1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib has been evaluated for patients with MF in the phase 3 COMFORT studies. In both trials, ruxolitinib prolonged OS, reduced splenomegaly, and improved MF-related symptoms and quality of life compared with controls. Here, we report the results of an exploratory pooled analysis of OS in the COMFORT studies at 5 years of follow-up. Methods: The double-blind COMFORT-I trial and the open-label COMFORT-II trial were randomized phase 3 studies that evaluated the safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib in patients with intermediate-2 (int-2) or high-risk primary MF (PMF), post-polycythemia vera MF (PPV-MF), or post-essential thrombocythemia MF (PET-MF). The comparator was placebo in COMFORT-I and best available therapy (BAT) in COMFORT-II. The ruxolitinib starting dose was 15 or 20 mg twice daily based on baseline platelet counts (100-200 and >200 × 109/L, respectively); dose modifications were permitted for safety and efficacy. Patients were allowed to cross over to ruxolitinib from the control arm for progressive splenomegaly, defined as a ≥25% increase in spleen volume from baseline (COMFORT-I) or study nadir (COMFORT-II), or select protocol-defined progression events; crossover was mandatory following treatment unblinding in COMFORT-I. OS was a secondary endpoint in both studies and was evaluated in an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis using a Cox proportional hazard model that estimated the treatment effect stratified by clinical trial and International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) risk. The crossover-corrected treatment effect was estimated using a rank-preserving structural failure time (RPSFT) method. Results: Overall, 528 patients were randomized: 301 to ruxolitinib (COMFORT-I, n=155; COMFORT-II, n=146) and 227 to placebo (n=154) or BAT (n=73). All ongoing patients in the control arms crossed over to ruxolitinib by the 3-year follow-up. Patient populations were similar between the two trials and their details were previously published. In the combined ruxolitinib group, 162 patients (53.8%) had high-risk MF and 139 (46.2%) had int-2 risk MF based on IPSS criteria. At the 5-year ITT analysis, 128 patients (42.5%) died in the ruxolitinib group compared with 117 (51.5%) in the control group. The risk of death was reduced by 30% with ruxolitinib compared with control (median OS: ruxolitinib, 63.5 mo; control, 45.9 mo; HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54-0.91; P=0.0065; Figure A). After correcting for crossover using RPSFT, OS advantage was more pronounced for patients originally randomized to ruxolitinib (median OS: ruxolitinib, 63.5 mo; control, 27 mo; HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.23-0.59; Figure B). An analysis of OS censoring patients at the time of crossover also demonstrated that ruxolitinib prolonged survival compared with control (median OS: ruxolitinib, 63.5 mo; control, 28.3 mo; HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36−0.78; P=0.0013; Figure C). Among all patients treated with ruxolitinib, those with lower-risk disease had longer survival compared with those with high-risk disease (median OS: int-2, not reached [estimated, 102 mo]; high-risk, 50 mo; HR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.95-4.20; P<0.0001; Figure D). In a subgroup analysis, OS favored ruxolitinib compared with placebo for patients with int-2 or high-risk MF (data not shown). At 5 years, median OS appeared to favor patients with int-2 (n=58) or high-risk (n=89) PMF who were originally randomized to ruxolitinib compared with historical (Cervantes et al; J Clin Oncol 30:2981-2987) controls (int-2 PMF, not reached [estimated, 70 mo] vs 48 mo; high-risk PMF, 34 vs 27 mo); OS was longer among patients with int-2 vs high-risk PMF (P=0.0003). Subgroup analyses showed that ruxolitinib provided an OS advantage regardless of age (>65 or ≤65 y), sex, disease type (PMF, PPV-MF, PET-MF), risk status (int-2 or high), JAK2V617F mutation status, baseline spleen volume (>10 or ≤10 cm), anemia, white blood cell count (>25 or ≤25 × 109L), or platelet count (>200 or ≤200 × 109/L). Conclusion: Long-term treatment with ruxolitinib up to 5 years prolonged survival in patients with MF compared with BAT or placebo. Corrections for patients who crossed over to ruxolitinib suggested that the separation between ruxolitinib and control OS curves was primarily caused by a delay in ruxolitinib treatment. The results suggest that earlier treatment with ruxolitinib may provide a greater survival advantage for patients with MF. Disclosures Gupta: Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Celgene: Research Funding; CTI: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Galena: Consultancy; Gilead: Research Funding. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Kiladjian:AOP Orphan: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Cervantes:AOP Orphan: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Baxalta: 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. Sun:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gao:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Dong:Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Naim:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gopalakrishna:Novartis Pharma AG: Employment, Equity Ownership. Harrison:Incyte Corporation: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Baxaltra: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel, accommodations, expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

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A Phase 2a Study of the LSD1 Inhibitor Img-7289 (bomedemstat) for the Treatment of Myelofibrosis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-123244 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 556-556 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Kristen Pettit ◽

Aaron T. Gerds ◽

Abdulraheem Yacoub ◽

Justin M. Watts ◽

Maciej Tartaczuch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Platelet Count ◽

High Risk ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Spleen Volume ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Once Daily ◽

Equity Ownership

Ruxolitinib (Jakafi®) is the one approved therapy for myelofibrosis (MF) based on reduction of splenomegaly and symptoms but JAK inhibition has not proven to significantly modify disease progression. There remains the need for novel therapies with distinct modes of action that can improve the patient experience of MF and impact progression. Lysine-specific demethylase, LSD1, is an epigenetic enzyme critical for self-renewal of malignant myeloid cells and differentiation of myeloid progenitors. LSD1 bound to GFI1b permits maturation of progenitors to megakaryocytes and enables their normal function. IMG-7289 (bomedemstat) is an orally available LSD1 inhibitor. In mouse models of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), IMG-7289 reduced elevated peripheral cell counts, spleen size, inflammatory cytokines, mutant allele frequencies, and marrow fibrosis (Jutzi et al. 2018) supporting its clinical development. IMG-7289-CTP-102 is an ongoing, multi-center, open-label study that recently transitioned from a Phase 1/2a dose-range finding study to a Phase 2b study of IMG-7289 administered orally once-daily in adult patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk MF resistant to or intolerant of ruxolitinib. The key objectives are safety, PD, changes in spleen volume (MRI/CT) and total symptoms scores (TSS) using the MPN-SAF instrument. Inclusion criteria included a platelet count ≥100K/μL. Bone marrow (BM) biopsies and imaging studies (both centrally-read) were conducted at baseline and during washout (post-Day 84). The MPN-SAF was self-administered weekly. Phase 1/2a patients were treated for 84 days followed by a washout of up to 28 days. Patients demonstrating clinical benefit could resume treatment for additional 12 week cycles. Dosing was individually tailored using platelet count as a biomarker of effective thrombopoiesis. Patients were started at a presumed sub-therapeutic dose of 0.25 mg/kg/d and up-titrated weekly until the platelet count rested between 50 and 100K/μL. This preliminary analysis includes 20 patients; 18 enrolled in the Phase 1/2a study, 2 in the Phase 2b portion. 50% had PMF, 35% Post-ET-MF, 15% Post-PV-MF. The median age was 65 (48-89) with 70% males. The median baseline platelet count was 197 k/μL (102-1309k/μL). 12 patients (56%) were transfusion-dependent at baseline. Sixty percent were IPSS-classified as high risk, the remainder, intermediate risk-2. 71% had more than 1 mutation of the 261 AML/MPN genes sequenced of which 63% were high molecular risk (ASXL1, U2AF1, SRSF2) mutations; 31% had abnormal karyotypes. Sixteen patients completed the first 12 weeks; 4 patients withdrew, one due to fatigue (Day 33), one for progressive disease (Day 39), one due to physician decision (Day 76), one for an unrelated SAE of cellulitis (Day 83). All patients were up-titrated from the starting dose 0.25 mg/kg to an average daily dose of 0.89 mg/kg ± 0.20 mg/kg, the dose needed to achieve the target platelet count range; 17 achieved the target platelet range in a mean time of 45 days. Of patients evaluable for response after cycle 1 in Phase1/2a (N=14), 50% had a reduction in spleen volume from baseline (median SVR: -14%; -2% to -30%). Further, 79% (N=11) recorded a reduction in TSS (mean change -28%; -13% to -69%); for 21% of patients (N=3), the change was >-50%. Improved BM fibrosis scores at Day 84 were observed in 2/13 patients. Two patients had improvement in transfusion requirements. Plasma IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in 6/14 patients at baseline and dropped in a dose-dependent manner over 21 days in 5/6 patients. The mean duration of treatment is 166 days (14-539) at the census point in this ongoing study. Nineteen patients (95%) reported 358 AEs of which 22 were SAEs. Of the SAEs, 2 were deemed by investigators as possibly related: painful splenomegaly and heart failure. There have been no safety signals, DLTs, progression to AML, or deaths. This is the first clinical study of an LSD1 inhibitor in patients with MPNs. Once-daily IMG-7289 was well-tolerated in a heterogeneous population of patients with advanced MF and limited therapeutic options. Despite under-dosing and slow dose escalation, IMG-7289 improved symptom burdens in most patients and modestly reduced spleen volumes in a subset of patients. The Phase 2b 24-week expansion study with more aggressive dosing aimed at preserving safety and enhancing efficacy is open for enrollment in the US, UK and EU. Figure Disclosures Pettit: Samus Therapeutics: Research Funding. Gerds:Imago Biosciences: Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Sierra Oncology: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy. Yacoub:Hylapharm: Equity Ownership; Agios: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Ardelyx: Equity Ownership; Cara: Equity Ownership; Dynavax: Equity Ownership. Watts:Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Bradley:AbbVie: Other: Advisory Board. Shortt:Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Astex: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau. Natsoulis:Imago BioSciences: Consultancy, Equity Ownership. Jones:Imago BioSciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Talpaz:Samus Therapeutics: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Constellation: Research Funding; Imago BioSciences: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; CTI BioPharma: Research Funding. Peppe:Imago BioSciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ross:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Rienhoff:Imago Biosciences: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties.

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Clinical Benefit of Ruxolitinib Treatment after Crossover from Best Available Therapy in Patients with Polycythemia Vera: Analysis of the RESPONSE Trial

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.3181.3181 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 3181-3181 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jean-Jacques Kiladjian ◽

Alessandro M. Vannucchi ◽

Martin Griesshammer ◽

Tamas Masszi ◽

Simon Durrant ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Polycythemia Vera ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Spleen Volume ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

To Receive ◽

Response Trial

Abstract Background : Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by erythrocytosis, and in many cases leukocytosis and thrombocytosis. PV is driven by activating mutations in the JAK/STAT pathway, primarily JAK2V617F. For high-risk patients, a commonly used first-line therapy is hydroxyurea (HU); however, a subgroup of patients become intolerant of or resistant to HU. The phase 3 RESPONSE trial compared ruxolitinib (RUX) and best available therapy (BAT) in patients with PV who were intolerant of or resistant to HU (modified European LeukemiaNet criteria). Patients randomized in the BAT arm were permitted to cross over to receive RUX from Week 32 of the study. The results of the primary analysis comparing RUX to BAT prior to crossover have been reported, in which RUX was superior to BAT in achieving hematocrit control, reductions in spleen volume, and improvements in PV-related symptoms. This current analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of RUX treatment in patients who crossed over from BAT relative to their original BAT treatment and relative to those originally randomized to RUX. Methods : Enrollment criteria included PV diagnosis, age ≥18 years, resistance to or intolerance of HU, splenomegaly, and phlebotomy requirement to control hematocrit. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive open-label RUX 10 mg BID or BAT administered based on investigator judgment. BAT may have included HU, interferon/pegylated interferon, pipobroman, anagrelide, immunomodulators (eg, lenalidomide or thalidomide), or no medication. The protocol allowed for dose modifications (RUX, 5-mg BID increments [25 mg BID max]; BAT was adjusted per investigator judgment). Patients in the BAT group could cross over to RUX from Week 32 if they had not met the primary endpoint, or after Week 32 due to protocol-defined disease progression. The primary study endpoint was a composite of hematocrit control and a ≥35% reduction in spleen size at Week 32. Hematocrit was assessed at screening, every 2 weeks from Day 1 to Week 12, followed by every 4 weeks until Week 32, and 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 24, and 32 weeks following crossover. Spleen volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging at screening and study Weeks 16, 32, 48, 64, 80 and every 32 weeks thereafter. The number of phlebotomy procedures was evaluated over time in each group. Results : A total of 110 patients were randomized to RUX and 112 to BAT; study discontinuation by Week 32 (before crossover was permitted) was 11% in both groups. However, most patients in the BAT arm crossed over to receive RUX treatment immediately after the Week 32 visit (84% between Weeks 32 and 48); only 3% of patients remained in the BAT arm compared with 85% in the RUX arm at the time of the data analysis (median 81-week follow-up). With up to 32 weeks on BAT therapy, 25% of patients in this group did not require a phlebotomy; in contrast, with up to 32 weeks on RUX, 79% of patients after crossover and 74% of patients initially randomized to RUX did not require phlebotomy. The number of phlebotomy procedures adjusted for 100 patient-years during BAT therapy was 196.8 vs 38.5 after crossover to RUX and 34.1 on randomized RUX treatment. Reduction in spleen volume from baseline at any visit occurred in 49% of patients receiving BAT, vs 73% of patients after crossover to RUX and 88% of patients initially randomized to RUX. The proportion of patients achieving at least a 35% reduction in spleen volume (best percentage change) was 1.8% during BAT treatment vs 38.5% after crossover to RUX and 60.0% during randomized RUX treatment. Conclusion : Treatment with RUX after crossover from BAT resulted in improved clinical outcomes compared with original BAT treatment. These findings support the primary RESPONSE results and further validate the efficacy of RUX in this patient population. Disclosures Kiladjian: Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Off Label Use: Ruxolitinib is a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis, including primary myelofibrosis, post polycythemia vera myelofibrosis, and post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis. Vannucchi:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Masszi:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Durrant:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Harrison:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Mesa:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; CTI: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Jones:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. He:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Li:Novartis Pharmaceuticals : Employment, Equity Ownership. Habr:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Verstovsek:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding.

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