scholarly journals Genomic Profiling of a Randomized Trial of Interferon-α versus Hydroxyurea in MPN Reveals Mutation-Specific Responses

Author(s):  
Trine Alma Knudsen ◽  
Vibe Skov ◽  
Kristen E. Stevenson ◽  
Lillian Werner ◽  
William Duke ◽  
...  

Background Although somatic mutations influence the pathogenesis, phenotype, and outcome of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), little is known about their impact on molecular response to cytoreductive treatment. Methods We performed targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) on 202 pre-treatment samples obtained from patients with MPN enrolled in the DALIAH trial (randomized controlled phase III clinical trial, NCT01387763) and 135 samples obtained after 24 months of therapy with recombinant interferon-alpha (IFNα) or hydroxyurea (HU). The primary aim was to evaluate the association between complete clinicohematologic response (CHR) at 24 months and molecular response through sequential assessment of 120 genes using NGS. Results Among JAK2-mutated patients treated with IFNα, those with CHR had a greater reduction in the JAK2 variant allele frequency (VAF) (median 0.29 to 0.07; p<0.0001) compared with those not achieving CHR (median 0.27 to 0.14; p<0.0001). In contrast, the CALR VAF did not significantly decline in neither those achieving CHR nor those not achieving CHR. Treatment-emergent mutations in DNMT3A were observed more commonly in patients treated with IFNα compared with HU, p=0.04. Furthermore, treatment-emergent DNMT3A-mutations were significantly enriched in IFNα treated patients not attaining CHR, p=0.02. A mutation in TET2, DNMT3A, or ASXL1 was significantly associated with prior stroke (age-adjusted OR=5.29 [95% CI, 1.59-17.54]; p=0.007) as was a mutation in TET2 alone (age-adjusted OR=3.03 [95% CI, 1.03-9.01]; p=0.044). Conclusion At 24 months, we found mutation-specific response patterns to IFNα: (1) JAK2- and CALR-mutated MPN demonstrated distinct molecular responses and (2) DNMT3A-mutated clones/subclones emerged on treatment.

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 5055-5055
Author(s):  
Jan Samuelsson ◽  
Gerd Larfars ◽  
Eva Ottosson ◽  
Mats Merup

Abstract Abstract 5055 Objective: To retrospectively assess hematological response rates, and other clinical and molecular variables, in MPN patients treated with pegylated interferon α-2a (Pegasys®, Roche Ltd). Responses were graded according to criteria published by the European Leukemia Net for PV and ET (Barosi G et al Blood 2009;113:4829), with the exception that mesurement of spleen size using ultrasound was not routinely performed, and the European Myelofibrosis Network for PMF (Barosi G et al Blood 2005;106:2849), respectively. Patient characteristics: The 23 patient cohort consisted of 13 PV, 5 ET, 3 PMF and 2 post-ET/PV MF pts. Thirteen pts were JAK2V617F+, 6 were JAK2V617F wt, and in 4 pts JAK2 status is unknown. Median age was 50 years (range 26–69), 13 were female and 10 male. Median time from MPN diagnosis to start of pegylated interferon α-2a (Peg-IFN) therapy was 67 months (range 0–204). Six pts had a previous thrombotic event (TIA=2, portal vein thrombosis=2, DVT lower extremity=2), and 2 pts had a previous major hemorrhage (gynecological=1, gastrointestinal=1). Eleven pts had previously received therapy with anagrelide (n=8), hydroxyurea (n=4), interferon α-2b (n=1), busulfan (n=1) or P32 (n=1), while 12 pts had not received bone marrow suppressive therapy. All PV and ET pts were on aspirin. Phlebotomies were performed in PV with the aim of keeping the hematocrit < 0.45. Peg-IFN was given at a dose of 90 μg/week in 16 pts, 135μg/week in 6, and 180μg/week in 1. Results: The overall hematological response rate (CR+PR) was 18/21 (86 %), 14 pts achieving CR and 4 PR. Two pts are too early to evaluate at the time of astract submission. One PV and 1 PMF patient were non-responders. Resonse rates were similar in PV vs ET, female vs male pts, and previously treated vs previously untreated pts. Median time of follow-up on Peg-IFN therapy is 16 months (3+ - 49+). Thirteen pts are still on therapy, 9 in CR, 2 in PR, and 2 too early to evaluate. These 13 pts have very limited or no side effects. Therapy has also been stopped according to plan after long hematological CR with molecular response in 2 pts. Therapy has been discontinued in 8 pts, in five (22 %) due to side effects (depression n=3, joint pain n=3, hair loss n=2, pruritus n=1), non-response in 2 pts, and PMF progression in 1. Serial JAK2V617F measurements are available at time of abstract submission in 4 pts, 1 achieved molecular CR, 2 PR whereas 1 patient treated for 5 months had no molecular response. Three of 4 mildly anemic MF pts normalized their hemoglobin (HgB 113 → 137, 106 → 123, and 110 → 125 respectively). In one PMF patent a clear reduction of marrow fibrosis was noted, whereas it progressed in another. No thromboembolic or bleeding complications were observed during PEG-IFN therapy. Longer follow-up, as well as additional molecular and morphological studies will be presented. Conclusions: Pegylated interferon α-2a induced a higher hematological response rate with improved tolerability, compared to our previous experience with Peg-IFN α-2b (Samuelsson et al Cancer 2006;106:2397), although the current number of patients is limited. However, the two previous publications that describes Peg-IFN α-2a therapy in larger MPN patients cohorts have observed results similar to ours (Kiladjian JJ et al Blood. 2008;112:3065, Quintás-Cardama A et al J Clin Oncol. 2009;27:5418). Molecular responses noted in a subset of patients further highlights the effect of Peg-IFN α-2a on the malignant clone in MPN:s. Peg-IFN α-2a is a valuable therapeutic alternative in patients who tolerate initial side effects, and will soon be compared to hydroxyurea in a randomized trial in high-risk PV and ET pts performed by the MPD research consortium. Disclosures: Samuelsson: Roche Sweden: Advisory board on use of recombinant erytropoetin. Off Label Use: Alpha-interferon does not have a label for use in myeloproliferative neoplasms. Merup:Roche Sweden: Received honoraria for lectures on rituximab use in lymphoma.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 5177-5177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Frans Ocias ◽  
Dennis Lund Hansen ◽  
Thomas Kielsgaard Kristensen ◽  
Karin de Stricker ◽  
Daniel El Fassi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Treatment of Philadelphia chromosome negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) with recombinant pegylated interferon alpha2a/b (rIFN-alpha) has proven effective. It is well known that prolonged therapy with recombinant type 1 interferons (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta) may induce neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against the drug leading to treatment failure. Most data on type 1 IFN immunogenicity are available from studies of patients with multiple sclerosis treated with rIFN-beta, and patients with hepatitis C treated with rIFN-alpha. A few reports have demonstrated nAbs in MPN patients not responding adequately to rIFN-alpha treatment, but the phenomenon has not been thoroughly investigated in MPNs. Patients and Methods Newly diagnosed patients with MPNs enrolled in the Danish multicenter trial - DALIAH (Low-dose rIFN-alpha versus Hydroxyurea in The Treatment of Ph-Negative MPNs) were included. Patients were randomized to treatment with either rIFN-alpha 2a or 2b at a starting dose of 45 and 35 mikrograms once weekly, respectively. The occurrence of neutralizing Abs (nAbs) against rIFN-alpha was investigated at baseline, month 12 and month 24 by reporter gene assays (iLiteTM alphabeta and iLiteTM antialpha, Biomonitor A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark). JAK2 V617F quantitative mutation analyses were performed as previously described (Larsen TS, BJH 2007). Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 9.0. Results Ninety-two patients on sustained treatment with rIFN-alpha2a (n=48) and rIFN-alpha2b (n=44) for 12 months were analyzed for this study. Forty-five patients had ET, 39 patients had PV and 8 patients had proliferative PMF. Thirty-six out of 39 (92%) PV patients, 22 out of 45 (49%) ET patients and 4 out of 8 (50%) PMF patients were JAK2V617F mutated. Hematological responses at 12 months: ET: 67% CR, 29 % PR; PV: 64% CR, 31% PR (ELN 2009 criteria); PMF: 50% had at least a minor response (EUMNET). The median serum concentration of bioactive IFN-alpha at 12 months was 12,4 (range <2,4-86,4) and 2,6 (range <2,4-12,8) IU/mL serum, for patients treated with rIFN-alpha 2a and -2b respectively. No significant association between hematological or molecular response and serum IFN-alpha activity was found. Serum from 92 patients was analyzed at 12 months and 33 patients were analyzed at both 12 and 24 months and no occurrence of nAbs was seen during treatment. Twenty-four patients had pre-treatment levels of IFN nAbs measured. Notably, one patient was tested positive for the presence of nAbs before rIFN-alpha exposure. This autoAb-positive patient remained positive throughout the study and has shown low IFN serum activity (< 2,4 IU/mL) and only partial hematological and molecular response after 24 months of treatment. Conclusions Development of nAbs in MPN patients completing treatment for 12 months with rIFN-alpha seems exceedingly rare as no patients, neither complete responders nor patients not meeting criteria for complete hematological remission developed nAbs after 12 (24) months of therapy. Its apparent rarity does not justify a routine investigation of nAbs in patients not responding to rIFN-alpha treatment. There was no significant correlation between serum concentration of rIFN-alpha 2a and -2b and clinical or molecular responses. The intriguing finding that one of 24 patients had pre-existing cross reacting nAbs against rIFN-alpha 2a and 2b before commencing rIFN-alpha treatment is interesting and was associated with an insufficient response. Disclosures Off Label Use: Recombinant interferon-alpha 2a and -2b in the treatment of chronic Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms.. El Fassi:Novartis Denmark: Honoraria, Other: Have conducted an educational session for Novartis Denmark, regarding MPNs and ruxolitinib, for this a honorarium was received.. Bjerrum:Bristoll Myers Squibb, Novartis and Pfizer: Other: educational activities. Hasselbalch:Novartis: Research Funding. Bendtzen:Pfizer: Honoraria; Eurodiagnostica AB: Equity Ownership; Novo-Nordisk: Equity Ownership.


Blood ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 91 (7) ◽  
pp. 2501-2507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip R. Greipp ◽  
Traci Leong ◽  
John M. Bennett ◽  
Jean P. Gaillard ◽  
Bernard Klein ◽  
...  

Abstract We studied the prognostic significance of plasmablastic (PB) multiple myeloma (MM) in Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Phase III trial E9486. Two reviewers independently reviewed 453 cases. They agreed on 37 PB (8.2%) cases and 416 non-PB cases, achieving an 85% concordance (P < .0001). These PB cases had significantly lower hemoglobin and serum albumin levels, higher calcium and β 2-microglobuin levels, and higher percentage BM plasma cells (PC) by immunofluorescence. They had higher bone marrow PC labeling indices, higher serum soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) levels, and a higher probability of ras mutations. Three treatment regimens were used: vincristine, bis-chloro-ethyl nitrosourea (BCNU) melphalan, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone (VBMCP) alone; VBMCP with added cyclophosphamide (HiCy); or recombinant interferon α 2 (rIFNα2). Although the numbers are low, patients with PB had a significantly lower response rate versus non-PB MM when treated with VBMCP (treated, 47.1% v nontreated, 66.5% [P = .015]). Patients with nonresponding PB had a significantly higher progression rate than non-PB cases (30.6%v 11.8% [P < .0001]), especially with VBMCP alone (35.3% v 15.8% [P = .002]), and with added HiCy (37.5% v 9.8% [P < .0001]), but not with added rIFNα2. Event-free and overall survival of PB MM was shorter (median years, 1.1 v 2.7 and 1.9 v 3.7, respectively [P < .0001 for both]). In multivariate analysis, PB classification was also highly prognostic. There is no survival difference between the patients who were classified as PB by both reviewers versus patients classified as PB by only one reviewer. We conclude that PB MM is a discrete entity associated with more aggressive disease and shortened survival. Tumor cell rasmutations and increased sIL-6R may contribute to a higher proliferation rate and reduced survival. There were significant improvements in response and progression with the addition of HiCy and rIFNα2 to VBMCP, but the numbers were small and improved survival could not be shown.


Blood ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 91 (7) ◽  
pp. 2501-2507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip R. Greipp ◽  
Traci Leong ◽  
John M. Bennett ◽  
Jean P. Gaillard ◽  
Bernard Klein ◽  
...  

We studied the prognostic significance of plasmablastic (PB) multiple myeloma (MM) in Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Phase III trial E9486. Two reviewers independently reviewed 453 cases. They agreed on 37 PB (8.2%) cases and 416 non-PB cases, achieving an 85% concordance (P < .0001). These PB cases had significantly lower hemoglobin and serum albumin levels, higher calcium and β 2-microglobuin levels, and higher percentage BM plasma cells (PC) by immunofluorescence. They had higher bone marrow PC labeling indices, higher serum soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) levels, and a higher probability of ras mutations. Three treatment regimens were used: vincristine, bis-chloro-ethyl nitrosourea (BCNU) melphalan, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone (VBMCP) alone; VBMCP with added cyclophosphamide (HiCy); or recombinant interferon α 2 (rIFNα2). Although the numbers are low, patients with PB had a significantly lower response rate versus non-PB MM when treated with VBMCP (treated, 47.1% v nontreated, 66.5% [P = .015]). Patients with nonresponding PB had a significantly higher progression rate than non-PB cases (30.6%v 11.8% [P < .0001]), especially with VBMCP alone (35.3% v 15.8% [P = .002]), and with added HiCy (37.5% v 9.8% [P < .0001]), but not with added rIFNα2. Event-free and overall survival of PB MM was shorter (median years, 1.1 v 2.7 and 1.9 v 3.7, respectively [P < .0001 for both]). In multivariate analysis, PB classification was also highly prognostic. There is no survival difference between the patients who were classified as PB by both reviewers versus patients classified as PB by only one reviewer. We conclude that PB MM is a discrete entity associated with more aggressive disease and shortened survival. Tumor cell rasmutations and increased sIL-6R may contribute to a higher proliferation rate and reduced survival. There were significant improvements in response and progression with the addition of HiCy and rIFNα2 to VBMCP, but the numbers were small and improved survival could not be shown.


Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 580-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trine Alma Knudsen ◽  
Dennis Lund Hansen ◽  
Lukas Frans Ocias ◽  
Ole Weis Bjerrum ◽  
Mette Brabrand ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Recombinant Interferon Alpha-2a (r-IFNα) is a potent immunomodulating agent, which has been used off-label for the treatment of polycythemia vera (PV) for more than three decades and has been demonstrated to induce high rates of clinical, hematological and molecular responses. Only few studies have compared efficacy and safety of r-IFNα vs. hydroxyurea (HU), which is considered first line therapy for PV patients > 60 years in most parts of the world. However, recent studies have provided encouraging results for the treatment of PV with r-IFNα compared to HU irrespective of age (R. Hoffmann 2016; H. Gisslinger 2018). Aims To examine the difference in efficacy and safety of low-dose r-IFNα in PV patients ≤ 60 or > 60 years of age compared to HU > 60 years of age. Methods Ninety newly diagnosed or previously phlebotomized PV patients only (WHO 2008) were enrolled in the DALIAH trial (NCT01387763). All patients provided written informed consent. Patients ≤ 60 years were randomized (I:I) to r-IFNα-2a (Pegasys®) or to r-IFNα-2b (PegIntron®) whereas patients > 60 years were randomized (I:I:I) to either r-IFNα-2a, r-IFNα-2b or to HU. The starting dose of r-IFNα-2a and r-IFNα-2b was 45 or 35 µg/week, respectively. The HU dose was 500 to 2000 mg/day. Patients randomized to r-IFNα who presented with major thrombosis or platelets > 1500 109/L received HU from inclusion and until normalization of the platelet count. Efficacy assessment consisted of the clinicohematological and the molecular response rates by intention to treat analysis (ITT) using the European Leukemia Net (ELN) 2009 criteria. JAK2V617F analysis was performed by qPCR. Groups were compared by Fisher's Exact Test. Results Three-year analysis was available in all but five patients (n=85) at time of abstract submission (Table 1). The analysis was performed after a median of 36 months (range: 33-39 months). The median treatment dose was 684 mg/day (IQR: 131 - 942) for HU, 51 μg/week (IQR: 30-90 μg/week) and 54 μg/week (IQR: 30-66 μg/week) for r-IFNα-2a age ≤ 60 and > 60, respectively, and 41 μg/week (IQR: 29-45 μg/week) and 36 μg/week (IQR: 31-37 μg/week) for r-IFNα-2b age ≤ 60 and > 60. The overall clinicohematological response rate (ORR) was 68% (13/19) for HU, 42% (14/33) for r-IFNα ≤ 60 years and 39% (13/33) for r-IFNα > 60 years. The partial clinicohematological response rate (PHR) and the complete clinicohematological response rate (CHR) was 53% (10/19) and 16% (3/19) for HU, 9% (3/33) and 33% (11/33) for r-IFNα ≤ 60 years and 9% (3/33) and 30% (10/33) for r-IFNα > 60 years. Neither the ORR, CHR nor the PHR was significantly different between the three groups. Maintenance of CHR from first occurrence to data analysis after 36 months was 11% (2/19) for HU, 21% (7/33) for r-IFNα ≤ 60 years and 18% (6/33) for r-IFNα > 60 years. Forty-seven JAK2V617F positive patients were available for molecular response analysis after 36 months of therapy. A partial molecular response (PMR) was detected in 21% (4/19) of HU treated patients and in 24% (7/29) of r-IFNα treated patients ≤ 60 years and 18% (6/33) of r-IFNα > 60 years. Notably, 7% (2/29) of the r-IFNα treated patients ≤ 60 years obtained a complete molecular response (CMR). The median JAK2V617F reduction from baseline was 38% (IQR: 31-63%) for HU, 79% (IQR: 59-92%) for r-IFNα ≤ 60 years and 73% (IQR: 49-97%) for r-IFNα > 60 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the PMR between groups. Discontinuation of treatment for any reason after 36 months of therapy was 21% (4/19) for HU, 52% (17/33) for r-IFNα ≤ 60 years and 45% (15/33) for r-IFNα > 60 years. Toxicity related discontinuation was 5% (1/19) for HU and 30% (10/33) for both r-IFNα ≤ 60 and > 60 years. Grade 3-4 AEs occurred in 32% (6/19) of HU treated patients, 27% (9/33) in r-IFNα treated patients ≤ 60 years and in 42% (14/33) r-IFNα treated patients > 60 years. SAEs were reported in 21% (4/19) for HU, 9% (3/33) for r-IFNα ≤ 60 years and 24% (8/33) for r-IFNα > 60 years. The numbers of grade 3-4 AEs as well as SAEs were comparable between groups. Conclusion After 36 months of therapy CHR was non-significantly higher in PV patients treated with r-IFNα compared to HU by ITT, irrespective of age. Also, maintenance of CHR was longer for r-IFNα. However, ORR was non-significantly higher for HU. PMR was almost similar between the three groups but the median JAK2V617F reduction was greater for r-IFNα. Toxicity related discontinuation from study therapy was higher for r-IFNα compared to HU. Disclosures Stentoft: Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Merck Sharp&Dohme: Research Funding. Hasselbalch:Novartis: Research Funding.


Gut ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. gutjnl-2020-323888
Author(s):  
Stephan Urban ◽  
Christoph Neumann-Haefelin ◽  
Pietro Lampertico

Approximately 5% of individuals infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) are coinfected with hepatitis D virus (HDV). Chronic HBV/HDV coinfection is associated with an unfavourable outcome, with many patients developing liver cirrhosis, liver failure and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma within 5–10 years. The identification of the HBV/HDV receptor and the development of novel in vitro and animal infection models allowed a more detailed study of the HDV life cycle in recent years, facilitating the development of specific antiviral drugs. The characterisation of HDV-specific CD4+ and CD8+T cell epitopes in untreated and treated patients also permitted a more precise understanding of HDV immunobiology and possibly paves the way for immunotherapeutic strategies to support upcoming specific therapies targeting viral or host factors. Pegylated interferon-α has been used for treating HDV patients for the last 30 years with only limited sustained responses. Here we describe novel treatment options with regard to their mode of action and their clinical effectiveness. Of those, the entry-inhibitor bulevirtide (formerly known as myrcludex B) received conditional marketing authorisation in the European Union (EU) in 2020 (Hepcludex). One additional drug, the prenylation inhibitor lonafarnib, is currently under investigation in phase III clinical trials. Other treatment strategies aim at targeting hepatitis B surface antigen, including the nucleic acid polymer REP2139Ca. These recent advances in HDV virology, immunology and treatment are important steps to make HDV a less difficult-to-treat virus and will be discussed.


1989 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulf Detmar ◽  
Monika Agathos ◽  
Christoph Nerl

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