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Heffner, Leonard T.

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 8

Long-lasting responses after four doses of rituximab in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia: Clinical value of minor responses: A follow-up of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group E3A98 trial
Abonour, Rafat , Heffner, Leonard T., Greipp, Philip R., Gertz, Morie A. , Uno, Hajime , Rajkumar, S. Vincent

Journal of Clinical Oncology | August 25, 2020 | Volume: 27 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8513-8513

10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.8513 Get It

8513 Background: Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is a low-grade lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma that is responsive to rituximab. Uniform response criteria define an objective response as a 50% reduction in the IgM level, and a minor response as a 25% reduction in IgM level. No publications in the literature exist that justify the use of the minor response. Clinicians who treat patients that achieve a minor response are left uncertain as to whether the response is adequate and patients should be monitored for progression or whether they should be considered therapy failures and crossover to an alternate chemotherapy regimen in an effort to achieve a deeper response. Methods: 69 patients, 34 previously untreated, and 35 previously treated (but rituximab naive) were included. All patients were treated with a single four-week course of rituximab 375 mg/m2 and were monitored with no further therapy until progression. Results: There were 19 objective and 17 minor responses out of 69 eligible patients (52.2%). Response rate and progression-free survival (26.6 mo) were similar whether patients were previously untreated or previously treated. Previously treated rituximab-naïve and previously untreated patients had, five-year survivals of 48% and 85%, respectively. There was no difference in overall or progression free survival between patients who achieved an objective response when compared to those who achieved a minor response. There was no difference between objective and minor responders by age, time from diagnosis to treatment in the treated group, bone marrow lymphoplasmacytes, hemoglobin level, creatinine, IgM level, or M-spike. The pre-treatment level of IgM did not predict overall survival, progression-free survival, time to progression, or response rate (All p>0.05). This lack of significance was found whether IgM was assessed as a continuous or discrete variable. Conclusions: These results reconfirm rituximab's efficacy as a single-agent for the treatment of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, and patients who have a 25–50% reduction in their IgM protein derive significant clinical benefits that are durable and appear to not have an impact on overall survival. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Response Duration with Initial Therapy Is a Major Predictor of Overall Survival in Multiple Myeloma: Analysis from Multiple Phase III ECOG Clinical Trials
Kumar, Shaji , Zhang, Lijun , Abonour, Rafat , Heffner, Leonard T., Kyle, Robert A. , Greipp, Philip R., Dispenzieri, Angela , Lonial, Sagar , Callander, Natalie S. , Siegel, David S. , Gertz, Morie A. , Rajkumar, S. Vincent

Blood | April 18, 2020 | Volume: 112 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 5129-5129

10.1182/blood.v112.11.5129.5129 Get It

Abstract Background: Outcome of patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) is influenced by a variety of baseline prognostic factors, most importantly presence of chromosomal abnormalities. Nevertheless, these biologically determined risk-factors do not account for a significant subset of patients whose outcome varies greatly from what one expects based on the underlying prognostic characteristics. We have previously demonstrated that outcome in myeloma is dictated not only by baseline risk-factors but also response to therapy (R2, risk and response dependent outcome). We studied response duration following initial therapy as a prognostic factor for long-term overall survival in myeloma in three ECOG clinical trials that enrolled patients with newly diagnosed myeloma. Methods: Data from three studies with long-term, mature follow up were analyzed: E9486, E5A93, and E1A00. The regimens used in these studies included Thalidomide/Dex, Dex, VBMCP, VBMCP + alpha-IFN, and VBMCP + Cyclophosphamide. Among progressed/relapsed patients, the association between time to progression and overall survival since relapse was explored using Cox proportional hazards model, in which time to progression was analyzed as a continuous variable. In addition, the association between response duration and overall survival since relapse was explored similarly among relapsed responders. Treatment effect and calendar time of diagnosis have been adjusted in the model. Also, to determine the best cut off point associated with the best differentiation of patients with short OS after relapse, an outcome-oriented method using log likelihood value was applied. Results: Among the 1136 patients enrolled in the three studies, 625 patients who have documented disease relapse have been included in the current study. Of these, 471 patients had responded to the treatment before relapse. Only 33 patients are alive as of Dec., 2007. For all 625 patients, the time to progression (continuous variable) was significantly associated with overall survival from the time of relapse/progression (P<0.0001), with hazard ratio of 0.77 (95%CI: 0.72~0.81) at time to progression increasing by 1 year (i.e., the later the progression/relapse, the lower the risk). The best cutoff point of the time to progression is 3 yrs (the 75th percentile). The hazard ratio of patients progressing within 3 yrs since randomization vs. after 3 yrs is 2.4 (95% CI: 1.9 ~ 2.9) and P-value<0.0001. The median OS from relapse was 0.96 years for the former vs. 2.43 years in the latter group (Figure). Among the 471 relapsed responders, the response duration (continuous variable) was also significantly associated with overall survival since relapse (P<0.0001), with hazard ratio of 0.76 (95%CI: 0.70~0.81) at response duration increasing by 1 year (i.e., the longer the response duration, the lower the risk). The effects seen with each regimen are detailed in the table. The best cutoff point of the response duration is 2 yrs (median). The hazard ratio of patients with response duration less than or equal to 2 yrs vs. more than 2 yrs is 2.1 (95% CI: 1.7 ~ 2.6) and P-value<0.0001. Conclusions: Among patients treated with alkylator based therapy, the duration of response from the initial therapy is an important predictor of the subsequent outcome among patients with myeloma. Given the heterogeneity of the disease and imprecise predictive ability of the known baseline prognostic factors, the duration of response to initial therapy should be taken into account, to deliver risk and response-adapted therapy. The prognostic value of this feature across different clinical trials, points towards the role of underlying disease biology, both disease aggressiveness and ability to rapidly develop resistance to therapies as two important determinants of outcome. Table 1: Hazard ratio of overall survival since relapse for patients progressed within 3 yrs since randomization vs. after 3 yrs in each treatment arm Treatment arm Treatment arm HR (95% CI) P-value TTP<=3yrs vs. >3 yrs Thal/Dex N/A N/A Dex 0.4 (0.05, 3.9) 0.46 VBMCP(E5A93+ E9486) 1.9 (1.4, 2.7) 0.0001 VBMCP+alpha2IFN (E5A93+ E9486) 3.0 (2.2, 4.1) <0.0001 VBMCP+CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE 2.3 (1.5, 3.6) 0.0001 Response duration <=2 yrs vs. >2 yrs Thal/Dex 0.2 (0.003, 18.5) 0.51 Dex 0.15 (0.02, 0.98) 0.048 VBMCP(E5A93+ E9486) 1.7 (1.2, 2.3) 0.0009 VBMCP+alpha2IFN (E5A93+ E9486) 3.0(2.1, 4.3) <0.0001 VBMCP+CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE 2.1 (1.4, 3.3) 0.006 Figure 1: Overall survival since relapse between patients progressed within 3 yrs since randomization vs. after 3 yrs. Figure 1:. Overall survival since relapse between patients progressed within 3 yrs since randomization vs. after 3 yrs.
Molecular response with blinatumomab in relapsed/refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Gökbuget, Nicola , Kantarjian, Hagop M. , Brüggemann, Monika , Stein, Anthony S. , Bargou, Ralf C. , Dombret, Hervé , Heffner, Leonard T., Rigal‐Huguet, Françoise , Litzow, Mark R. , Gao, Shan , Nagorsen, Dirk , Forman, Stephen J. , Topp, Max S. , Kantarjian, Hagop , Fielding, Adele K. , O’Brien, Susan , Zugmaier, Gerhard

Blood Advances | October 21, 2019 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 20 | Pages: 3033-3037

10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000457 Get It

Key Points MRD response has value as a prognostic factor for blinatumomab treatment in R/R B-cell precursor ALL. MRD response was associated with better outcomes in terms of OS and RFS in blinatumomab-treated R/R ALL.
An Evaluation of Molecular Response in a Phase 2 Open-Label, Multicenter Confirmatory Study in Patients (pts) with Relapsed/Refractory B-Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (r/r ALL) Receiving Treatment with the BiTE® Antibody Construct Blinatumomab
Goekbuget, Nicola, Brüggemann, Monika , Stein, Anthony S. , Bargou, Ralf C. , Dombret, Hervé , Heffner, Leonard T., Rigal‐Huguet, Françoise , Litzow, Mark R. , Jia, Catherine, Maniar, Tapan, Huber, Birgit, Forman, Stephen J. , Topp, Max S. , Kantarjian, Hagop M. , Fielding, Adele K. , O’Brien, Susan , Zugmaier, Gerhard , Huber, Birgit, Nagorsen, Dirk

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3704-3704

10.1182/blood.v124.21.3704.3704 Get It

Abstract Background: Blinatumomab is an investigational bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE®) antibody construct designed to direct cytotoxic T cells to CD19-expressing B cells. In a study in minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive ALL, 80% of pts achieved MRD-negative status after receiving one treatment cycle of blinatumomab (Topp MS, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29:2493-8). For pts with newly diagnosed ALL, persistence of MRD after first-line treatment predicts disease recurrence. However, only limited data are available about the relationship between MRD and outcome in adult pts with r/r ALL. Therefore, the aim of this secondary analysis was to evaluate MRD responses and their relationships to other efficacy indices in adult pts with r/r ALL receiving blinatumomab in this phase 2 study. Methods: Eligibility criteria included adult pts ≥18 years, with Philadelphia chromosome negative B-cell r/r ALL who were primary refractory or refractory to first salvage, had their first relapse within 12 months of first remission or allogeneic hematologic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), or received second or later salvage. Blinatumomab was dosed via continuous IV infusion at 28 μg/d (cycle 1 only: 9 μg/d on days 1-7, 28 μg/d on days 8-28) for up to five cycles (one cycle: 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off). The primary endpoint was complete remission (CR: ≤5% blasts with platelets >100,000/µL, absolute neutrophil count >1000/µL) or CR with partial hematologic recovery (CRh*: platelets >50,000/µL, absolute neutrophil count >500/µL) within the first two treatment cycles. MRD in bone marrow was assessed at a central laboratory using allele-specific real-time quantitative PCR. Two MRD-based exploratory endpoints were analyzed: MRD response (no PCR amplification at a minimum sensitivity of 10-4 or <10-4 leukemic cells by PCR) and complete MRD response (no PCR amplification at a minimum sensitivity of 10-4) within the first two treatment cycles. Results: Of 189 treated pts (median [range] age = 39 [18–79] years), 81 (43%) pts had a CR (n = 63, 33%) or a CRh* (n = 18, 10%) during the first two treatment cycles. In the subgroup of pts with a CR/CRh* and evaluable MRD data (n = 73), 60 (82%) pts had an MRD response. Of those, 51 (70%) pts had a complete MRD response. The majority of those who achieved a CR/CRh* also achieved a complete MRD response regardless of the number of prior lines of salvage therapy (Table 1). Of all treated pts, 64 (34%) pts had prior HSCT. In pts who achieved CR/CRh*, the rate of MRD response was 81% in pts without and 85% in pts with prior HSCT. In pts who achieved CR/CRh*, the median (95% CI) duration of overall survival was 11.4 (8.5, not estimable) months for those with a MRD response and 6.7 (2.0, not estimable) months for those with no MRD response. The median (95% CI) duration of relapse-free survival was 6.9 (5.5, 10.1) months in patients with a MRD response and 2.3 (1.2, not estimable) months in patients with no MRD response. The HSCT realization rate did not differ significantly between pts with CR/CRh* and a MRD response and those with CR/CRh* and no MRD response (31% and 43%, respectively). Seventeen pts classified as nonresponders per protocol had ≤5% blasts and no evidence of disease, but recovery of peripheral counts did not meet criteria for CRh*. Ten of these 17 pts had evaluable MRD assessments; 50% (5/10) had MRD response and 20% (2/10) had complete MRD response. The clinical significance of this finding remains open. Grade ≥3 adverse events regardless of causality and occurring in >10% of all treated pts during treatment until 30 days after treatment were febrile neutropenia (25%), neutropenia (16%), and anemia (14%). Grade 3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was reported in three (1.6%) patients. Three (1.6%) patients had grade 4 neurologic events, all resolved. Twenty-one (11%) patients had grade 3 neurologic events, 17 were resolved, with 4 events unresolved at death or unknown. Conclusion: In this largest study to date of adult pts with r/r ALL with PCR-based central assessment of MRD, pts who achieved CR/CRh* during single-agent treatment with blinatumomab had high MRD response rates. The exploratory analyses suggested that within pts with a CR/CRh*, those who did not achieve MRD responses tended to have shorter durations of overall and relapse-free survival. These results are consistent with prior reports highlighting the importance of achieving an MRD response in first-line therapy. Disclosures Goekbuget: Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: This presentation will discuss the off-label use of blinatumomab, as this agent is not approved for use by the FDA, EMA or any other regulatory authorities. Kantarjian:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Brüggemann:Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Stein:Amgen Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Bargou:Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria. Dombret:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Heffner:Amgen Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Biotest: Research Funding; Dana Farber CI: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Idera: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding; Talon Therapeutics: Research Funding. Rigal-Huguet:Amgen, Inc.: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy. Litzow:Amgen Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding. Zugmaier:Amgen Reseach (Munich) GmbH: Employment; Amgen Inc.: Equity Ownership. Jia:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Maniar:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huber:Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH: Employment; Amgen Inc.: Equity Ownership. Nagorsen:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Related to blinatumomab Patents & Royalties. Topp:Amgen Inc.: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Indatuximab Ravtansine (BT062) In Combination With Lenalidomide and Low-Dose Dexamethasone In Patients With Relapsed and/Or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Clinical Activity In Len/Dex-Refractory Patients
Kelly, Kevin R. , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Somlo, George, Heffner, Leonard T., Zimmerman, Todd M., Munshi, Nikhil C. , Ruehle, Markus, Chavan, Shailesh, Patel, Pankaj , Rothenburger, Markus, Wartenberg‐Demand, Andrea, Haeder, Thomas, Siegel, David S. , Jagannath, Sundar , Lonial, Sagar , Roy, Vivek , Patel, Pankaj, Anderson, Kenneth C.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 758-758

10.1182/blood.v122.21.758.758 Get It

Abstract Background BT062 (Biotest AG Dreieich, Germany) is an antibody-drug conjugate, comprising the anti-CD138 chimerized MAb (nBT062) and the maytansinoid DM4 as cytotoxic agent. Once bound to CD138 on a target cell, the conjugate is internalized and releases DM4, leading to target cell death. CD138 (Syndecan-1) is highly overexpressed on various solid tumors and in hematological malignancies, and represents one of the most specific target antigens for identification of multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Data from two studies investigating BT062 as single agent demonstrated an acceptable tolerability profile and evidence of clinical activity in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed and/or refractory MM (1, 2). Preclinical studies showed enhanced anti-MM activity when BT062 was combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Len/Dex). Based on these data, a Phase I/IIa study in MM was initiated to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BT062 in combination with Len/Dex. Objectives To determine the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the recommended phase II dose (RPTD), pharmacokinetics (PK), and anti-MM activity of increasing doses of BT062 (days 1, 8, and 15, every 4 weeks) in combination with Len (25 mg, daily on days 1-21) and low dose Dex (40 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22) in patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM. Methods This is a prospective, open label, dose-escalation, multicenter Phase I/IIa study. The Phase I part includes dose escalation, and the Phase IIa the expansion of the MTD or RPTD cohort. Patients aged ≥18 years with relapsed and/or refractory MM who have failed at least one prior therapy were eligible to participate. Prior treatment with Len and/or Dex was allowed. Patients with clinical response (or no evidence of progressive disease) and without unacceptable toxicities were eligible for additional treatment cycles. Patients were enrolled in cohorts of at least 3 at each dose level; DLT in the first cycle triggered cohort expansion. Toxicities were assessed by CTCAE v4 and clinical response was assessed according to International Myeloma Working Group criteria. Results As of July 2013, a total of 15 patients have received BT062 at dose levels of 80 mg/m2 (N=3), 100 mg/m2 (N=6) or 120 mg/m2 (N=6). Two patients at the highest dose level discontinued study due to toxicity (DLT), another patient withdrew consent. The other 12 patients remain on treatment; median duration 144 days (range 8–385). The median number of prior therapies was 4 (range 1–11), 87% of patients had prior Len exposure, and 50% were Len/Dex refractory. The maximum administered dose (MAD) has been reached at 120 mg/m2, with mucosal inflammation (CTC grade 3) as DLT in one, and anemia (CTC grade 3) in a second of the 6 patients treated at this dose level. About 85% of reported Adverse Events (AE) were of CTC grade 1 or 2. The most common reported AEs were fatigue, hypokalemia, and diarrhea. Amongst the 9 patients currently evaluable for efficacy, responses were observed across all dose levels with a overall response rate (ORR) of 78%; including 1 patient with complete response (120 mg/m2), 1 patient with very good partial response (80 mg/m2), and 5 patients with partial response (80 and 100 mg/m2). Two other patients achieved disease stabilization, resulting in a clinical benefit in 100% of the evaluated patients. Interestingly, partial response was observed in 3 patients refractory to prior treatment with Len/Dex. The MTD has been defined as 100 mg/m2 and is currently expanded to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of BT062 at the RPTD. Conclusion Preliminary data from this ongoing study indicate that BT062 is well tolerated in combination with Len/Dex at dose levels that induce responses in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, including Len/Dex-refractory patients. Updated results on safety and efficacy will be presented. References 1. Jagannath et al, BT062, an Antibody-Drug Conjugate Directed Against CD138, Shows Clinical Activity in Patients with Relapsed or Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Blood. 2011; 118: Abstract 305. 2. Heffner et al, BT062, an Antibody-Drug Conjugate Directed Against CD138, Given Weekly for 3 Weeks in Each 4 Week Cycle: Safety and Further Evidence of Clinical Activity. Blood. 2012; 120: Abstract 4042. Disclosures: Somlo: Celgene: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; NIH: Research Funding; Millennium: Speakers Bureau. Heffner:Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Biotest: Honoraria, Research Funding; Onyx: Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding. Siegel:Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Zimmerman:Celgene: Honoraria; Millennium: Honoraria; Onyx: Honoraria. Jagannath:Millennium: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Munshi:Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy. Lonial:Millennium: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy. Ruehle:Biotest AG: Employment. Chavan:Biotest Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Patel:Biotest Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Rothenburger:Biotest AG: Employment. Wartenberg-Demand:Biotest AG: Employment. Haeder:Biotest AG: Employment. Anderson:Gilead: Consultancy; Sanofi Aventis: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Acetylon: Equity Ownership; Oncopep: Equity Ownership.
Preliminary Results from a Phase 1/2, Open-Label, Dose-Escalation Clinical Trial of IMO-8400 in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia
Harb, Wael A., Nashat, Gabrail, Palomba, M. Lia , Ansell, Stephen M. , Eradat, Herbert, Libby, Edward N., Heffner, Leonard T., Hoffman, James E. , Vesole, David H. , Simov, Lindsey, Wyant, Nancy, Brevard, Julie, O’Leary, James J. , Thomas, Sheeba K. , Beck, J. Thaddeus , Advani, Ranjana H. , Hajdenberg, Julio J. , O'Leary, James, Agrawal, Sudhir

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 1540-1540

10.1182/blood.v126.23.1540.1540 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, indolent B-cell lymphoma characterized by lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltration of bone marrow and elevated serum levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) protein. Despite recent advances in treatment the disease relapses in most patients. About 90% of WM patients harbor the MYD88 L265P oncogenic mutation. MYD88 is an adapter protein in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway. The MYD88 L265P oncoprotein has been shown to amplify TLR 7 and 9 signaling, leading to downstream activation of NF-κB and cytokine signaling pathways that promote tumor cell survival and proliferation (Lim, AACR 2013). IMO-8400 is an investigational oligonucleotide antagonist of endosomal TLRs 7, 8 and 9. In preclinical studies in a human cell line and animal models of WM, IMO-8400 inhibited key cell signaling pathways, including NF-κB, BTK, STAT-3 and IRAK-4, and inhibited tumor growth and tumor IgM production. In Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in healthy subjects (N=30) and in patients with autoimmune disease (N=35), IMO-8400 was generally well tolerated and demonstrated evidence of clinical activity. Based on these data, we initiated a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of IMO-8400 in WM, the first study of a drug candidate specifically targeting the MYD88 L265P mutation. Methods: This Phase 1/2 multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation clinical trial continues to recruit adult patients with relapsed or refractory WM (NCT Identifier: NCT02092909). In a classic 3x3 dose escalation scheme, patients are enrolled in one of three sequential escalating dose cohorts and receive subcutaneous IMO-8400 at dosages of 0.6, 1.2 or 2.4 mg/kg per week, respectively, for 24 weeks. The presence of the MYD88 L265P mutation is assessed by PCR-based genetic screening following enrollment. Patients who complete the 24-week treatment period are eligible to enroll in an extension trial. The primary study objective is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of escalating IMO-8400 dosages. Secondary objectives include preliminary evaluation of clinical response based on international guidelines and identification of an optimal dose for further evaluation (Kimby, Clin Lymphoma Myeloma 2006). Results: Overall, 17 patients (6 female, 11 male) have been enrolled in three dose cohorts to date. Median baseline characteristics include: age 66 years, prior therapies 4 (range 1-13), serum IgM 2,225 mg/dL, serum M protein 0.96 g/dL, and B2-microglobulin 3.42 mg/L. IMO-8400 has been generally well tolerated across all dose cohorts to date, with patient exposure ranging from 2-46 weeks in the Phase 1/2 and extension trials. The most common adverse events reported to date include transient flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions. One serious adverse event of worsening grade 3 arthritis, deemed possibly related to study drug, was reported in a patient with a pre-existing history of arthritis in the 2.4 mg/kg dose cohort. This patient discontinued study treatment. To date, no other patients have discontinued treatment due to treatment-related adverse events. Preliminary evidence of clinical activity for IMO-8400 has been observed in all dose cohorts. In June 2015, an independent Data Review Committee reviewed 4-week safety data from the highest dose cohort and agreed that 2.4 mg/kg was safe for further evaluation. Safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary activity for all three dose cohorts will be presented. Conclusions: IMO-8400 is a mutation-targeted therapy in development for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory WM. In an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial in WM, IMO-8400 has been generally well tolerated and has demonstrated preliminary evidence of clinical activity. Safety results support continued evaluation of IMO-8400 at 2.4 mg/kg/week in this patient population. Disclosures Thomas: Novartis, Celgene, Acerta Pharmaceuticals, Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Harb:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Beck:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Nashat:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Ansell:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Eradat:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Libby:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Hajdenberg:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Heffner:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Hoffman:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Vesole:Celgene Corporation: Speakers Bureau; Idera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Simov:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Wyant:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Brevard:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Employment. O'Leary:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Agrawal:Idera Pharmaceuticals: Employment.
Indatuximab Ravtansine (BT062) in Combination with Low-Dose Dexamethasone and Lenalidomide or Pomalidomide: Clinical Activity in Patients with Relapsed / Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Kelly, Kevin R. , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Somlo, George, Heffner, Leonard T., Zimmerman, Todd M., Munshi, Nikhil C. , Madan, Sumit , Mohrbacher, Ann , Barmaki-Rad, Farima, Rühle, Markus, Herrmann, Eva , Wartenberg‐Demand, Andrea, Haeder, Thomas, Siegel, David S. , Jagannath, Sundar , Lonial, Sagar , Rühle, Markus, Anderson, Kenneth C.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4486-4486

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4486.4486 Get It

Abstract Background: BT062 (Biotest AG, Dreieich, Germany) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprising a CD138-binding chimerized antibody and the cytotoxic maytansinoid, DM4. It is designed to target and kill CD138-positive cancer cells. CD138 (Syndecan-1) is highly expressed on a number of solid tumors and hematological malignancies and is one of the most reliable markers for multiple myeloma (MM) cells. BT062 was previously evaluated as a monotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory MM and found to have an acceptable tolerability profile with preliminary evidence of activity (Heffner et al, Blood. 2012; 120: Abstract 4042). Phase I/IIa testing was initiated with BT062 in combination with lenalidomide (Len) and low-dose dexamethasone (dex). The combination was well tolerated at BT062 doses up to 100 mg/m², defined to be the recommended Phase 2 dose (RPTD), and induced meaningful responses, including in patients previously treated with both Len and bortezomib (Bort) (Kelly et al, Blood. 2014; 124: Abstract 4736). Based on these promising results, further investigation of BT062 in combination with pomalidomide (Pom) and dex was initiated in patients with prior Len and Bort exposure, a patient population known to have a poor outcome. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and activity of BT062 (on days 1, 8, and 15 in a 4-week cycle) used in combination with dex (20-40 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22) and Len (25 mg, daily on days 1-21) or Pom (4 mg, daily on days 1-21) in patients with relapsed/refractory MM. Methods: This is a prospective, open label, multicenter Phase I/IIa study. The RPTD of BT062 in combination with Len/dex was defined to be 100 mg/m², and 38 patients were treated with BT062/Len/dex at the BT062 RPTD. An additional 17 patients were treated with BT062/Pom/dex at the BT062 RPTD. Patients aged ≥18 years with relapsed/refractory MM were eligible to participate. Prior treatment with Len, Pom, and/or dexamethasone (any dose) was allowed. To qualify for treatment with BT062/Len/dex at the BT062 RPTD, patients must have received at least one but no more than six prior therapies.To qualify for treatment with BT062/Pom/dex, patients must have received at least two prior therapies, including both Len and Bort, and progressed on or within 60 days of completion of their last therapy, with no limit on number of prior therapies. Patients with clinical response (or no evidence of disease progression) without unacceptable toxicities were eligible to receive additional treatment cycles. Toxicities were assessed by CTCAE v4. Clinical response was assessed by the investigator according to International Myeloma Working Group criteria. Results: Sixty-four patients have received BT062 in combination with dex and Len or Pom in this ongoing study. The combinations have been generally well tolerated, with approximately 90% of adverse events (AEs) reported CTC grade 1 or 2. The most common AEs reported are diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. Forty-seven patients have received BT062 with Len/Dex (3 at 80 mg/m², 38 at 100 mg/m², 6 at 120 mg/m²), with 8 patients still on treatment. Among these 47 patients, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 16.4 months. Forty-three patients completed at least two treatment cycles and were evaluable for response. Of these patients 33 achieved a partial response (PR) or better, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 77% and a median duration of response (DOR) of 21.0 months. Thirteen of the evaluable BT062/Len/dex-treated patients had prior exposure to both Len and Bort and progressed on or within 60 days of their last therapy. ORR was 54% among these patients, including 1 complete response (CR), 4 very good partial responses (VGPR) and 2 PRs. Seventeen patients were treated with BT062/Pom/dex, all had prior exposure to both Len and Bort and progressed on or within 60 days of their last therapy. ORR was 79%, with 4 VGPR and 7 PR among the 14 patients evaluable for efficacy. Median PFS has not been reached after 7.5 months median follow up, with 7 patients still on treatment. Updated safety and activity data will be presented. Conclusion: BT062 has been found to be well tolerated when used in combination with Len/dex or Pom/dex, with encouraging activity even in patients with Len- and Bort-pretreated disease progressing on or within 60 days of completion of their last therapy. Disclosures Kelly: Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Siegel:Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Merck: Honoraria. Somlo:Millennium: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Heffner:Millennium: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Madan:Onyx: Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Lonial:Celgene: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy. Barmaki-Rad:Biotest AG: Employment. Rühle:Biotest AG: Employment. Herrmann:Biotest AG: Employment. Wartenberg-Demand:Biotest AG: Employment. Haeder:Biotest AG: Employment. Anderson:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncoprep: Equity Ownership; Acetylon: Equity Ownership; Acetylon: Equity Ownership; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncoprep: Equity Ownership; Millennuim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennuim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Bristol Myers Squibb: 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.
Indatuximab Ravtansine (BT062) in Combination with Lenalidomide and Low-Dose Dexamethasone in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Clinical Activity in Patients Already Exposed to Lenalidomide and Bortezomib
Kelly, Kevin R. , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Heffner, Leonard T., Somlo, George, Zimmerman, Todd M., Karnad, Anand B. , Munshi, Nikhil C. , Greenberg, Allen L., Barmaki-Rad, Farima, Chavan, Shailesh, Patel, Pankaj , Wartenberg‐Demand, Andrea, Haeder, Thomas, Siegel, David S. , Jagannath, Sundar , Lonial, Sagar , Roy, Vivek , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Patel, Pankaj, Anderson, Kenneth C.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4736-4736

10.1182/blood.v124.21.4736.4736 Get It

Abstract Background: BT062 (Biotest AG Dreieich, Germany) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), comprising the anti-CD138 chimerized MAb (nBT062) and the maytansinoid DM4 as a cytotoxic agent. It is designed to bind to CD138 on cancer cells, and then release DM4 after internalization to cause cell death. CD138 (Syndecan-1) is highly overexpressed on various solid tumors and in hematological malignancies, and represents one of the most specific target antigens for identification of multiple myeloma (MM) cells. BT062 was investigated as a single agent and found to have an acceptable tolerability profile and evidence of activity in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed and/or refractory MM (1). Preclinical studies showed enhanced anti-MM activity when BT062 was combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Len/Dex). Based on these data, a Phase I/IIa study in MM was initiated to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BT062 in combination with Len/Dex. Objectives: To determine the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the recommended phase II dose (RPTD), pharmacokinetics (PK), and anti-MM activity of increasing doses of BT062 (days 1, 8, and 15, every 4 weeks) used in combination with Len (25 mg, daily on days 1-21) and low dose Dex (40 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22) in patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM. Methods: This is a prospective, open label, multicenter Phase I/IIa study. The Phase I part includes dose escalation, and the Phase IIa the expansion of the RPTD cohort. Patients aged ≥18 years with relapsed and/or refractory MM who have failed at least one prior therapy were eligible to participate. Prior treatment with Len and/or Dex was allowed. Patients with clinical response (or no evidence of progressive disease) and without unacceptable toxicities were eligible for additional treatment cycles. Patients were enrolled in cohorts of at least 3 at each dose level; DLT in the first cycle triggered cohort expansion. Toxicities were assessed by CTCAE v4 and clinical response was assessed according to International Myeloma Working Group criteria. Results: The maximum administered dose (MAD) was 120 mg/m². Two of six patients treated at this dose had a DLT: mucosal inflammation (CTC grade 3) and anemia (CTC grade 3). The MTD was defined as 100 mg/m² and selected as RPTD. Additional patients are being treated at this RPTD to further evaluate safety and efficacy. Enrollment into the study is ongoing. As of July 2014, a total of 45 patients had received BT062 at dose levels of 80 mg/m² (N=3), 100 mg/m² (N=36) or 120 mg/m² (N=6). Fifteen patients discontinued study treatment: 5 for disease progression, 7 for adverse events, 1 died (not treatment related) and 2 for withdrawal of consent. The other 30 patients remain on treatment. The median treatment duration was 123 days (range 1–597). The median number of prior therapies was 3 (range 1–11). 68% of patients had prior exposure to both Len and bortezomib, 73% of patients had prior Len exposure, and 30% were Len-refractory. According to preliminary data from this ongoing study, about 89% of reported Adverse Events (AEs) were CTC grade 1 or 2. The most common reported AEs were diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and hypokalemia. Amongst the 36 patients across all dose levels currently evaluable for efficacy, the overall response rate (ORR) is 78%; including 1 stringent complete response, 2 complete responses, 10 very good partial responses, and 15 partial responses. Two patients achieved a minor response and 6 patients disease stabilization, resulting in a clinical benefit in 100% of the evaluable patients. The ORR was 83% among the 30 evaluable patients receiving the RPTD. Interestingly, the ORR was 70% among the 23 patients with prior exposure to Len and bortezomib, and among 10 patients refractory to prior treatment with Len. Conclusion: Preliminary data from this ongoing study indicate that BT062 is well tolerated in combination with Len/Dex at dose levels that induce responses in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, including patients with prior exposure to both Len and bortezomib and patients refractory to prior treatment with Len. Updated results on safety and efficacy will be presented. References Heffner et al, BT062, an Antibody-Drug Conjugate Directed Against CD138, Given Weekly for 3 Weeks in Each 4 Week Cycle: Safety and Further Evidence of Clinical Activity. Blood. 2012; 120: Abstract 4042. Disclosures Kelly: Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Heffner:Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Biotest: Research Funding; Dana Farber CI: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Idera: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding; Talon Therapeutics: Research Funding. Somlo:Millennium: 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; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Siegel:Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Munshi:Celgene: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Sanofi-Aventis: Consultancy; Ocopep: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Jagannath:Celgene: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy. Lonial:Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding. Ailawadhi:Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria. Barmaki-Rad:Biotest AG: Employment. Chavan:Biotest Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Patel:Biotest Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Wartenberg-Demand:Biotest AG: Employment. Haeder:Biotest AG: Employment. Anderson:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Onyx: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi Aventis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopep: Equity Ownership; Acetylon: Equity Ownership.