Passamonti, Francesco

Abstract Background We have previously reported on the high prevalence and severity of challenges with intimacy and sexuality amongst a large international cohort of MPN patients (Emanuel JCO 2012). We sought to further analyze the relationships between issues of intimacy (sexual desire and function), their relationships to MPN disease features, individual MPN symptom prevalence and severity, language, and overall quality of life. Methods Data was collected among an international cohort of patients with MPNs. Subjects completed the BFI, MPN-SAF, and EORTC QLQ-C30 instruments. Surveyed symptoms on the MPN-SAF included the patient’s perceptions of common MPN-related symptoms and overall quality of life (QOL) on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst imaginable) scale. Specifically, the MPN-SAF sexuality item asked about “problems with sexual desire or function”. Total symptom score (TSS) was computed based on 10 symptom items using the published scoring algorithm on a 0 (all reported symptoms absent) to 100 (all reported symptoms worst imaginable) scale. Pairwise associations between the MPN-SAF sexuality item and continuous and categorical covariates were investigated using Pearson correlations and analysis of variance/t-tests, respectively. Multivariate regression models were used to investigate impact of groups of covariates on the sexuality item with the final multivariate model selected using forward regression. Results Demographics A total of 1908 MPN patients (essential thrombocythemia=799, polycythemia vera=671, myelofibrosis=432, missing=6) completed the sexuality item. Participants were of typical age (median=60, range 15-94) and gender (female=53%). Overall, 1218 subjects described sexuality related complaints (score >0) with an overall mean symptom score of 3.5 (median=2.0, SD=3.7, range 0-10); 725/1908 (38%) patients had severe sexuality related complaints (score >4). Univariate Analysis Among the QLQ-C30 functioning scales, all domains had similar statistically significant correlations (r=-.26 to -.32, all p<0.001). Among QLQ-C30 symptom scales, all QLQ-C30 symptoms displayed correlations ranging between .08 and .29 (all p<0.001). Among MPN-SAF items, the MPN-SAF sexuality item correlated most significantly with the TSS (r=.41, p<0.001), along with MPN-SAF symptoms (r=.16 to .39; all p<0.001). MPN-SAF sexuality measure significantly differed by anemia (means: absent 3.3, present 4.5; p<0.001), leukopenia (means: absent 3.4, present 4.4; p=0.01), thrombocytopenia (means: absent 3.3, present 4.5; p<0.001), red cell transfusion (means: no 3.5, yes 5.0; p<0.001), MPN subtype (ET mean 3.1, PV mean=3.6, MF mean=4.4; p<0.001) and language (means ranged from 2.4 [Swedish] to 4.6 [Chinese]; p<0.001). MPN-SAF sexuality did not significantly differ by age, gender, prior thrombosis or prior hemorrhage. Multivariate Analysis In a multivariate model of MPN-SAF sexuality containing all QLQ-C30 functioning scales, physical (p=0.001), emotional (p=0.01), cognitive (p=0.005) and social (p=0.002) functioning were all statistically significant. Numerous symptoms were also significant in a multivariate model of MPN-SAF sexuality containing all other MPN-SAF symptoms (all p<0.05; abdominal pain, inactivity, dizziness/vertigo/lightheadedness, insomnia, depression/sad mood, cough, night sweats and overall QOL). The final multivariate model based on forward regression starting with all demographics, clinical variables, and patient-reported QLQ-C30 scales and MPN-SAF items found age, language, QLQ-C30 role functioning and MPN-SAF items (insomnia, depression/sad mood, night sweats and QOL) to be significant (p<0.05). Conclusions Sexuality related complaints have been linked to both physiologic and psychologic origins and are highly prevalent within the MPN population. The results of this study congruently identified close associations between sexuality and function within emotional, cognitive and social domains. Additionally, the correlations of sexuality issues with MPN symptoms and disease features further suggest this item is a key correlate of overall functionality and quality of life. Future investigations into the causative factors and biological correlates of this complaint may assist in addressing this ongoing challenge. Disclosures: Etienne: novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Ariad: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Honoraria. Harrison:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; YM Bioscience: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria; Shire: Speakers Bureau; S Bio: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Birgegard:Vifor Pharma: Honoraria. Mesa:Eli Lilly and Co: Research Funding; Genetech: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; NS pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.

Abstract Background We have previously reported on the high prevalence and severity of insomnia amongst a large international cohort of MPN patients (Emanuel JCO 2012). We sought to further analyze the relationships between insomnia and the MPN disease features (in particular splenomegaly, status of blood counts), individual MPN symptom prevalence and severity, language, and overall quality of life. Methods Data was collected among an international cohort of patients with MPNs. Subjects completed the BFI, MPN-SAF, and EORTC QLQ-C30 instruments. Surveyed symptoms on the MPN-SAF included the patient’s perceptions of common MPN-related symptoms and overall quality of life (QOL) on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst imaginable) scale. Specifically, the MPN-SAF insomnia item asked about “difficulty sleeping”. Total symptom score (TSS) was computed based on 10 symptom items using the published scoring algorithm on a 0 (all reported symptoms absent) to 100 (all reported symptoms worst imaginable) scale. Pairwise associations between the MPN-SAF insomnia item and continuous and categorical covariates were investigated using Pearson correlations and analysis of variance/t-tests, respectively. Multivariate regression models were used to investigate impact of groups of covariates on the insomnia item with the final multivariate model selected using forward regression. Results Demographics A total of 1992 MPN patients (essential thrombocythemia=834, polycythemia vera=703, myelofibrosis=449, unknown=6) completed the insomnia item. Participants were of typical age (median=61, range-15-94) and gender (female=54%). Overall, 1307 subjects endorsed the MPN insomnia item (score >0) with an overall mean symptom score of 3.0 (median=2.0, SD=3.1. range=0-10); 603/1992 (30%) of patients had severe insomnia related complaints (score >4). Univariate Analysis Among QLQ-C30 functioning scales, emotional functioning most highly correlated with the MPN-SAF insomnia item (r=-.47, p<0.001) with all other domains also having statistically significant but slightly weaker correlation (all p<0.001). Among QLQ-C30 symptom scales, insomnia (r=.79, p<0.001) and fatigue (r=.45, p<0.001) most highly correlated with the MPN-SAF insomnia item with all other QLQ-C30 symptoms having correlations between .13 and .37 (all p<.001). Among MPN-SAF items, the MPN-SAF insomnia item correlated with all MPN-SAF items (all p<0.001) including the TSS (r=0.55, p<0.001) and most highly with depression (r=.52, p<0.001), concentration problems (r=.43, p<0.001), overall QOL (r=.41, p<0.001), night sweats (r=.41, p<0.001), and extremity tingling (r=.40, p<0.001). MPN-SAF insomnia significantly differed by gender (means: M 2.4, F 3.4; p<0.001), language (means ranged from 2.6 [Italian] to 3.6 [German]; p=0.01), anemia (means: absent 2.8, present 3.5; p<0.001), prior hemorrhage (means: no 2.9, yes 3.7; p=0.01), and requiring red blood cell transfusion (means: no 2.9, yes 3.6; p=0.03), with a trend for a difference by MPN type (ET mean=2.7, PV mean=3.0, MF mean=3.2; p=0.06). Multivariate Analysis In a multivariate model of MPN-SAF insomnia containing all QLQ-C30 functioning scales, physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning along with global health status/QOL were all significant (all p<0.001). Numerous symptoms were also significant in a multivariate model of MPN-SAF insomnia containing all other MPN-SAF symptoms (all p<0.05: headaches, extremity tingling, depression, sexual problems, night sweats, pruritus, fever, and QOL). The final multivariate model based on forward regression starting with all demographics, clinical variables, and patient-reported QLQ-C30 scales and MPN-SAF items found age, gender, QLQ-C30 emotional functioning and MPN-SAF items to be significant. Conclusions Insomnia is highly prevalent and severe in MPN patients and closely correlates with most other MPN-related symptoms and functional domains bearing a multi-faceted impact on overall quality of life. Correlations between insomnia and emotional, cognitive, and physical complaints including depression/sad mood, concentration problems, night sweats, and numbness/tingling in the extremities suggest that the cause of MPN-related sleep complaints is likely complex. Future studies should evaluate the impact of interventions on MPN associated insomnia as well as its biological underpinnings. Disclosures: Etienne: novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Ariad: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Honoraria. Harrison:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; YM Bioscience: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria; Shire: Speakers Bureau; S Bio: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Birgegard:Vifor Pharma: Honoraria.

Abstract Background: Polycythemia vera (PV) is characterized by erythrocytosis, thrombocytosis, and/or leukocytosis and a broad range of disease-related symptoms. In high-risk patients, the most common first-line treatment is hydroxyurea (HU). The open-label RESPONSE trial demonstrated that ruxolitinib (RUX), a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, provided superior efficacy compared with best available therapy in patients with PV who were resistant to or intolerant of HU according to modified European LeukemiaNet (ELN) criteria. This study (RELIEF) was conducted in patients receiving a stable dose of HU and who were generally well controlled but reporting disease-associated symptoms, comparing the change in PV-related symptom burden in patients continuing their HU therapy with those switching to RUX treatment. Methods: RELIEF was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, phase 3b study of patients with PV aged ≥18 years on a stable dose of HU monotherapy and reporting PV-related symptoms. Patients were required to be receiving HU for ≥12 weeks prior to enrollment and on the same dose level for the last 4 weeks, and have a score ≥8 on the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) cytokine total symptom score (TSS-C). The TSS-C comprised symptoms of itching, tiredness, muscle ache, night sweats, and sweats while awake; each symptom was rated on a scale of 0=absent to 10=worst imaginable, with a maximum TSS-C score of 50. Patients also had to meet one of the following: ≤1 phlebotomy in the previous 6 months or no palpable splenomegaly. Those eligible were randomized 1:1 to receive RUX 10 mg BID and HU-placebo, or HU at the same dose/schedule and RUX-placebo. Dose adjustments were permitted for safety and efficacy. After Week 16, patients could receive open-label RUX until Week 48. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a ≥50% reduction in TSS-C at Week 16; secondary endpoints included proportion of patients with a ≥50% reduction in individual TSS-C symptoms and safety. Results: Overall, 54 and 56 patients were randomized to RUX and HU, respectively; 87.0% and 89.3% remained on treatment through Week 16. At baseline, the median age (range) was 64 (36-87) in the RUX group and 66 (19-85) in the HU group; 44% and 61% were men. The majority of patients in the RUX and HU groups did not have baseline platelet counts or WBC above ELN thresholds: platelets >400 and ≤600 x 109/L (RUX 31.5%, HU 28.6%), >600 x 109/L (3.7%, 8.9%); WBC >10 and ≤15 x 109/L (16.7%, 16.1%), >15 x 109/L (11.1%, 14.3%). In the RUX and HU groups, the mean TSS-C at screening (22.4, 23.1) was higher than that at baseline (16.7, 18.0); the ratio of screening to baseline TSS-C was 1.7 and 1.6. The proportion of patients achieving a ≥50% reduction from baseline in TSS-C at Week 16 (primary endpoint) was 43.4% in the RUX group and 29.6% in the HU group (P=0.139; OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 0.82-4.04). The proportions of patients in the RUX vs HU groups achieving a ≥50% reduction in scores for itching and tiredness at Week 16 were 40.0% vs 26.4% and 54.2% vs 32.0%, respectively. Median percentage changes in individual TSS-C symptoms are shown in Table 1. Additional analyses found no correlation between individual changes in HU dose from baseline to Weeks 13-16 and percentage change in TSS-C in the HU arm (r2=0.030). Even patients maintaining the same HU dose from prior to study entry through Week 16 reported symptom improvement: 12/35 (34.3%) with no dose change, 4/12 (33.3%) with a dose increase, and 0/9 (0%) with a dose decrease had a ≥50% reduction in TSS-C. The most common nonhematologic adverse events in the RUX arm on randomized treatment were fatigue (20.4% RUX vs 10.7% HU), headache (16.7% vs 5.4%), and dizziness (13.0% vs 8.9%). The most common adverse events on HU were diarrhea (9.3% RUX vs 19.6% HU) and constipation (7.4% vs 12.5%); most events were grade 1 or 2. Grade 3 or 4 anemia or thrombocytopenia (lab values) were not reported in the RUX group; two patients in the RUX group had grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Conclusion: In generally well controlled PV patients receiving a stable dose of HU, there was a positive trend in symptom improvement for patients switched to RUX therapy versus those continuing on HU therapy, although this was not statistically significant. The 34% response rate among patients who continued to receive a stable HU dose suggests a placebo effect that led to an underpowered study. Further analyses are required to better interpret these findings. Disclosures 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. Yacoub:Alexion Pharmaceutical: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi Aventis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Koschmieder:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Byrne:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria. Verstovsek:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding. Hunter:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Jones:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. He:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Morozov:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Abstract Background We have previously reported on the significant, but heterogeneous baseline MPN symptom burden among an international sample of MPN patients (including essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF)) utilizing the MPN Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) and the derivative Total Symptom Score (MPN-SAF TSS). Recent clinical trials have sought to determine optimal MPN symptom response criteria, such as absolute 10 point improvement in MPN SAF TSS for ET/PV (ELN Criteria, Barosi et. al. Blood 2013) and 50% reduction in MPN-SAF TSS for MF (IWG-MRT, Tefferi et. al. Blood 2013). We sought to determine the role of improvement in MPN-SAF TSS quartiles as potential thresholds to assess symptomatic response to therapy. Methods Utilizing prospectively gathered MPN-SAF TSS (Emanuel et. al. JCO 2012) in patients we assessed potential thresholds of response by evaluating quartile thresholds for severity of symptom burden. The MPN-SAF TSS was scored as the average of 10 symptoms (individual symptoms scores of 0-10, with a total score of 0 (best) to 100 (worst)). MPN-SAF TSS quartiles were identified by the percentage of scores between 0-24% (quartile 1 (Q1)), 25-49% (quartile 2 (Q2)), 50-74% (quartile 3 (Q3)), 75-100% (quartile 4 (Q4)). Results MPN-SAF TSS Quartiles: MPN-SAF TSS quartiles were identified among 1858 MPN patients (ET N=775, PV N=654, and MF N=423). Overall MPN-SAF TSS scores of 0 - 7 were designated as Q1, 8 - 17 as Q2, 18 - 31 as Q3, and ≥ 32 was as Q4. MPN-SAF TSS scores were significantly different between clusters (p<0.001). Associations Between Quartiles and Demographic/ Disease Factors: As quartiles increased, the proportion of PV and ET patients diminished and MF increased (Table 1, p<0.001). Cytopenias and transfusion dependence increased in prevalence in the higher quartiles (p<0.001). A history of prior thrombosis was also significantly more prevalent in the quartiles with highest symptom burden (p<0.001). The prevalence of women was significantly higher among the more symptomatic quartiles females 48.9% Q1, 49.4% Q2, 58.4% Q3, and 60.1% Q4; p<0.001). Associations Between Individual Symptoms and MPN-SAF TSS Quartiles: All individual symptoms measured in the MPN-SAF TSS were significantly worse in quartiles as they increased (p<0.0001). Evaluation of Prognostic Scoring and MPN-SAF TSS Quartiles: Comparison of each patients individual risk score (IPSET, PV, DIPSS for MF) and worsening symptom quartile showed the highest correlation with MF patients (DIPSS) (Table 1). However, ET and PV risk scores were not surrogates for symptom burden by quartile. Conclusions Distribution of MPN patient symptomatic burden by MPN-SAF TSS quartiles provides an easy-to-calculate method to cluster and analyze MPN patients of similar burden. Although MF patients are most prevalent in the most severe quartile of MPN symptomatology it is notable that Q4 has many patients with PV and ET. Future prospective efforts are ongoing to assess the potential of using changes in quartile (i.e. improving from Q3 to Q1) as potential symptomatic response thresholds. Disclosures: Etienne: novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Ariad: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Honoraria. Harrison:Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; S Bio: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria; YM Bioscience: 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, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Vannucchi:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Birgegard:Vifor Pharma: Honoraria.

Abstract Introduction Fedratinib (SAR302503), a JAK2-selective inhibitor, has demonstrated clinical improvements in splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms in patients with MF in Phase I/II trials (J Clin Oncol 2011;29:789. Haematologica 2013;98:S1113). The aim of this primary analysis was to determine the effect of fedratinib on key MF symptom burden and global assessment of HRQoL in the JAKARTA trial (NCT01437787). Methods JAKARTA is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, international, 3-arm, Phase III study, in which patients ≥18 years of age with intermediate- or high-risk MF, platelet count ≥50 × 109/L, and splenomegaly were randomized (1:1:1) to receive placebo or fedratinib at a dose of 400 or 500 mg, orally, once daily, in consecutive 4-week cycles. Total symptom score (TSS), a key efficacy end point (TSS: averaged daily total score of 6 item measures over 1 week: night sweats, pruritus, abdominal discomfort, early satiety, pain under ribs on left side, and bone or muscle pain), was assessed through a daily electronic eDiary using the modified Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form (MFSAF; Cancer 2011;117:4869. Blood 2011;118:401), with symptom response defined as a ≥50% reduction in TSS at the end of Cycle 6 (EOC6). HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQOL (EQ)-5D instrument that was completed at baseline and EOC6. Patient performance was assessed using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Scale (ECOG PS). Spleen volume was measured by MRI or CT at baseline and EOC6. Results In JAKARTA, a total of 289 patients were randomized: median age 65 years; 59% male; 63% primary MF; 48% high-risk MF; 67% JAK2V617F positive; 16% platelet count <100 × 109/L. The symptom evaluable population comprised 261 patients (placebo [n=82]; 400 mg [n=89]; 500 mg [n=90]). The mean (SD) baseline TSS was 14.6 (11.9), 17.6, (13.5), and 16.9 (11.9) in the placebo, 400 mg, and 500 mg groups, respectively. At Week 24 (EOC6), the proportion of patients with a symptom response was significantly higher (p<0.0001) in the 400 and 500 mg groups versus placebo (Table). Symptom responses with fedratinib were also higher than placebo in the subgroup of patients with baseline platelets <100 × 109/L (Table). For individual symptoms, the greatest improvements were seen for night sweats and early satiety (Table). Baseline HRQoL (EQ-5D, mean [SD]) was similar in the three groups (placebo: 62.5 [21.2]; 400 mg: 61.3 [22.2]; 500 mg: 60.1 [20.1]). Fedratinib treatment led to improvements in HRQoL from baseline to Week 24, whereas placebo treatment led to slight worsening of HRQoL (Table). At Week 24, the degree of improvement in TSS was greatest in patients with ≥35% reduction in spleen volume from baseline (Figure). Mean TSS improvement was correlated with improvement in HRQoL (TSS reductions were greater in EQ-5D improvers versus non-improvers), and ECOG PS (TSS reductions were greater in patients with ECOG PS 1 or 2 score improvement versus those with ECOG PS worsening). Conclusions Fedratinib treatment over 24 weeks led to significant improvements in MF symptoms versus placebo. Patients treated with fedratinib also experienced substantial improvements in HRQoL versus placebo. Symptom improvements were associated with spleen responses. This study was sponsored by Sanofi. Disclosures: Mesa: Incyte, Genentech, Lilly, MS Pharma, Gilead: Research Funding. Cortes:Incyte, Sanofi: Consultancy; Incyte, Sanofi: Research Funding. Cervantes:Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Novartis and Sanofi: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Jourdan:Sanofi: Honoraria. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Drummond:TargeGen, Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Sanofi, Novartis, Celgene: Honoraria; Sanofi, Novartis, Celgene: Consultancy. Passamonti:Novartis, Celgene, Incyte, Sanofi, Roche: Honoraria. Neumann:Sanofi: Employment. Joulain:Sanofi: Employment. Iqbal:Sanofi: Employment. Harrison:Novartis: Research Funding; Novartis, Sanofi, YM Bioscience, Celgene, SBio, Gilead: Honoraria; Novartis, Sanofi, Shire: Speakers Bureau; Novartis, Sanofi, YM Bioscience, SBio, Gilead: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abstract Background Current risk stratification in Polycythemia Vera (PV), is designed to estimate the likelihood of thrombotic complications. In ECLAP large prospective study of 1638 PV cases diagnosed by Polycythemia Vera Study Group (PVSG) criteria, risk factors were age over 65 years and prior thrombotic events. After the JAK2V617F discovery, diagnosis has undergone substantial revision by the World Health Organization (WHO). Consequently, current risk factors determination should be described in patients diagnosed by the most recent recommendations and requires a large sample size with reliable and sufficiently long clinical course documentation. Accordingly, the current study includes 1545 patients with strictly WHO-defined PV diagnosed and followed-up in seven centers from Italy, Austria and the United States, belonging to the International Working Group for Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) Research and Treatment (IWG-MRT). Objective and design 1) Describe the rate of thrombosis in this population; 2) Report the sites and frequency of recurrences after a first arterial or venous event; 3) Identify separately risk factors for arterial versus venous thrombosis and develop practically useful prognostic models. Results 1. Presenting features The characteristics of the cohort recruited reflected well the heterogeneity of epidemiologic and clinical features that are found in the routine clinical practice of PV. Arterial and venous thrombosis history before or at diagnosis was documented in 246 (16%) and 114 (7.4%) patients, respectively. The frequencies of arterial and venous thrombosis were lower than those recorded in the ECLAP4 (27% and 11% respectively) but comparable to those reported in the recent Cyto-PV2 (arterial 17%, venous 12%) studies. The discrepancy might be partly related to earlier diagnosis in the post-ECLAP JAK2mutation era. 2. Thrombotic events after diagnosis Median follow-up was 6.9 years and treatment included aspirin (84%) and cytoreductive agents (73%), in addition to phlebotomy. Post-diagnosis total major thrombosis rate was 2.62% pt/yr, lower than reported in the ECLAP trial (4.4% pt/yr) but comparable to the Cyto-PV study (2.7% pt/yr) where management of cardiovascular risk factors was more intensive than in ECLAP. Arterial or venous thrombosis occurred in 184 (12%, rate: 1.59 % pts/yr) and 137 (9%, rate: 1.05 % pts/yr) patients, respectively. In addition, prior arterial events were associated in 75% of cases with subsequent arterial events and in the remaining 25% with venous thrombosis including splanchnic vein events. Moreover, patients with prior venous events had recurrences in venous district in 61% of cases and in the arterial district in 39%. 3. Risk factors for arterial versus venous thrombosis and prognostic models In multivariable analysis, arterial thrombosis was predicted by previous arterial event (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4), and hypertension (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2) while predictors of venous events were previous venous thrombosis (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.5-4.4), and age ≥ 65 years (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.5). We used the above-mentioned risk factors in order to develop prognostic models allowing to identify patients at different probability to develop arterial or venous thrombosis. For arterial thrombosis, the absence of previous arterial thrombosis and hypertension defined lower-risk (rate 1.27 % pts/yr) while the presence of one or both identified higher-risk patients (rate 2.04 % pts/yr). Previous venous event and/or age ≥ 65 years identified patients at higher risk of venous (rate 1.62 % pts/yr) thrombosis and, if absent, patients at lower risk (rate 0.78 % pts/yr). Conclusion The overall rate of thrombosis was half than in ECLAP and should be considered in future clinical trials. Of note, patients with a prior venous thrombosis had a more frequent subsequent recurrence in the venous district but a proportion of them (40%) had also arterial events; conversely, recurrences after previous arterial event were also registered in the leg and non-leg veins in 30 % of cases, indicating that in PV, venous and arterial thrombosis may share some common pathogenetic mechanisms. These findings may have practical implications and suggests antiplatelet therapy and anticoagulant therapy as the favorite choice to prevent arterial and venous thrombosis, respectively, but also suggests studies of antithrombotic drug combination. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background Polycythemia vera (PV) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder characterized by erythrocytosis, splenomegaly and a frequently burdensome symptom profile. Despite current guidelines of aspirin, phlebotomy, and selective cytoreduction, many patients have inadequately controlled PV-related symptoms and/or disease features. We performed a comparison of PV symptom burden/disease feature phenotypes to understand unmet needs in current medical management. Methods Data was collected prospectively amongst an international cohort of PV patients including symptom burden, demographics, and disease features. Subgroups were identified who had previously failed hydroxyurea (PV-HU), required ongoing phlebotomy (PV-P), had palpable splenomegaly (PV-S), or had all 3 features (PV-HUPS). Control groups were derived from the remaining PV patients lacking the specified subgroup trait; patients in whom the trait status was unknown were excluded from each respective control group. All participants completed the MPN specific symptom burden questionnaire (MPN-SAF TSS (MPN-10 – Table 1)) and had no prior history of splenectomy. Surveyed symptoms on the MPN-10 included the patient's perceptions of common MPN-related symptoms and overall quality of life (QOL) on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst imaginable) scale. PV risk scores were calculated using the 2013 criteria (Leukemia 2013). Comparison of symptoms between groups employed t-tests. Results Patient Demographics and Disease Features Between Phenotypic Groups A total of 1334 PV patients completed the MPN-10, and were assigned to categories of PV-HU (499 [37%]), PV-P (646 [48%]), PV-S (369, [28%]), and PV-HUPS (148 [12%]). The demographics between these groups were similar (comparable age (median range 60-63), PV risk scores (mean risk range: Low 16.4-23.7%; Intermediate 31.4%-36.6%; High 42.8%-47%). Mean hemoglobin was similar among PV subgroups (range 14.4-14.9); PV-HUPS had a higher mean WBC count (20.3 g/dL vs. 8.8-11.8 g/dL) and platelet count (703.5 x 10(9)/L vs. 327.5-462.8 x 10(9)/L), and disease duration (11.5 years vs. 6.4-8.8 years). Prior thrombosis was most common in PV-S patients (28.5% vs. 21.8-25.2%) and prior hemorrhage was most common in PV-HUPS patients (23.8% vs. 13.7-15.8%). Symptom Burden The MPN-10 scores of each problematic PV phenotype (HU, P, S, HUPS) were compared to the remainder of the PV cohort lacking the trait (PV-control; Table 1). Both individual symptom scores and TSS were highest for PV-HUPS patients (mean TSS 32.5 vs. 27.7-29.2). All problematic PV subgroups demonstrated significant differences for individual symptoms and TSS compared to PV-control. Comparing "problematic" subgroup responses, PV-HU patients described more inactivity whereas PV-S patients described more early satiety and pruritus. No statistical differences were noted in PV-HU, PV-P and PV-HUPS patient responses to MPN-10 items of "fever" and "weight loss". Discussion PV patients who have either failed HU, are undergoing phlebotomy and/or have splenomegaly exhibit moderate to severe symptomatology and demonstrate unmet medical need for management. As evidenced in this study, considerable overlap in symptomatology exists in PV-HU, PV-P, PV-S and PV-HUPS. Current randomized trials of JAK inhibitors have demonstrated benefits in a PV-HUPS phenotype. This data suggests that PV patients with any evidence of inadequate control (PV-HU, P, or S) have similarly unmet needs and may be candidates for clinical trials, intensification of medical therapy or perhaps JAK inhibitor therapy. Disclosures Kiladjian: Shire Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Zweegman:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen-Cilag: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Besses:Shire Pharmaceuticals: honoraria for educational lectures Other. Birgegard:Shire Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Etienne:Novartis, BMS, Pfizer, Ariad: Honoraria. Roy:Merck: Peg-Interferon provided for academic clinical trial in CML Other. te Boekhorst:Novartis: Consultancy. Griesshammer:Novartis: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria. Mesa:Incyte Corporation, CTI, NPS Pharma, Inc., Gilead Science Inc., Celgene: Research Funding.

Individualized medicine is important for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis, which are heterogeneous in terms of genetic mutation profile, prognosis, disease burden, and symptoms. Status of MPN driver mutations in JAK2, CALR, and MPL (or lack of one of these mutations) and other myeloid mutations (ASXL1, SRSF2, CBL, and IDH1/2, among others) affects diagnosis and prognosis. Management begins with estimating the prognosis, disease burden including MPN symptoms, and prevention of vascular events. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is the definitive therapy in a subset of patients with myelofibrosis, the majority of whom receive JAK inhibition with ruxolitinib to relieve splenomegaly and symptoms and to prolong survival. Ruxolitinib is now a second-line therapy in polycythemia vera, with pegylated interferon being evaluated as a potential front-line therapy compared with hydroxyurea. The therapeutic landscape is evolving to include new JAK inhibitors, which may affect cytopenias (pacritinib and momelotinib), combination therapies including ruxolitinib, and novel targets such as pentraxin and telomerase. Assessing the therapeutic efficacy (including symptom impact) and toxicity of these new approaches is necessary to determine longitudinal management of MPNs in clinical practice and is a key component of “individualizing” care for patients with MPNs.