Talpaz, Moshe

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is defined by the presence of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) which results from a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 [t(9;22] that gives rise to a BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. CML occurs in 3 different phases (chronic, accelerated, and blast phase) and is usually diagnosed in the chronic phase. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy is a highly effective first-line treatment option for all patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML. This manuscript discusses the recommendations outlined in the NCCN Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with chronic phase CML.

Abstract Momelotinib (MMB) is a JAK1/2 and ACVR1 inhibitor with demonstrated clinical activity in all 3 hallmarks of myelofibrosis (MF): anemia, constitutional symptoms, and splenomegaly. In this phase 2 open-label translational biology study (NCT02515630) of 41 transfusion-dependent patients with MF, we explored mechanisms underlying the favorable activity of MMB on MF-associated iron-restricted anemia, including its impact on serum hepcidin levels, and markers of iron storage and availability, erythropoiesis, and inflammation. A transfusion-independent response (TI-R), defined as red blood cell transfusion independence (TI) ≥12 weeks at any time on study, occurred in 17 patients (41%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 26%-58%), including 14 patients (34%; 95% CI, 20%-51%) who achieved TI-R by week 24. In addition, 78% of TI nonresponse (TI-NR) patients achieved a ≥50% decrease in transfusion requirement for ≥8 weeks. Adverse events (AEs) were consistent with previous studies of MMB in MF, with cough, diarrhea, and nausea as the most common. Twenty-one patients experienced grade ≥3 AEs, most commonly anemia and neutropenia. Consistent with preclinical data, daily MMB treatment led to an acute and persistent decrease in blood hepcidin associated with increased iron availability and markers of erythropoiesis. Baseline characteristics associated with TI-R were lower inflammation and hepcidin as well as increased markers of erythropoiesis and bone marrow function. Overall, the study demonstrates that MMB treatment decreases hepcidin in conjunction with improving iron metabolism and erythropoiesis, suggesting a mechanistic explanation for the reduced transfusion dependency observed in transfusion-dependent MF patients treated with MMB, thereby addressing the key unmet medical need in the MF population.

Eosinophilic disorders and related syndromes represent a heterogeneous group of neoplastic and nonneoplastic conditions, characterized by more eosinophils in the peripheral blood, and may involve eosinophil-induced organ damage. In the WHO classification of myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms, eosinophilic disorders characterized by dysregulated tyrosine kinase (TK) fusion genes are recognized as a new category termed, myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and rearrangement of PDGFRA , PDGFRB or FGFR1 or with PCM1-JAK2 . In addition to these aforementioned TK fusion genes, rearrangements involving FLT3 and ABL1 genes have also been described. These new NCCN Guidelines include recommendations for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of any one of the myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia (MLN-Eo) and a TK fusion gene included in the 2017 WHO Classification, as well as MLN-Eo and a FLT3 or ABL1 rearrangement.

Abstract Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative therapy for myelofibrosis (MF). In this large multicenter retrospective study, overall survival (OS) in MF patients treated with allogeneic HCT (551 patients) and without HCT (non-HCT) (1377 patients) was analyzed with Cox proportional hazards model. Survival analysis stratified by the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) revealed that the first year of treatment arm assignment, due to upfront risk of transplant-related mortality (TRM), HCT was associated with inferior OS compared with non-HCT (non-HCT vs HCT: DIPSS intermediate 1 [Int-1]: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.26, P < .0001; DIPSS-Int-2 and higher: HR, 0.39, P < .0001). Similarly, in the DIPSS low-risk MF group, due to upfront TRM risk, OS was superior with non-HCT therapies compared with HCT in the first-year post treatment arm assignment (HR, 0.16, P = .006). However, after 1 year, OS was not significantly different (HR, 1.38, P = .451). Beyond 1 year of treatment arm assignment, an OS advantage with HCT therapy in Int-1 and higher DIPSS score patients was observed (non-HCT vs HCT: DIPSS-Int-1: HR, 2.64, P < .0001; DIPSS-Int-2 and higher: HR, 2.55, P < .0001). In conclusion, long-term OS advantage with HCT was observed for patients with Int-1 or higher risk MF, but at the cost of early TRM. The magnitude of OS benefit with HCT increased as DIPSS risk score increased and became apparent with longer follow-up.

7059 Background: Patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) have historically poor outcomes, with ~6-7 mos median OS in relapsed/refractory (r/r) setting. Splenomegaly is a poor prognostic factor and potential target in CMML. CD123 is detected on blasts, monocytes, and neoplastic microenvironmental plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) infiltrates part of the CMML malignant clone (Solary, et al). Tagraxofusp, a novel CD123 targeted therapy, demonstrated high levels of activity in BPDCN, an aggressive hematologic malignancy derived from CD123-expressing pDCs, and is FDA approved in BPDCN. As such, tagraxofusp may offer a novel approach in CMML. Methods: Multicenter, 2-stage Ph1/2 enrolling patients (pts) with r/r CMML. Objectives: determine optimal dose, evaluate safety and efficacy. Stage 1 dose escalation: IV tagraxofusp (7, 9, and 12 mcg/kg/day) dosed on days 1-3 every 21 days (C1-4), 28 days (C5-7), and 42 days (C8+). Stage 2 (ongoing), pts receive optimal S1 dose (12 mcg/kg/day; no MTD). Results: 20 pts (12 CMML-1; 8 CMML-2) enrolled. 18 pts 2nd-line (2 pts in 1L), HMAs most common prior therapy. Median age 69 (43-80); 81% male. 11 (52%) had baseline splenomegaly (spleen palpable below left costal margin by physical exam) of 2-27 cm. Most common TRAEs: hypoalbuminaemia (35%), thrombocytopenia (35%), nausea (30%), vomiting (30%), and fatigue (20%). Most common ≥Gr3 TRAEs were thrombocytopenia (35%) and nausea (5%). Capillary leak syndrome in 3 pts (15%; all Gr1&2). 100% (10/10) of pts with splenomegaly had spleen response: 80% (8/10) had reductions ≥50% and 67% (4/6) with spleen size ≥5 cm had reductions ≥50%. 3 pts achieved bone marrow complete responses, including 1 pt bridged to SCT in remission. Conclusions: Tagraxofusp demonstrated single agent activity in CMML as 80% of pts showed ≥50% reduction in splenomegaly by palpation. Splenomegaly in CMML, as in myelofibrosis, is a major cause of morbidity and associated with poor prognosis and impaired QoL. Targeting splenomegaly in myeloid neoplasms with proliferative features may be an important therapeutic goal. Given CD123 expression on CMML blasts, monocytes, and malignant pDCs, tagraxofusp may offer a targeted approach, especially in pts with splenomegaly. Updated safety and efficacy data to be presented. Registrational trial planned. Clinical trial information: NCT02268253.

7058 Background: Patients with myelofibrosis (MF) who fail or are intolerant to JAK inhibitors (JAKi) have no standard treatment options. CD123 is expressed on a variety of malignancies, including MF. CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), in the MPN microenvironment, including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and MF, may be tumor-promoting. Monocytosis in MF associated with rapid disease progression and short survival, suggesting an accelerated disease phase. Notably, monocytes share a common precursor with CD123+ pDCs. Tagraxofusp, a novel CD123 targeted therapy, demonstrated high activity in patients with BPDCN, an aggressive hematologic malignancy derived from CD123+ pDCs, and is FDA approved in BPDCN. As such, tagraxofusp may offer a novel therapeutic approach in MF. Methods: Multicenter, 2-stage Ph 1/2 trial enrolling patients (pts) with MF relapsed, refractory, or intolerant to JAKi. Objectives: determine optimal dose, evaluate safety and efficacy. Stage 1 dose escalation: IV tagraxofusp (7, 9, and 12 mcg/kg/day) dosed daily days 1-3 every 21 days (C1-4), 28 days (C5-7), and 42 days (C8+). Stage 2 (ongoing): pts receive optimal S1 dose (12 mcg/kg/day; no MTD). Results: 23 r/r pts treated. Median age 69 (55-81); 57% female. DIPSS Plus: 4% INT-1, 55% INT-2, 41% high. Baseline platelets: median 59 K/uL (15-579); 70% (16/23) <100 K/uL, 8 pts <50 K/uL. 87% (20/23) baseline splenomegaly (palpable ≥5 cm below left costal margin by physical exam). Most common TRAEs: headache (22%), hypoalbuminaemia (22%), ALT incr. (17%) and thrombocytopenia (17%). Most common ≥Gr3 TRAE thrombocytopenia (2%). Capillary leak syndrome in 1 pt (4%; Gr3). 57% (8/14) of pts with baseline spleen ≥5cm BCM spleen responses: 43% (6/14) had ≥29% and 21% (3/14) had ≥45% reduction. 100% of pts with baseline spleen ≥5cm and monocytosis splenomegaly reductions: 80% (4/5) had ≥29% and 40% (2/5) had ≥45%. 6 pts (3 monocytosis pts and 5 pts platelets <100 K/uL) had 6 mos+ duration, 9 pts ongoing. Conclusions: Tagraxofusp demonstrated single agent activity (reduction in splenomegaly) and manageable safety in R/R MF, including pts with monocytosis, an unmet medical need. Given the presence of CD123+ pDCs, tagraxofusp may offer a novel targeted approach in MF. Updated data to be presented. Registrational designs are being evaluated. Clinical trial information: NCT02268253.

7109 Background: We previously reported results of treating MF patients with 3 cycles of 300, 400, or 500 mg of SAR302503 (NCT01420770; Blood 2012;120:21 Abs 2837). This is a report of efficacy and safety after 6 cycles. Methods: Patients ≥18 years of age with intermediate-2 or high-risk MF and splenomegaly were eligible. SAR302503 is administered orally, once a day in consecutive 4-week cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Spleen response (≥35% reduction in spleen volume vs baseline) was assessed by MRI/CT (blinded independent central review). Results: 31 patients were enrolled (n=10 in the 300 and 400 mg groups; n=11 to 500 mg). Risk status was balanced in all but the 300 mg group (70% high-risk). Most patients were JAK2V617F positive (90%) and blood transfusion independent (81%). Spleen response rates at the end of cycle (EOC) 6 (secondary end point) were 30% (3/10) in the 300 mg group, 60% (6/10) with 400 mg, and 55% (6/11) with 500 mg compared with EOC 3 rates of 30%, 50%, and 64%, respectively. One patient on 500 mg who had a spleen response at EOC 3 (39% reduction), but not at EOC 6 (25% reduction) had dose reductions to 200 mg due to anemia. Median number of cycles was 13 (range, 2–17) and 24 patients have been on treatment >12 months. SAR302503 reduced baseline constitutional symptoms at the EOC 3, with the greatest responses for night sweats in 14/15 patients (93%), itching 10/14 (71%), early satiety and abdominal pain, each in 10/18 (56%). Most common adverse events were anemia and diarrhea, with grade 3–4 rates of 58% and 13%, respectively. The rate of grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia was 16%. There was no grade 3–4 neutropenia. The diarrhea rate tended to decrease after the first 2 treatment cycles. There have been no reports of withdrawal syndrome after stopping SAR302503. Median JAK2V617F allele burden was 93% at baseline, 87% at the EOC 3, and 78% at EOC 6 in 19/26 patients who had available samples. The expression of 22 of 97 cytokines was significantly regulated (≥1.5 fold difference; p<0.05) after cycle 1. Conclusions: In this Phase II trial, continued treatment with SAR302503 was associated with clinically meaningful reductions in splenomegaly. Symptom data will be updated. Clinical trial information: NCT01420770.

TPS3113 Background: Programmed death-1 (PD-1) is an immune checkpoint receptor that inhibits T-cell activation upon interaction with its ligands PD-L1 or PD-L2. Increased PD-L1 expression has been reported with various hematologic malignancies and may prevent the host immune response from exerting an antitumor effect on the malignant cells. Nivolumab, a fully human IgG4 monoclonal PD-1 receptor blocking antibody, has demonstrated antitumor activity in pts with solid tumors including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung carcinoma. We hypothesized that nivolumab could also mediate antitumor activity in pts with hematologic malignancies, a significant area of unmet medical need. We describe a phase I study to evaluate the effects of nivolumab in pts with select hematologic malignancies. Methods: This open-label, two-part study will enroll approximately 100 pts. During dose escalation, successive cohorts of pts with relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies will be treated using a 6+3 escalation design. Pts will receive 1 or 3 mg/kg nivolumab IV every 2 weeks (wks) (the first dose will be followed by a 3-wk evaluation period), for 2 years, with the potential for an additional year of therapy for pts who progress during the follow-up period. Subsequently, 5 tumor-specific cohorts of 16 pts will be enrolled at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma/primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Response will be assessed at wks 4, 8, 16, 24, and every 16 wks thereafter. The primary study objective is to establish dose limiting toxicities, the MTD, and the recommended phase II nivolumab dose. Secondary objectives are to characterize nivolumab pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, preliminary antitumor activity, and the potential association between PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and clinical efficacy. Exploratory objectives include investigation of the immunoregulatory effects of nivolumab in peripheral blood, bone marrow, and/or tumor. Pts are currently being enrolled at 3 mg/kg. Clinical trial information: NCT01592370.

6624 Background: RUX is a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor that demonstrated significant clinical benefit in patients (pts) with MF in COMFORT-I (NCT00952289), a phase 3, randomized (1:1), double-blind, placebo (PBO)-controlled study (N=309). Methods: Pts assessed MF-related symptoms daily using the modified Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form v2.0; Total Symptom Score (TSS) was calculated from individual scores for abdominal discomfort, pain under left ribs, early satiety, night sweats, itching, and bone/muscle pain. Therapy was interrupted if platelet or absolute neutrophil count fell below 50,000/µL or 500/µL, respectively. AEs were evaluated during treatment interruption or discontinuation. The protocol suggested an optional tapering strategy and possible addition of steroids if RUX therapy was discontinued for reasons other than thrombocytopenia. Results: In RUX-treated patients with treatment interruption, TSS gradually returned to baseline levels over approximately 1 week. The most common AE leading to treatment interruption or discontinuation in each group was thrombocytopenia (n=11, RUX) and abdominal pain (n=4, PBO). Of these, only 1 RUX pt discontinued for thrombocytopenia. A summary of new onset/worsening AE data after treatment interruption or discontinuation is presented (Table). Of 58 pts who discontinued study treatment, 23 (n=10, RUX; n=13, PBO) experienced a total of 43 SAEs (19, RUX; 24, PBO) that showed no specific pattern or difference between treatment groups. Four of 21 RUX-treated pts had dose tapering following study drug discontinuation. Conclusions: Apart from the expected return of MF-related symptoms, there was no pattern of AEs to suggest that RUX interruption or discontinuation is associated with a specific withdrawal syndrome. [Table: see text]

7110 Background: Abnormal cytokine expression may represent an inflammatory response that contributes to the clinical phenotype of MF. Some constitutional symptoms (eg. fever, fatigue, pruritus, cachexia) are thought to be caused by elevated cytokines. In phase I/II studies, SAR302503 reduced splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms in patients with MF. Here, we report the effects of SAR302503 on the expression of 97 cytokines in MF patients enrolled in a Phase II study (NCT01420770) and the relationship to clinical response (spleen size), pharmacokinetic (PK) exposure, and body weight changes. Methods: Thirty-one patients were randomized to receive 300, 400, or 500 mg of SAR302503 orally, once daily, continuously in 4-week cycles. Plasma cytokines were measured at baseline and at the end of 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment using a microsphere-based immuno-multiplex assay (Rules Based Medicine). Results: Complete sample sets were available for 29/31 patients. A total of 28 cytokines predominantly involved in immune/inflammation pathways were regulated ≥1.5-fold (ANOVA P<0.05) and of these, 19 were regulated at all time points, indicating rapid and sustained modulation by JAK2 inhibition. At 4 weeks, 16 cytokines were down-regulated, including TNFα, IL-1RA, and IL-18, and 6 were up-regulated, including leptin, EPO, and adiponectin. Hierarchical clustering of the 22 regulated cytokines enriched patients into spleen responder (≥35% reduction in spleen volume by MRI) and non-responder groups, suggesting a link between cytokine modulation and clinical response. Moderate correlations (P<0.05) with spleen volume reduction at the end of week 12 were seen for a subset of regulated cytokines, including adiponectin and TNFα. Levels of the majority of the regulated cytokines tended to correlate with steady state PK exposure at week 4. A positive association with weight changes at week 24 were observed for leptin and adiponectin at week 4 (P<0.05). Conclusions: This analysis shows that SAR302503 treatment modulated the expression of circulating cytokines in MF patients in association with changes in clinical activity, PK exposure, and symptom improvement (weight gain). Clinical trial information: NCT01420770.