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Piris, Miguel Á.

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5839-3634

Mayo Clinic

Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz

Citations 25

Proof of Concept for Tipifarnib in Relapsed or Refractory Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma (AITL) and CXCL12+ Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL): Preliminary Results from an Open-Label, Phase 2 Study
Sokol, Lubomir , Kim, Won-Seog, Jacobsen, Eric D. , Cruz, Maria de Fatima De La, Caballero, Dolores, Advani, Ranjana H. , Roncero, Jose Maria, Oña, Raquel de, Izquierdo, Antonia Rodríguez, Rodríguez, Marta , Bolognese, James A., Kessler, Linda , Mishra, Vishnu S. , Curry, Robert C., Kurman, Michael R., Scholz, Catherine, Advani, Ranjana H , Witzig, Thomas E. , Sokol, Lubomir , Foss, Francine M. , Marín‐Niebla, Ana , Terol, María José , Domingo‐Doménech, Eva , Piris, Miguel Á. , Gualberto, Antonio

Blood | February 14, 2020 | Volume: 134 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: 468-468

10.1182/blood-2019-128513 Get It

Background Tipifarnib is a potent and selective inhibitor of the enzyme farnesyltransferase (FT). FT catalyzes post-translational attachment of farnesyl groups required for localization of signaling molecules to the inner cell membrane. CXCL12 is a ligand for CXCR4 that is essential for T cell homing to lymphoid organs and the bone marrow, and for the maintenance of immune cell progenitors. We have previously shown that FT inhibition by tipifarnib downregulates CXCL12 secretion. Herein we report preliminary efficacy, safety and biomarker data from a Phase 2 study of tipifarnib in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and CXCL12+ peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) patients (pts). Methods This Phase 2 study (NCT02464228) is a multi-institutional, single-arm, open-label trial initially designed as a two-stage (11+7 pts) design to determine the efficacy, safety and biomarkers of tipifarnib in pts with relapsed/refractory (R/R) PTCL age >/=18 years and a performance status of 0-2. Based on initial findings, the study was amended to include a cohort of AITL (n=12) and PTCL (n=12) pts with the CXCL12 rs2839695 A/A genotype (wt CXCL12 3'UTR cohort). Pts received tipifarnib 300 mg administered orally twice daily on days 1-21 of 28-day treatment cycles until progression of disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint of the study is overall response rate (ORR). Tumor Whole Exon Sequencing (WES) was generated by NGS and gene expression data generated by RNA Seq. Ancillary studies also investigated the prognostic value of CXCL12 expression in pts who received standard of care treatment. Results As of 24 May 2019, 50 PTCL pts (23 AITL, 25 PTCL-NOS, 1 ALK- ALCL, 1 gamma-delta TCL) have been treated with tipifarnib, 19 pts in stages 1 and 2, and 31 pts in the ongoing AITL histology and wt CXCL12 3'UTR cohorts. Median number of prior treatment regimens was 3; 19 pts had a prior stem cell transplant. All pts (n=48 with available safety data) had at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE); 42 (88%) had at least 1 study drug-related TEAE and 13 (27%) at least 1 drug related SAE. The most frequently observed drug-related TEAEs of Grade >3 occurring in 10% or more of pts were blood and lymphatic system disorders, including neutropenia (40%), thrombocytopenia (33%), leukopenia (25%), anemia and febrile neutropenia (19% each). There have been 14 deaths on study; one related to study drug (lung infection). Of 18 evaluable pts enrolled in Stages 1 and 2 of the trial, 3 partial responses (PR), 2 of them in pts with AITL histology, and 5 best responses of stable disease (SD) were observed. In the AITL cohort (11 evaluable of 16 pts enrolled), a 45% ORR and 73% clinical benefit rate (CBR; 3 CR, 2 PR and 3 SD) was observed. In the wt CXCL12 3'UTR cohort (n=12 evaluable pts), a 42% ORR was observed (3 CR, 2 PR), with 2 of the 3 CRs observed in patients of AITL histology (n=4). A total of 23 AITL subjects were enrolled in the overall study of whom 16 had WES data. A strong association with the activity of tipifarnib was observed in 8 of the 16 (50%) carrying KIR3DL2 gene variants C336R/Q386E: 50% CR rate, 75% ORR, 100% clinical benefit rate. These tumors expressed also very low levels of CXCL5, a ligand for CXCR2, that may mediate resistance to tipifarnib. High Allele Frequency of KIR3DL2 variants predicted CR to tipifarnib treatment (ROC AUC=0.94, p<0.0001) and AITL patients carrying KIR3DL2 gene variants experienced a better outcome with tipifarnib treatment than with prior SOC treatment. While AITL tumors expressed high levels of CXCL12 and responded to tipifarnib, a trend for poor prognosis (22 vs 40 months median OS from diagnosis, HR=1.8, p=0.09) was observed in a series of 50 PTCL subjects treated with SOC therapy. Fifty percent of AITL and 35% of non-AITL samples overexpressed CXCL12. Conclusion The AITL and wt CXCL12 3'UTR cohorts met pre-specified statistical hypotheses supporting proof-of-concept for tipifarnib in PTCL. AITL histology, KIR3DL2 and CXCL12 genotype provided robust tools for the selection/stratification of PTCL subjects treated with tipifarnib. Extended enrollment of AITL patients continues and an update on enrollment and outcomes will be provided at the time of the presentation. Disclosures Sokol: EUSA: Consultancy. Foss:Mallinckrodt: Consultancy; Eisai: Consultancy; Spectrum: Other: fees for non-CME/CE services ; Acrotech: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Other: fees for non-CME/CE services ; miRagen: Consultancy. Kim:Donga: Research Funding; Celltrion: Research Funding; J&J: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Kyowa-Kirin: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Mundipharma: Research Funding. Jacobsen:Kura Oncology: Research Funding. Advani:Kyowa Kirin Pharmaceutical Developments, Inc.: Consultancy; Kura: Research Funding; Roche/Genentech: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Autolus: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Agensys: Research Funding; Stanford University: Employment, Equity Ownership; Bayer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Celmed: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Forty-Seven: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Cell Medica, Ltd: Consultancy; Gilead Sciences, Inc./Kite Pharma, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Infinity Pharma: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding. Roncero:Kura Oncology: Research Funding. Terol:Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy; Gilead: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy. Domingo-Domenech:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Other: Travel expenses; Roche: Other: Travel expenses; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel expenses. Piris:Millenium/Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Lecture Fees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Jansen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Lecture Fees; Nanostring: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kyowa Kirin: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kura: Research Funding. Rodriguez:Kura Oncology: Research Funding. Bolognese:Kura Oncology: Consultancy. Kessler:Kura Oncology: Employment. Mishra:Kura Oncology: Employment. Curry:Kura Oncology: Employment. Kurman:Kura Oncology: Employment. Scholz:Kura Oncology: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Gualberto:Kura Oncology: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties.
Tipifarnib in Relapsed or Refractory Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma (AITL) and CXCL12+ Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL): Preliminary Results from an Open-Label, Phase 2 Study
Sokol, Lubomir , Jacobsen, Eric D. , Kim, Won-Seog, Foss, Francine M., Vidal, Jose Maria Roncero, Izquierdo, Antonia Rodríguez, Navarrete, Raquel De Oña, Vicente, Fátima de la Cruz , Caballero, Dolores, Curry, Robert C., Scholz, Catherine, Witzig, Thomas E. , Sokol, Lubomir , Advani, Ranjana H. , Marín‐Niebla, Ana , Mondejar, Rufino , Piris, Miguel Á. , Gualberto, Antonio

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2937-2937

10.1182/blood-2018-99-116277 Get It

Abstract Background Tipifarnib is a potent and selective inhibitor of the enzyme farnesyltransferase (FT). FT catalyzes post-translational attachment of farnesyl groups required for localization of signaling molecules to the inner cell membrane. CXCL12 is a chemokine that is essential for T cell homing to lymphoid organs and the bone marrow, and for the maintenance of immune cell progenitors. Herein we report preliminary efficacy, safety and biomarker data from a Phase 2 study of tipifarnib in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and CXCL12+ peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) patients (pts). Methods This Phase 2 study is a multi-institutional, single-arm, open-label trial initially designed as a two-stage (11+7 pts) cohort to determine the efficacy, safety and biomarkers of tipifarnib in pts with relapsed/refractory (R/R) PTCL, age >/=18 years and a performance status of 0-2. Based on initial findings, the study was amended to include a cohort of AITL (n=12) and PTCL (n=12) pts with the CXCL12 rs2839695 A/A genotype (CXCL12+ cohort). Pts received tipifarnib 300 mg administered orally twice daily on days 1-21 of 28-day treatment cycles until progression of disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint of the study is overall response rate (ORR). Ancillary studies are also ongoing to investigate the prognostic value of CXCL12 expression in patients who received standard of care treatment. Results As of 25 July 2018, 34 PTCL pts (13 AITL, 1 ALK- ALCL, 20 PTCL-NOS) have been treated with tipifarnib, 19 pts in stages 1 and 2, and 15 pts in the ongoing AITL histology and CXCL12 cohorts. Median number of prior treatment regimens was 3. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AE) (grade ≥ 3) are hematological, including neutropenia (50%), thrombocytopenia (43%), leukopenia (33%), febrile neutropenia (27%), and anemia (20%). Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders were reported in 9 pts, 6 of them with AITL histology. One pt with AITL experienced an episode of possible Stevens Johnson Syndrome that resolved with dose discontinuation and did not recur upon re-challenge at one dose level reduction. Of 18 evaluable patients enrolled in Stages 1 and 2 of the trial, 3 partial responses (PR), 2 of them in pts with AITL histology, and 4 best responses of stable disease (SD) were observed. Pre-treatment tumor tissue CXCL12 expression correlated with favorable pt outcomes. In the AITL cohort (10 evaluable pts), 1 PR and 1 SD have been observed so far, with 5 pts pending cycle 2 response evaluation. In the CXCL12+ cohort (n=3 evaluable pts), 1 SD has been observed, with 2 pts pending cycle 2 response evaluation. Plasma levels of CXCL12 decreased over time with tipifarnib treatment. Expression of CXCL12 mRNA and other biomarkers in pre-treatment biopsies of pts in the AITL and CXCL12+ cohorts are being evaluated using RT-PCR assays. In addition, the prognostic value of CXCL12 is being investigated in approximately 100 diagnostic specimens of PTCL pts who received standard therapy. Preliminary data suggest that CXCL12 overexpression is observed in approximately 25% of PTCL and negatively affects pt survival. Conclusion Preliminary activity of tipifarnib was observed in PTCL pts, particularly in those with tumors of AITL histology and high CXCL12 expression and enrollment continues. Disclosures Witzig: Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Sokol:Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Spectrum Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Jacobsen:Merck: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy. Kim:Takeda: Research Funding; J&J: Research Funding; Mundipharma: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Kyowa-Kirin: Research Funding; Celltrion: Research Funding. Foss:Miragen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Spectrum: Consultancy; Seattle genetics: Consultancy; Mallinkrodt: Consultancy. Advani:Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Kura: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Roche/Genentech: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board, Research Funding; Kyowa: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Regeneron: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Bayer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Cell Medica: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Autolus: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board, Research Funding; Gilead/Kite: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millenium: Research Funding; Agensys: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Forty Seven: Research Funding; Infinity: Research Funding. Marin Niebla:Amgen: Other: Medical education of Staff, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy, Other: Medical education of Staff, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Other: Medical education of Staff, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Medical education of Staff, Speakers Bureau. Piris:Kura: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria. Curry:Kura Oncology: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gualberto:Kura Oncology: Employment, Equity Ownership.
Radiation Therapy Significantly Improves Survival Of Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Associated With MYC Translocation: A Report From The International DLBCL Rituximab-CHOP Consortium Program
Dabaja, Bouthaina S. , Visco, Carlo , Chiu, April , Zu, Youli , Richards, Kristy L. , Choi, Wai Lap, Krieken, Joannes H.J.M. Van, Huh, Jooryung , Ferreri, Andrés J.M. , Zhao, Xiaoying , Piris, Miguel Angel A., McDonnell, Timothy J. , Medeiros, L. Jeffrey , Medeiros, L Jeffrey , Zu, Youli , Xu‐Monette, Zijun Y. , Tzankov, Alexandar , Miranda, Roberto N. , Dybkær, Karen , Orazi, Attilio , Bhagat, Govind , Hsi, Eric D. , Ai, Weiyun Z. , Ponzoni, Maurilio , Møller, Michael , Go, Ronald S. , Winter, Jane N. , Piris, Miguel Á. , Li, Yong , Young, Ken H.

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 213-213

10.1182/blood.v122.21.213.213 Get It

Abstract Context and objective Approximately 5-10% of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients carry MYC gene translocations (MYC-translocation+) with a poor prognosis after standard chemotherapy. MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients carrying BCL2 translocations (MYC+/BCL2+ double-hit lymphoma) have a worse survival. The efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy in this setting is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy as a part of the therapeutic regimen for patients with MYC-translocation+ DLBCL. Patients and methods From the International DLBCL R-CHOP consortium program, we selected 581 patients with de novo DLBCL treated with standard R-CHOP immunochemotherapy (diagnosed and treated from 2000 to 2010). We excluded patients with transformed DLBCL, primary mediastinal, cutaneous, testicular or central nervous system large B-cell lymphomas, patients with HIV infection, and patients not treated with R-CHOP. The median follow-up was 54.9 months. Fluorescence in situ hybridization assessing MYC was performed for all the patients (n=581) and results were correlated with available clinical data to identify clinicopathologic features associated with MYC translocation, and to evaluate the prognostic significance of MYC translocations regarding overall survival (OS, from the time of diagnosis to death from any cause) and progression-free survival (PFS, from the time of diagnosis to relapse or death from any cause). In the MYC-translocation+ DLBCL group, 38 patients received chemotherapy alone and 21 patients received chemotherapy with adjuvant radiation therapy. The clinicopathologic features and survival of MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients treated with (n=21) and without radiotherapy (n=38) after immunochemotherapy were compared to in order to evaluate the radiotherapy efficacy and other confounding factors. Results MYC translocations were detected in 59 DLBCL patients (10.2%). Patients with MYC-translocation+ DLBCL more often had bulky tumors, involvement of multiple extranodal sites, and poorer OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20 - 3.35, P= .0083) and PFS (HR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.22 - 3.13, P= .0005) independent of the International Prognostic Index score. Poor survival was primarily attributable to patients with MYC+/BCL2+ double-hit DLBCL who were predominantly of germinal center B-cell subtype. Among MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients, a better survival was achieved in patients who received radiotherapy (for OS, HR: .32, 95% CI: .15 - .71, P= .0049; for PFS, HR: .35, 95% CI: .17 - .73, P= .0043). Conversely, radiotherapy abolished the adverse impact of MYC translocations. In addition, radiotherapy was associated with better survival in the subset of patients with MYC+/BCL2+ double-hit lymphoma (P = .017 for OS, and P = .05 for PFS). However, owing to the common use of radiotherapy as consolidation therapy, the favorable prognoses in the group of patients who received radiotherapy could also be attributed to limited-stage disease and more frequent complete remission (CR) after first-line treatment and therefore these factors confound interpretation of the data. To address these issues, we evaluated radiotherapy efficacy in separate patient groups: patients who achieved CR, non-CR (PR/SD/PD) patients, and patient with stage I/II, or stage III/IV disease. The efficacy of radiotherapy appeared more apparent in patients with advanced disease who did not achieve CR after first-line chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis after adjustment for stage and IPI score validated that radiotherapy significantly improved OS (HR: .28, 95% CI: .10 - .81, P= .018) and PFS (HR: .32, 95% CI: .13 - .80, P= .015) of MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients. Conclusions The presence of MYC translocations in DLBCL is an important biomarker that facilitates prognostic prediction and treatment stratification independent of the IPI score. For chemoresistant MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients, radiotherapy seems to be an effective adjuvant regimen likely due to the higher frequency of extranodal involvement and bulky disease in MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients. Our results provide a rationale for larger scale studies to assess the potential role of radiotherapy in the management of MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients, particularly patients with MYC+/BCL2+double-hit DLBCL. Disclosures: Winter: Millenium: Research Funding; Novartis : Research Funding; Pfizer (Wyeth): Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding; Janssen (Pharmacyclics): Research Funding; Spectrum (Allos): Consultancy; Sanofi Aventis: Consultancy; Tgen: Consultancy; AMBIT Biosciences (Spouse): Research Funding; Celgene (Spouse): DSMB, DSMB Other, Research Funding; Ariad Pharmaceuticals (Spouse): Research Funding; Novartis (Spouse): Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen (Spouse): Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas (Spouse): Research Funding; Caremark/CVS: Consultancy; Pfizer (Spouse): Consultancy; Sanofi Aventis (Spouse): DSMB, DSMB Other; Bristol Myers Squibb (Spouse): DSMB, DSMB Other; UptoDate, Inc.(Spouse): Patents & Royalties.
Distinctive Patterns of Intraclonal Diversification In IGHV1-2*04 Immunoglobulin Receptors of Patients with Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma: A of Ongoing Interactions with Antigen?
Bikos, Vasilis, Darzentas, Nikos , Karypidou, Maria, Davis, Zadie , Hockley, Sarah L., Traverse‐Glehen, Alexandra , Algara, Patricia, Kanellis, George , Dagklis, Antonis, Bosler, David , Bourikas, George, Tsaftaris, Athanasios, Iannitto, Emilio , Berger, Françoise , Felman, Pascale, Belessi, Chrysoula, Papadaki, Theodora, Castro, David González de , Matutes, Estella , Oscier, David , Stalika, Evangelia , Baliakas, Panagiotis , Mollejo, Manuela , Santoro, Alessandra , Anagnostopoulos, Αchilles , Ponzoni, Maurilio , Doǧan, Ahmet , Ghia, Paolo , Piris, Miguel Á. , Σταματόπουλος, Κώστας

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2638-2638

10.1182/blood.v118.21.2638.2638 Get It

Abstract Abstract 2638 We recently demonstrated that over 30% of cases with splenic marginal-zone lymphoma (SMZL) express distinctive immunoglobulin (IG) receptors that utilize a single polymorphic variant of the IGHV1-2 gene (IGHV1-2*04) and also exhibit restricted antigen-binding site motifs and precise targeting of somatic hypermutation (SHM). On these grounds, we proposed the existence of molecular subtypes of SMZL defined by immunogenetic analysis of the IG receptors with implications for selection by specific (super) antigenic element(s) in the development of at least a major subset of SMZL. In order to gain insight as to whether antigen involvement is relevant only prior to the malignant transformation or if it continues to affect the SMZL clone itself leading to intraclonal diversification (ID) through ongoing SHM, we conducted a large-scale subcloning study of rearranged IG heavy variable genes, in a total of 471 subcloned sequences from 22 SMZL cases. The analysis was intentionally biased towards cases expressing IGHV1-2*04 receptors that exhibit a series of distinctive immunogenetic features, including biased usage of the IGHD3-3 and IGHD3-10 genes, unusually long heavy complementarity-determining region 3 (VH CDR3) and minimally/borderline mutated status (identity to the germline in the range of 97–99.6%). Hence, the study group included 16 IGHV1-2*04 cases and 6 cases utilizing other IGHV genes. PCR reactions were run using the high-fidelity Accuprime Pfx polymerase and a median of 21 (9–46) colonies/case were analyzed. All “non-ubiquitous” sequence changes from the germline were evaluated and recorded as follows: (i) unconfirmed mutation (UCM) - a mutation observed in only one subcloned sequence from the same sample; (ii) confirmed mutation (CM) - a mutation observed in more than one but in less than all subcloned sequences from the same sample. Overall, 15/22 cases (68%) carried intraclonally diversified IGHV-D-J genes with CMs amongst subclones, of which 12 utilized the IGHV1-2*04 gene whereas the remaining 3 utilized other IGHV genes. The high frequency of ID within the IGHV1-2*04 group, ranging from limited to (often) pronounced, is noteworthy in view of the generally low level of SHM among IGHV1-2*04 receptors. Detailed analysis of the distribution and molecular features of CMs revealed: (i) restricted ID patterns, in the sense of identical mutations in certain VH positions among subclones of different cases; (ii) “hotspots” of ID, i.e. particular codons exhibiting intense ongoing mutational activity (especially notable in this respect was codon 39 in VH FR2); (iii) a predominance of conservative amino acid changes, characterized by somatically introduced amino acid belonging to the same biochemical category as the mutating amino acid; and (iv) limited diversification within VH CDR3. Additionally, in 7/12 IGHV1-2*04 cases with CMs, identified ID patterns delineate distinct “clusters” of subcloned sequences with unique as well as shared mutations and closely similar if not identical VH CDR3s (including identical VH CDR3 length), pointing to “branching” of the malignant clone into distinct subclones, perhaps able to evolve along related yet distinct pathways. In conclusion, our study indicates that the SHM mechanism may continuously operate in certain subsets of SMZL, especially those expressing IGHV1-2*04 receptors. Although the precise timing of interactions with antigen(s) and their functional implications for SMZL evolution will likely remain difficult to define accurately, the results reported here suggest a role for persistent antigenic stimulation, at least for certain immunogenetically defined subsets of SMZL. Disclosures: Mollejo: Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Cancer (RETICC): Research Funding; Asociación Española contra el Cancer: Research Funding.
Radiation Therapy Significantly Improves Survival Of Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Associated With MYC Translocation: A Report From The International DLBCL Rituximab-CHOP Consortium Program
Dabaja, Bouthaina S. , Visco, Carlo , Chiu, April , Zu, Youli , Richards, Kristy L. , Choi, Wai Lap, Krieken, Joannes H.J.M. Van, Huh, Jooryung , Ferreri, Andrés J.M. , Zhao, Xiaoying , Piris, Miguel Angel A., McDonnell, Timothy J. , Medeiros, L. Jeffrey , Medeiros, L Jeffrey , Zu, Youli , Xu‐Monette, Zijun Y. , Tzankov, Alexandar , Miranda, Roberto N. , Dybkær, Karen , Orazi, Attilio , Bhagat, Govind , Hsi, Eric D. , Ai, Weiyun Z. , Ponzoni, Maurilio , Møller, Michael , Go, Ronald S. , Winter, Jane N. , Piris, Miguel Á. , Li, Yong , Young, Ken H.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 641-641

10.1182/blood.v122.21.641.641 Get It

Abstract Context and objective Approximately 5-10% of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients carry MYC gene translocations (MYC-translocation+) with a poor prognosis after standard chemotherapy. MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients carrying BCL2 translocations (MYC+/BCL2+ double-hit lymphoma) have a worse survival. The efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy in this setting is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy as a part of the therapeutic regimen for patients with MYC-translocation+ DLBCL. Patients and methods From the International DLBCL R-CHOP consortium program, we selected 581 patients with de novo DLBCL treated with standard R-CHOP immunochemotherapy (diagnosed and treated from 2000 to 2010). We excluded patients with transformed DLBCL, primary mediastinal, cutaneous, testicular or central nervous system large B-cell lymphomas, patients with HIV infection, and patients not treated with R-CHOP. The median follow-up was 54.9 months. Fluorescence in situ hybridization assessing MYC was performed for all the patients (n=581) and results were correlated with available clinical data to identify clinicopathologic features associated with MYC translocation, and to evaluate the prognostic significance of MYC translocations regarding overall survival (OS, from the time of diagnosis to death from any cause) and progression-free survival (PFS, from the time of diagnosis to relapse or death from any cause). In the MYC-translocation+ DLBCL group, 38 patients received chemotherapy alone and 21 patients received chemotherapy with adjuvant radiation therapy. The clinicopathologic features and survival of MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients treated with (n=21) and without radiotherapy (n=38) after immunochemotherapy were compared to in order to evaluate the radiotherapy efficacy and other confounding factors. Results MYC translocations were detected in 59 DLBCL patients (10.2%). Patients with MYC-translocation+ DLBCL more often had bulky tumors, involvement of multiple extranodal sites, and poorer OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20 - 3.35, P= .0083) and PFS (HR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.22 - 3.13, P= .0005) independent of the International Prognostic Index score. Poor survival was primarily attributable to patients with MYC+/BCL2+ double-hit DLBCL who were predominantly of germinal center B-cell subtype. Among MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients, a better survival was achieved in patients who received radiotherapy (for OS, HR: .32, 95% CI: .15 - .71, P= .0049; for PFS, HR: .35, 95% CI: .17 - .73, P= .0043). Conversely, radiotherapy abolished the adverse impact of MYC translocations. In addition, radiotherapy was associated with better survival in the subset of patients with MYC+/BCL2+ double-hit lymphoma (P = .017 for OS, and P = .05 for PFS). However, owing to the common use of radiotherapy as consolidation therapy, the favorable prognoses in the group of patients who received radiotherapy could also be attributed to limited-stage disease and more frequent complete remission (CR) after first-line treatment and therefore these factors confound interpretation of the data. To address these issues, we evaluated radiotherapy efficacy in separate patient groups: patients who achieved CR, non-CR (PR/SD/PD) patients, and patient with stage I/II, or stage III/IV disease. The efficacy of radiotherapy appeared more apparent in patients with advanced disease who did not achieve CR after first-line chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis after adjustment for stage and IPI score validated that radiotherapy significantly improved OS (HR: .28, 95% CI: .10 - .81, P= .018) and PFS (HR: .32, 95% CI: .13 - .80, P= .015) of MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients. Conclusions The presence of MYC translocations in DLBCL is an important biomarker that facilitates prognostic prediction and treatment stratification independent of the IPI score. For chemoresistant MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients, radiotherapy seems to be an effective adjuvant regimen likely due to the higher frequency of extranodal involvement and bulky disease in MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients. Our results provide a rationale for larger scale studies to assess the potential role of radiotherapy in the management of MYC-translocation+ DLBCL patients, particularly patients with MYC+/BCL2+double-hit DLBCL. Disclosures: Winter: Millenium: Research Funding; Novartis : Research Funding; Pfizer (Wyeth): Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding; Janssen (Pharmacyclics): Research Funding; Spectrum (Allos): Consultancy; Sanofi Aventis: Consultancy; Tgen: Consultancy; AMBIT Biosciences (Spouse): Research Funding; Celgene (Spouse): DSMB, DSMB Other, Research Funding; Ariad Pharmaceuticals (Spouse): Research Funding; Novartis (Spouse): Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen (Spouse): Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas (Spouse): Research Funding; Caremark/CVS: Consultancy; Pfizer (Spouse): Consultancy; Sanofi Aventis (Spouse): DSMB, DSMB Other; Bristol Myers Squibb (Spouse): DSMB, DSMB Other; UptoDate, Inc.(Spouse): Patents & Royalties.
Over 30% of Patients with Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma Express Distinctive Antigen Receptors Utilizing a Single Immunoglogulin Variable Gene: Implications for the Origin and Selection of the Neoplastic Cells
Bikos, Vasilis, Darzentas, Nikos , Hadzidimitriou, Anastasia , Davis, Zadie , Hockley, Sarah L., Traverse‐Glehen, Alexandra , Algara, Patricia, Castro, David González de , Dagklis, Antonis, Bourikas, George, Tsaftaris, Athanasios, Iannitto, Emilio , Berger, Françoise , Belessi, Chrysoula, Papadaki, Theodora, Matutes, Estella , Oscier, David , Santoro, Alessandra , Mollejo, Manuela , Anagnostopoulos, Αchilles , Ponzoni, Maurilio , Ghia, Paolo , Doǧan, Ahmet , Piris, Miguel Á. , Σταματόπουλος, Κώστας

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 634-634

10.1182/blood.v116.21.634.634 Get It

Abstract Abstract 634 We systematically explored the immunoglobulin (IG) gene repertoire in 337 cases with splenic marginal-zone lymphoma (SMZL), by far the largest series yet. To resolve classification uncertainties, we included in the analysis only cases with a diagnosis of SMZL based on spleen histopathological findings or cases fulfilling the 2008 SBLG criteria (Matutes et al. Leukemia 2008). We here report that the IG heavy variable (IGHV) gene repertoire in SMZL is remarkably biased, with only three genes accounting for 45.8% of cases (IGHV1-2, 24.9%; IGHV4-34, 12.8%; IGHV3-23: 8.1%, respectively), significantly extending previous similar observations. Particularly for the IGHV1-2 gene, strong biases became evident at the level of utilization of different alleles, since 79/86 rearrangements (92%) utilized allele *04 vs. only 7/86 rearrangements (8%) that utilized allele *02. This is noteworthy, taking into consideration that these two alleles differ in a single nucleotide, leading to a single amino acid change in framework region (FR)-3. The repertoire biases became more pronounced when the analysis was focused on 171 rearrangements from 163 cases classified as SMZL based on splenic histopathology, according to the 2008 WHO criteria. Within this subgroup, 56/171 cases (32.7%) utilized IGHV1-2*04. Noticeably, only 1/17 cases with a diagnosis of splenic diffuse red pulp lymphoma utilized IGHV1-2*04 (p<0.02 for comparison to SMZL). The IGHV1-2*04 rearrangements carried significantly longer heavy complementarity-determining region-3 (VH CDR3) than all other cases (median, 22 vs. 17 amino acids, respectively; p<0.001). In addition, 52/79 IGHV1-2*04 cases (65.8%) employed one of the IGHD3-3, IGHD3-9 or IGHD3-10 genes. In 28/32 IGHV1-2*04/IGHD3 rearrangements, the IGHD gene was utilized in the same reading frame, leading to VH CDR3s with common “IGHD-derived” amino acid (AA) motifs. Using bioinformatics tools previously applied to CLL, biased associations of IGHV, IGHD and IGHJ genes with stereotyped VH CDR3s were identified in 25/345 sequences (7.2%). Noticeably, only 10/28 IGHV1-2*04/IGHD3-3 rearrangements with “IGHD-derived” VH CDR3 amino acid motifs could be assigned to “stereotyped” clusters. Despite exhibiting restricted usage of the IGHV1-2*04 and IGHD3-3 genes leading to great overall VH domain similarity, the remaining cases did not fulfill the established criteria for VH CDR3 “stereotypy”, as defined in other lymphoid malignancies, namely CLL. Based on somatic hypermutation (SHM) analysis, the sequences were divided into three groups: (i) truly unmutated (100% germline identity, GI): 46/345 sequences (13.3%); (ii) minimally/borderline mutated (97-99.9% GI): 130/345 sequences (37.7%); and (iii) significantly mutated (<97% identity): 169/345 sequences (49%). At the individual gene level, the distribution of rearrangements of IGHV genes according to SHM status varied significantly. In particular, 56/79 IGHV1-2*04 rearrangements (71%) were predominantly “borderline mutated”, whereas the majority (>67%) of rearrangements utilizing the IGHV3-23, IGHV3-30 and IGHV3-7 genes were “significantly mutated”; finally, IGHV4-34 gene rearrangements were evenly distributed to the three mutational subgroups. Shared (“stereotyped”) AA changes were identified for IGHV1-2*04 rearrangements, with certain FR2 and FR3 codons emerging as “hotspots” for recurrent, conservative AA changes. In conclusion, we demonstrate that more than 30% of cases with a histopathological diagnosis of SMZL on the spleen express IGHV1-2*04 receptors with unusually long VH CDR3s, biased usage of the IGHD3-3 gene, leading to shared “IGHD-derived” VH CDR3 motifs, and very precise molecular features of SHM. The biased expression of a distinctive germline-encoded VH specificity might be considered as evidence for heavy chain dominance in the clonogenic IG receptors in SMZL. These findings allude to selection by specific (super)antigenic element(s) in the pathogenesis of at least a major subset of SMZL. In addition, they raise the intriguing possibility that certain subtypes of SMZL could derive from progenitor cell populations adapted to particular antigenic challenges through cellular selection of VH domain specificities. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A Novel Pro-Survival Function of Cyclin-D1 Underlies Its Oncogenic Role and Potential as a Therapeutic Target In Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Beltrán, Elena, Fresquet, Vicente , Richter-Larrea, Jose A., Sagardoy, Ainara, Sesma, Izaskun, Almada, Luciana L. , Gesk, Stefan, Siebert, Reiner , Calasanz, MaJose, Fernández-Zapico, Martín E. , Martínez‐Useros, Javier , Montes‐Moreno, Santiago , Calasanz, MaJose, Prósper, Felipe , Piris, Miguel Á. , Martinez‐Climent, José A.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 769-769

10.1182/blood.v116.21.769.769 Get It

Abstract Abstract 769 Despite the many and diverse therapeutic approaches used to treat patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), it remains an incurable disease. Recently, attention has turned into novel therapies targeting MCL-specific oncogenic pathways important for the growth and maintenance of the transformed phenotype. The chromosomal translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32) leading to cyclin-D1 over-expression is the hallmark of MCL. Constitute cyclin-D1 activation in B-lymphocytes maintains retinoblastoma protein in a phosphorylated state and promotes cell cycling, thus initiating the tumorigenesis process. Cyclin-D1 has been postulated as a putative target for therapeutic intervention, however its evaluation has been hampered by the incomplete understanding of the mechanism underlying this cyclin oncogenic function and by the lack of valid MCL models. To investigate these issues, we developed a combined cellular-genomics screening whereby responses to known cytotoxic compounds targeting cancer-related molecular pathways were correlated with genomic, gene expression and proteomic profiles of human MCL cells. Results showed that cyclin-D1 silencing had minimal antitumoral effects but significantly increased the therapeutic efficacy of several compounds, especially the BH3 mimetics that inhibited anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2. To further evaluate this finding we generated a MCL mouse model by transducing a tetracycline-regulatable cyclin-D1-expressing vector in murine pro-B cells, which allowed modulating cyclin-D1 expression levels. These mice generated lymphomas recapitulating most of the cellular, histopathological and molecular features of human MCL. Similar to the previous in vitro findings, cyclin-D1 inhibition in this model did not induce lymphoma regression, but sensitized cells to apoptosis. Analysis of the mechanisms underlying this therapeutic synergy identified a novel role for cyclin-D1 as a pro-survival molecule. Specifically, cyclin-D1 sequestrated the pro-apoptotic effector protein BAX in MCL cells, thereby favoring BCL2 anti-apoptotic function. Accordingly, therapeutic cyclin-D1 inactivation released BAX, thus sensitizing cells to apoptosis and inducing lymphoma regression. Interestingly, pharmacological blockade in vivo of cyclin-D1 with Roscovitine synergistically cooperated with the BH3 mimetic ABT-737 to effectively inhibit MCL tumor growth. In summary, our study reveals a novel role for cyclin-D1 in deregulating apoptosis in MCL cells and highlights the potential benefit of cyclin-D1 targeting, thus providing the rationale for the clinical evaluation of drugs targeting cell proliferation and survival pathways in MCL. Disclosures: Siebert: Abbott: Honoraria.
Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma Shows a Distinct Pattern of DNA Copy Number Aberrations That Correlates with Tumor Characteristics and Predicts Disease Outcome.
Parker, Anton, Fresquet, Vicente , Remstein, Ellen D., Mould, S, Marugán, Isabel, Vizcarra, E., Oscier, David , Hernández-Rivas, Jose María, Martinez‐Climent, José A. , Robledo, Cristina , Mollejo, Manuela , Garcı́a, Juan Luis , Panizo, Carlos , Fontán, Lorena , Doǧan, Ahmet , Law, Mark, Terol, María José , Piris, Miguel Á.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 108 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 2422-2422

10.1182/blood.v108.11.2422.2422 Get It

Abstract Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is an indolent B cell malignancy whose diagnosis is based on lymphocyte morphology, immunophenotype and marrow and/or splenic histology. Unlike other lymphomas, there is not a common chromosomal translocation specific for SMZL, and genetic prognostic factors are poorly defined. To investigate the pattern of genomic aberrations in SMZL, we applied comparative genomic hybridization to BAC microarrays (array CGH) to a well characterized series of 75 SMZL specimens. We applied two different 1 Mb-resolution BAC arrays: UCSF HumArray 3.2 and a novel array CGH platform developed at Univ. of Salamanca. These arrays allowed us to detect DNA copy number changes across the genome with high accuracy in 67 of 75 patient samples. Data were compared with our previous array CGH studies of 170 samples from different B-cell lymphoma subgroups. FISH studies for IGH, IGK and IGL translocations and 7q deletion were performed on tissue microarrays in 24 cases. Of the 67 samples, 19 (28%) showed a normal genomic profile. The median number of genomic aberrations per tumor was 2.2 (1.3 gains and 0.9 losses), which was lower than the rates detected in other lymphoma subgroups (diffuse large cell lymphoma, 6.4; mantle cell lymphoma, 6; follicular lymphoma, 4.5) and comparable to MALT lymphomas (2 abnormalities per tumor). SMZL cells showed a genomic pattern characterized by gain of chromosomes 3q24-q29 (18%), 6p (9%), 12q (9%), and 18q (4%) and loss of 7q32 (34%), 8p21-p23 (13%), 17p13 (10%) at P53 locus and 6q21-q27 (9%). Notably, no alterations of the P16/ARF (9p21) or MYC loci (8q24) were detected. Correlation of array CGH data with conventional cytogenetics, FISH and LOH studies revealed a high concordance. Detailed mapping of 7q deletions delineated a consensus region of loss of 3 Mb in 7q32. This 7q deletion was almost exclusive to SMZL, being observed in only 5 of 170 non-SMZL B-cell lymphomas (p=0.0000001). Four cases presented IG-translocation. Mutation of IGH was observed in 62% and correlated with a complex karyotype (61 vs. 13%; p=0,0008) whereas unmutated IGH correlated with the deletion of 7q (56 vs. 23%; p=0,01). Among the various genomic abnormalities, only the deletion of 8p or the presence of a complex karyotype correlated with inferior overall survival (OS) (median OS, 58 vs. 110 months, p=0,004; and 60 vs. 105 months, p=0,01; respectively). In summary, array CGH has defined a pattern of genomic aberrations in SMZL that differs from other B-cell lymphoma subgroups and that may predict overall survival. Because the deletion of 7q32 is the most distinctive genetic marker in SMZL, the identification of a putative tumor suppressor gene inactivated within the region of deletion seems mandatory.
Molecular Genetics in the Diagnosis and Biology of Lymphoid Neoplasms
Lim, Megan S. , Bailey, Nathanael G. , King, Rebecca L. , Piris, Miguel Á. , Piris, Miguel , Lim, Megan S

American Journal of Clinical Pathology | July 6, 2019 | Volume: 152 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 277-301

10.1093/ajcp/aqz078 Get It

AbstractObjectivesThe 2017 Workshop of the Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology reviewed the role of molecular genetics in the diagnosis and biology of lymphoid neoplasms.MethodsThe Workshop Panel reviewed 82 cases.ResultsMolecular genetic testing reveals alterations that expand the spectrum of diseases such as DUSP22 rearrangement in ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement, MYD88 mutations in B-cell lymphomas, Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberrations, and diagnostic criteria for high-grade B-cell lymphomas. Therapeutic agents and natural tumor progression may be associated with transcriptional reprogramming that lead to transdifferentiation and lineage switch.ConclusionsApplication of emerging technical advances has revealed the complexity of genetic events in lymphomagenesis, progression, and acquired resistance to therapies. They also contribute to enhanced understanding of the biology of indolent vs aggressive behavior, clonal evolution, tumor progression, and transcriptional reprogramming associated with transdifferentiation events that may occur subsequent to therapy.
S869 TIPIFARNIB IN RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY ANGIOIMMUNOBLASTIC T‐CELL LYMPHOMA (AITL) AND CXCL12+ PERIPHERAL T‐CELL LYMPHOMA (PTCL): PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM AN OPEN‐LABEL, PHASE 2 STUDY
Witzig, T.E. , Sokol, Lubomir , Kim, W.S., Foss, Francine M., Jacobsen, E., Vicente, F. de la Cruz, Caballero, Dolores, Vidal, María‐Jesús, Niebla, A.M., Izquierdo, Antonia Rodríguez, Navarrete, Raquel De Oña, Rodríguez, Marta , Bolognese, James A., Janes, Matthew R. , Burrows, Francis , Kessler, Linda , Mishra, Vishnu S. , Curry, Robert C., Kurman, Michael R., Scholz, Catherine, Sokol, Lubomir , Advani, Ranjana H. , Niebla, A.M., Terol, María José , Domingo‐Doménech, Eva , Piris, Miguel Á. , Gualberto, Antonio

HemaSphere | June 17, 2019 | Volume: 3 | Issue: S1 | Pages: 389

10.1097/01.hs9.0000561756.23393.6d Get It

Background:Tipifarnib is a potent and selective inhibitor of the enzyme farnesyltransferase (FT). FT catalyzes post‐translational attachment of farnesyl groups required for localization of signaling molecules to the inner cell membrane. CXCL12 is a chemokine that is essential for T cell homing to lymphoid organs and the bone marrow, and for the maintenance of immune cell progenitors.Aims:Herein we report preliminary efficacy, safety and biomarker data from a Phase 2 study of tipifarnib in angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) and CXCL12+ peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) patients (pts).Methods:This Phase 2 study (NCT02464228) is a multi‐institutional, single‐arm, open‐label trial initially designed as a two‐stage (11+7 pts) design to determine the efficacy, safety and biomarkers of tipifarnib in pts with relapsed/refractory (R/R) PTCL age >/ = 18 years and a performance status of 0–2. Based on initial findings, the study was amended to include a cohort of AITL (n = 12) and PTCL (n = 12) pts with the CXCL12 rs2839695 A/A genotype (CXCL12+ cohort). Pts received tipifarnib 300 mg administered orally twice daily on days 1–21 of 28‐day treatment cycles until progression of disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint of the study is overall response rate (ORR). Ancillary studies are also ongoing to investigate the prognostic value of CXCL12 expression in pts who received tipifarnib and standard of care treatment.Results:As of 20 February 2019, 43 PTCL pts (20 AITL, 21 PTCL‐NOS, 1 ALK‐ ALCL, 1 gamma‐delta TCL) have been treated with tipifarnib, 19 pts in stages 1 and 2, and 24 pts in the ongoing AITL histology and CXCL12 cohort. Median number of prior treatment regimens was 3; 19 pts had a prior stem cell transplant. All pts had at least one treatment‐emergent adverse event (TEAE); 39 (90%) had at least 1 study drug‐related TEAE and 12 (28%) at least 1 drug related SAE. The most frequently observed drug‐related TEAEs of Grade ≥3 occurring in 10% or more of pts were blood and lymphatic system disorders, including neutropenia (44%), thrombocytopenia (37%), leukopenia (28%), anemia (21%) and febrile neutropenia (21%). There have been 14 deaths on study; none were related to study drug. Of 18 evaluable pts enrolled in Stages 1 and 2 of the trial, 3 partial responses (PR), 2 of them in pts with AITL histology, and 4 best responses of stable disease (SD) were observed. In the AITL cohort (11 evaluable pts), a 45% ORR and 73% clinical benefit rate (CBR; 3 CR, 2 PR and 3 SD) was observed. In the CXCL12+ cohort (n = 3 evaluable pts), 1 PR and 2 SD have been observed, with 4 pts pending cycle 2 response evaluation. CXCL12 expression correlated with favorable outcome to tipifarnib treatment. Pre‐treatment high CXCL12 expression had 90% sensitivity and 93% specificity to identify pts who experienced CR/PR/SD on study in a preliminary analysis of 24 pts. The prognosis of CXCL12 was also retrospectively investigated in 73 pts who received standard of care therapy (AITL N = 50, PTCL NOS = 23). A trend for poor prognosis (22 vs 40 months median OS from diagnosis, HR = 1.8, p = 0.09) was observed using the high CXCL12 subset using the cut‐off point that predicted clinical benefit under tipifarnib therapy. Fifty percent of AITL and 35% of non‐AITL samples overexpressed CXCL12.Summary/Conclusion:Preliminary activity of tipifarnib was observed in PTCL pts, particularly in those with tumors of AITL histology and high CXCL12 expression and enrollment in the CXCL12+ cohort continues.