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Chen, Robert

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2714-2434

Mayo Clinic

Autolus (United Kingdom)

Citations 13

Consolidation with Nivolumab and Brentuximab Vedotin after Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Patients with High-Risk Hodgkin Lymphoma
Herrera, Alex F. , Chen, Lu , Johnston, Patrick B. , Popplewell, Leslie , Cao, Thai M., Farol, Len, Sahebi, Firoozeh , Spielberger, Ricardo , Chen, Robert , Nademanee, Auayporn, Peters, Lacolle, Kennedy, Neena, Forman, Stephen J. , Feldman, Tatyana , Nieto, Yago , Holmberg, Leona , Mei, Matthew , Armenian, Saro H. , Rosen, Steven T. , Kwak, Larry W.

Blood | February 6, 2021 | Volume: 136 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 19-20

10.1182/blood-2020-136384 Get It

Introduction: Standard of care for patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (RR) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is salvage therapy (tx) followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, most pts with high-risk RR HL will relapse after HCT. The AETHERA study demonstrated that post-HCT consolidation with brentuximab vedotin (BV) in high-risk HL pts improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared to placebo, particularly in pts with 2+ risk factors (Moskowitz, 2018). Pts with prior BV exposure were excluded from AETHERA, and BV is increasingly used prior to HCT in HL. PD1 blockade is effective in pts with RR HL and PD1 monotherapy as post-HCT consolidation in HL resulted in promising 18 mo PFS (Armand, 2019). Combined BV and nivolumab (Nivo) is a safe and effective salvage tx in HL, therefore we conducted a multicenter phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BV-Nivo post-HCT consolidation in high risk RR HL. Methods: After HCT, adult pts with high-risk HL defined as having ≥ 1 of the following modified AETHERA risk factors were eligible: primary refractory HL, relapse < 1 year of completing initial tx, extranodal disease (dz) at relapse, B symptoms (sx) at relapse, requiring > 1 salvage tx, not in CR at HCT. Prior BV or PD1 blockade were allowed if pts were not refractory. Pts underwent HCT according to institutional standards at the 5 centers. Starting between day 30-75 after HCT, pts received 1.8 mg/kg of BV and 3mg/kg nivo q21 days for a planned 8 cycles. If 1 drug was discontinued due to toxicity, the other could be continued. Investigators assessed response and progressive disease (PD) according to the 2014 Lugano classification. The primary endpoint was 18 mo PFS from study tx initiation. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), safety, and the response rate in pts not in complete response (CR) at baseline. Results: 59 pts were enrolled and treated with at least one dose of study tx. Baseline characteristics are listed in Table 1. 18 (31%) pts were primary refractory, 35 (59%) had early relapse, 23 (39%) had extranodal dz and 14 (24%) had B sx at relapse, 15 (25%) received > 1 salvage tx before HCT, and 48 (81%) were in CR at HCT. 21 (36%) had 1 modified AETHERA risk factor, 23 (40%) had 2 and 14 (24%) had 3+ risk factors. The median follow-up time from study tx initiation was 15.7 months (range, 2.8-35.5). Patients initiated BV-nivo a median 54 days from HCT (range, 34-75) and received a median of 8 cycles (range, 1-8). 29 (49%) pts completed all 8 cycles of BV and nivo and 45 (76%) patients completed 8 cycles of one drug. 14 (24%) pts discontinued both BV and nivo early, including 6 for adverse events (AE), 6 pt withdrawals, 1 pt lost to follow-up, and 1 pt death from PJP pneumonia unrelated to study tx. BV was discontinued in 8 (14%) pts - due to grade (gr) 3 peripheral neuropathy (PN) in 2 pts, gr 2 PN in 2 pts, carpal tunnel syndrome in 1 pt, gastrointestinal AEs in 2 pts, and infusion related reaction in 1 pt. Nivo was discontinued in 7 (12%) pts - due to pneumonitis in 2 pts, and colitis, elevated bilirubin, abnormal transaminases, pneumonia with elevated creatinine, and hypotension with fever in 1 pt each. BV was dose reduced to 1.2mg/kg in 11 (19%) pts, 9 pts for PN, and 1 each for neutropenia and arthralgia. The most common AEs related to BV-Nivo consolidation were PN (51%, 3% gr 3), neutropenia (42%, 31% gr 3-4), fatigue (37%), diarrhea (29%, 3% gr 3), nausea (25%, 2% gr 3), arthralgia (24%), AST elevation (24%, 2% gr 3). The most frequent gr 3-4 AEs were neutropenia (31%), pneumonitis (7%), and ALT elevation (5%). Immune-related (ir) AEs requiring systemic corticosteroids occurred in 18 (31%) patients. Most common Gr 2 or higher irAEs included: pneumonitis (12%), AST or ALT elevation (8%), hypothyroidism (5%), and rash (3%). 6 pts were not in CR at baseline after HCT (all PR). 5 pts converted to CR with study tx and 1 pt remained in PR without PD. There were only 2 PFS events, 1 pt with relapse at 15 months and PJP-related death after prophylaxis was self-discontinued. The estimated 18 mo PFS and OS in all patients were 95% and 98%, respectively. The estimated 18 mo PFS in pts with 2+ and 3+ risk factors were 92% and 89%, respectively. Conclusions: Post-HCT consolidation with BV-Nivo in pts with high-risk RR HL is a promising approach, with only 1 relapse observed in our cohort with short follow-up thus far. Post-HCT BV-Nivo was tolerable, though IrAEs were observed more frequently than in the pre-HCT setting and PN and neutropenia were common. Disclosures Herrera: Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Research Funding; Immune Design: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech, Inc./F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accomodations, Expenses, Research Funding. Nieto:Affimed: Consultancy, Other: Grant Support; Secura Bio: Other: Grant Support; Novartis: Other: Grant Support; Astra Zeneca: Other: Grant Support. Holmberg:Sanofi: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Millenium-Takeda: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; UpToDate: Patents & Royalties: Royalties; Janssen: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding. Mei:Sanofi: Consultancy; Morphosys: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Chen:Autolus Therapeutics: Current Employment. Rosen:Abbvie: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; NeoGenomics: Consultancy; Aileron Therapeutics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pebromene: Consultancy; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; paradigm Medical Communications: Speakers Bureau. Kwak:CJ Healthcare: Consultancy; Xeme Biopharma/Theratest: Other: equity; Sellas Life Sciences Grp: Consultancy; Enzychem Life Sciences: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Antigenics: Other: equity; InnoLifes, Inc: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pepromene Bio: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celltrion Healthcare: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celltrion, Inc.: Consultancy. Feldman:Portola: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Consultancy, Research Funding; Eisai: Research Funding; Cell Medica: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Other, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Honoraria; Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Trillium: Research Funding; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Viracta: Research Funding; Rhizen: Research Funding; Corvus: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Kite: Honoraria, Other: Travel expenses, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Other: Travel expenses; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; AstraZeneca: Consultancy. OffLabel Disclosure: Nivolumab is not FDA-approved for use as consolidation after autologous stem cell transplantation
A phase 1b study of AFM13 in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma
Bartlett, Nancy L. , Herrera, Alex F. , Domingo‐Doménech, Eva , Mehta, Amitkumar , Forero‐Torres, Andres , García‐Sánz, Ramón , Armand, Philippe , Devata, Sumana, Izquierdo, Antonia Rodríguez, Lossos, Izidore S. , Reeder, Craig B. , Sher, Taimur , Chen, Robert , Schwarz, Sylvia E., Alland, Leila, Strassz, András, Prier, Kim, Choe-Juliak, Cassandra, Ansell, Stephen M. , Reeder, Craig, Bartlett, Nancy L , Garcia-Sanz, Ramon , Mehta, Amitkumar , Domingo-Domenech, Eva

Blood | July 30, 2020 | Volume: 136 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2401-2409

10.1182/blood.2019004701 Get It

Abstract In relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R HL), immunotherapies such as the anti-programmed death-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab have demonstrated efficacy as monotherapy and are playing an increasingly prominent role in treatment. The CD30/CD16A-bispecific antibody AFM13 is an innate immune cell engager, a first-in-class, tetravalent antibody, designed to create a bridge between CD30 on HL cells and the CD16A receptor on natural killer cells and macrophages, to induce tumor cell killing. Early studies of AFM13 have demonstrated signs of efficacy as monotherapy for patients with R/R HL and the combination of AFM13 with pembrolizumab represents a rational new treatment modality. Here, we describe a phase 1b, dose-escalation study to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of AFM13 in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with R/R HL. The primary objective was estimating the maximum tolerated dose; the secondary objectives were to assess safety, tolerability, antitumor efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. In this heavily pretreated patient population, treatment with the combination of AFM13 and pembrolizumab was generally well tolerated, with similar safety profiles compared to the known profiles of each agent alone. The combination of AFM13 with pembrolizumab demonstrated an objective response rate of 88% at the highest treatment dose, with an 83% overall response rate for the overall population. Pharmacokinetic assessment of AFM13 in the combination setting revealed a half-life of up to 20.6 hours. This proof-of-concept study holds promise as a novel immunotherapy combination worthy of further investigation. This phase 1b study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02665650.
Phase 1 study of the Aurora kinase A inhibitor alisertib (MLN8237) combined with the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat in lymphoid malignancies
Siddiqi, Tanya , Frankel, Paul , Kiesel, Brian F. , Christner, Susan M., Ruel, Chris , Song, Joo Y. , Chen, Robert , Kelly, Kevin R. , Kaesberg, Paul, Popplewell, Leslie , Puverel, Sandrine , Forman, Stephen J. , Newman, Edward M. , Song, Joo Y , Puverel, Sandrine , Newman, Edward M , Siddiqi, Tanya , Beumer, Jan Hendrik , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Piekarz, Richard

Leukemia & Lymphoma | October 16, 2019 | Volume: 61 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 309-317

10.1080/10428194.2019.1672052 Get It

Results of a Pivotal Phase 2 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin (SGN-35) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
Chen, Robert , Smith, Scott E. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Klasa, Richard, Engert, Andreas , Larsen, Emily K., Kennedy, Dana A., Younes, Anas , Gopal, Ajay K. , Rosenblatt, Joseph D. , Connors, Joseph M. , Sievers, Eric L.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 283-283

10.1182/blood.v116.21.283.283 Get It

Abstract Abstract 283 Background: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by the presence of CD30-positive Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells. The antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) brentuximab vedotin (SGN-35) delivers the highly potent antimicrotubule agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) to CD30-positive malignant cells by binding specifically to CD30 on the cell surface and releasing MMAE inside the cell via lysosomal degradation. Binding of MMAE to tubulin disrupts the microtubule network within the cell, induces cell cycle arrest, and results in apoptotic death of the CD30-expressing tumor cell. In a previous phase 1 study with brentuximab vedotin dosing every third week, 11 of 12 patients (92%) treated at the maximum tolerated dose of 1.8 mg/kg had tumor reductions and 6 of 12 patients (50%) achieved an objective response (complete remission [CR] + partial remission [PR]). Methods: A pivotal, phase 2, single-arm, multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin in patients with relapsed or refractory HL post autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Brentuximab vedotin 1.8 mg/kg was administered every 3 weeks as a 30-minute outpatient IV infusion for up to 16 cycles of treatment. The primary endpoint was the overall objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by an independent review facility according to the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson 2007). Results: A total of 102 patients with relapsed or refractory HL were treated at 26 study centers. Median age was 31 years (range 15–77) and approximately half of the patients were female (53%). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status at baseline was 0 (41%) or 1 (59%). All patients had previously received an ASCT and the median number of prior chemotherapy regimens was 4 (range 1–13). More than 70% of the patients had primary refractory disease, defined as failure to achieve a CR or progression within 3 months of completing frontline therapy. In addition, 39% of patients had lymphoma that was refractory to the most recent salvage therapy excluding ASCT. The median duration of brentuximab vedotin treatment on this study was 27 weeks (range 3–54) and the median number of cycles was 9 (range 1–16). The most common (>15%) treatment-related adverse events (AEs) of any grade were peripheral sensory neuropathy (43%), fatigue (40%), nausea (35%), neutropenia (19%), diarrhea (18%), and pyrexia (16%); most events were Grade 1 or 2. Grade 3 treatment-related AEs reported in >1 patient were neutropenia (14%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (5%), thrombocytopenia and hyperglycemia (3% each), and fatigue (2%). The only Grade 4 treatment-related events were neutropenia (4%), and thrombocytopenia, abdominal pain, and pulmonary embolism (1% each). No related Grade 5 events were observed. 18 patients discontinued treatment due to an AE. Consistent with findings from the phase 1 study, 97 patients (95%) had a reduction in tumor size per investigator assessment. Of the 35 patients who had B symptoms at baseline, 29 (83%) experienced resolution of these symptoms. The median time to B symptom resolution was 3 weeks (range <1–16 weeks). To date, 5 patients have received an allogeneic stem cell transplant as their first therapy after discontinuing treatment in the study; all of these patients remain in follow up. Per protocol, no interim analyses were planned for the primary endpoint of ORR by independent review. Independent assessment of ORR is being conducted and final efficacy results will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: Brentuximab vedotin was associated with manageable adverse events and, based on investigator assessment, demonstrated encouraging activity in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory HL. Tumor shrinkage was observed in 95% of patients and the B symptom resolution rate was 83%. Final results of the independent assessment of ORR, as well as duration of response, progression-free survival, and updated safety data, will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures: Chen: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Off Label Use: This clinical trial uses the investigational drug, brentuximab vedotin (SGN-35). Gopal:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Smith:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Ansell:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Rosenblatt:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Klasa:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Connors:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Engert:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Larsen:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kennedy:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sievers:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Younes:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; SBIO: Honoraria, Research Funding.
Five-Year Survival Data Demonstrating Durable Responses from a Pivotal Phase 2 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
Chen, Robert , Smith, Scott E. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Engert, Andreas , Larsen, Emily K., Huebner, Dirk, Fong, Abraham, Younes, Anas , Gopal, Ajay K. , Rosenblatt, Joseph D. , Savage, Kerry J. , Connors, Joseph M.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 2736-2736

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2736.2736 Get It

Abstract Background: Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by the presence of CD30-positive Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells. The standard of care for patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (R/R) HL is salvage chemotherapy followed by high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (auto-SCT). Approximately 50% of these pts will experience relapse or progression of HL after auto-SCT. For these individuals, outcomes have historically been poor, with median overall survival (OS) from time of relapse ranging from 10.5 to 27.6 mos (Crump, 2008; Fanale, 2013). A pivotal phase 2 study evaluated brentuximab vedotin, a CD30-directed antibody-drug conjugate, in pts with R/R HL after auto-SCT (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00848926). Primary results and 3-year follow-up data have been previously reported (Younes, 2012; Gopal, 2015). Here, we summarize final data from the 5-year follow-up period. Methods: Pts received 1.8 mg/kg brentuximab vedotin once every 3 wks as a 30-min outpatient IV infusion for up to 16 cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) per independent review according to the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson 2007). Assessments of response and durability of response per an independent review facility (IRF) have been previously reported. Following a protocol amendment that removed the requirement for routine CT scanning during the follow-up period, disease status was only assessed per the investigator. Survival and disease status were assessed every 3 mos for 2 yrs and then every 6 mos through Year 5. CT scans were required if progression was suspected clinically. At the time of the amendment, 18 patients were still being assessed for progression; these patients had been in long-term follow-up for a median of over 30 months. Results: The enrolled population of 102 pts (53% female) was heavily pretreated and had a median age of 31 yrs (range, 15-77 yrs). Pts received a median of 9 cycles (range, 1-16) of brentuximab vedotin. Per investigator, the ORR to brentuximab vedotin was 72% and complete remission (CR) rate was 33%. The most common treatment-related adverse events were peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, neutropenia, and diarrhea. Adverse events of Grade 3 or higher that occurred in ≥5% of pts were neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. At study closure, which occurred approximately 5 yrs after the last patient's end-of-treatment visit, the median observation time for all enrolled patients from first dose was 35.1 mos (range, 1.8 to 72.9). The estimated 5-year overall survival rate was 41% (95% CI: 31 %, 51%) and the median OS was 40.5 mos (95% CI: 28.7, 61.9 [range, 1.8 to 72.9+]). Median OS by best clinical response was CR (n=34): median not reached; partial remission (PR, n=39): 39.4 mos; and stable disease (SD, n=28): 18.3 mos. The median PFS was 9.3 months overall, but was not reached in CR pts. Of the 102 enrolled patients, 15 remained in follow-up and in remission at study closure. Among these 15 pts, 6 received consolidative allo-SCT and 9 have received no further therapy since completing brentuximab vedotin. Conclusions: These end-of-study results demonstrate that single agent brentuximab vedotin can induce durable remissions and long-term survival in a subset of heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory HL, particularly in pts that achieve CR. A randomized phase 3 study is being conducted to evaluate brentuximab vedotin in combination with AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) versus ABVD (A, bleomycin, VD) for frontline treatment of advanced HL (ECHELON-1 trial, ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01712490). Figure 1. Overall Survival Figure 1. Overall Survival Disclosures Chen: Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy. Gopal:BMS: Research Funding; Piramal: Research Funding; Emergent/Abbott: Research Funding; Millenium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding; BioMarin: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Merck: Research Funding. Smith:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Ansell:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding. Rosenblatt:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Savage:Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria; Infinity: Honoraria; Roche: Other: Institutional research funding. Connors:Roche: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Engert:Takeda Millenium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Research Funding. Larsen:Seattle Genetics Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huebner:Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Fong:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Younes:Janssen: Honoraria; Novartis: Research Funding; Incyte: Honoraria; Takeda Millenium: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Bristol Meyer Squibb: Honoraria; Curis: Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Johnson and Johnson: Research Funding.
A Phase 1 Study of Denintuzumab Mafodotin (SGN-CD19A) in Adults with Relapsed or Refractory B-Lineage Acute Leukemia (B-ALL) and Highly Aggressive Lymphoma
Fathi, Amir T. , Borate, Uma , Trippett, Tanya, Hale, Gregory A., Foran, James M. , Cramer, Stuart , Kostić, Ana , Huang, Xiaohui , Pan, Yang , Chen, Robert , DeAngelo, Daniel J. , O'Brien, Maureen Megan , Shah, Bijal , Silverman, Lewis B. , Tibes, Raoul , Pauly, Melinda , Kim, Stella Yun

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 1328-1328

10.1182/blood.v126.23.1328.1328 Get It

Abstract Background Denintuzumab mafodotin (SGN-CD19A) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) composed of a humanized anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody conjugated to the microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) via a maleimidocaproyl linker. CD19 is a B cell-specific marker that is expressed in nearly all patients (pts) with B-lineage acute leukemia or lymphoma. Methods A phase 1 dose-escalation study is ongoing to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of denintuzumab mafodotin in pts with relapsed or refractory (R/R) B-ALL, B-cell lymphoma (B-LBL), or Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma (NCT 01786096). Eligible pts are ≥1 year of age and are R/R to ≥1 prior systemic regimen; patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) disease must have failed a 2nd-generation TKI. A modified continual reassessment method was used for dose allocation and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) estimation. The study evaluated 2 dosing schedules: first weekly (Days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycles) and then once every 3 weeks (q3wk). This report presents data from the adult subset of pts in the study (≥18 years). Results To date, 71 adult pts with R/R B-ALL (n=59), B-LBL (n=6) or Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma (n=6) have been treated; median age is 45 years (range 18−77). Pts received a median of 2 prior therapies (range 1−8); 20 pts (28%) had prior allogeneic stem cell transplant. On the weekly schedule (0.3−3 mg/kg), 40 pts received a median of 2 cycles (range 1−27); 2 pts remain on treatment. On the q3wk schedule (4−6 mg/kg), 31 pts received a median of 3 cycles (range 1−6); 4 pts remain on treatment. An MTD was identified at 5 mg/kg q3wk and was not reached with weekly dosing. Best clinical responses to date for pts with B-ALL are summarized below: Table 1.Response category per Cheson 2003Efficacy-evaluable adult pts with B-ALLweekly dosing, N=32 n (%)q3wk dosing, N=23 n (%)Complete remission (CR)6 (19)3 (13)CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp)−3 (13)CR with incomplete blood recovery (CRi)−2 (9)Partial remission (PR)1 (3)−Resistant disease with clinical benefit15 (47)12 (52)Resistant disease without clinical benefit2 (6)-Progression8 (25)3 (13)CRc (CR+CRi+CRp), % (95% CI)19% (95% CI 7, 36)35% (95% CI 16, 57) In the q3wk schedule, the CRc rate was similar at 4, 5, and 6 mg/kg. The median duration of response across schedules is currently 27 weeks (95% CI 7, −). Of 12 pts with CRc and available minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment, 7 were MRD negative. 3 patients with MRD-negative CRs have been in remission for >1 year, 2 of whom have been on continuous treatment for 19 and 22 months. In the subset of pts with Ph+ B-ALL, 4 of 8 pts achieved CR and 1 pt a PR. In 6 pts with Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma, 1 achieved a CR. In 6 pts with B-LBL, objective responses were 1 CR and 2 PR. The adverse event (AE) profiles were similar across both dosing schedules; the most frequently reported AEs were pyrexia (54%), nausea (52%), fatigue (51%), headache (44%), chills (38%), vomiting (37%), blurred vision (35%), and anemia (34%). Ocular symptoms and corneal exam findings consistent with superficial microcystic keratopathy were observed in 40 pts (56%); symptoms were less severe than the associated corneal exam findings. Keratopathy was managed with topical steroids and dose modifications, and improved/resolved within a median of ~3 wks (range 1-17) in pts with sufficient follow-up. ADC exposures increased with dose, and in leukemia patients, target-mediated disposition was observed that diminished with higher doses in the q3wk schedule. Post treatment, flow cytometry data demonstrate that unbound CD19 on peripheral blasts inversely correlates with ADC concentration in circulation, and is present in the majority of evaluable patients at the end of the q3wk cycle. Conclusions Denintuzumab mafodotin is generally well tolerated and demonstrates activity in heavily pretreated adult pts with B-ALL and B-lineage highly aggressive lymphomas, including durable MRD-negative responses. The results of this trial indicate that the q3wk schedule, with a CRc rate of 35% in B-ALL, warrants further clinical investigation. Based on the encouraging responses observed to date in Ph+ B-ALL (CRs in 4 of 8 pts), an expansion cohort of these pts is currently enrolling on the q3wk schedule. Disclosures Fathi: Exelexis: Research Funding; Agios: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy; Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Research Funding. Off Label Use: SGN-CD19A is an investigational agent being studied in patients with B-cell malignancies. SGN-CD19A is not approved for use.. Borate:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Genoptix: Consultancy; Alexion: Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau. DeAngelo:Agios: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. O'Brien:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Trippett:OSI Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Shah:NCCN: Consultancy; SWOG: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, INC: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pharmacyclics: Speakers Bureau; Bayer: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; DeBartolo Institute for Personlaized Medicine: Research Funding; Rosetta Genomics: Research Funding; Plexus Communications: Honoraria; Spectrum: Speakers Bureau. Hale:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Hyundai: Research Funding; V Foundation: Research Funding. Silverman:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Pauly:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Kim:Bayer: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Consultancy. Kostic:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huang:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Pan:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chen:Genentech: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Other: Travel expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.
Interim Analysis of a Phase 1 Study of the Antibody-Drug Conjugate SGN-CD19A in Relapsed or Refractory B-Lineage Acute Leukemia and Highly Aggressive Lymphoma
Fathi, Amir T. , Chen, Robert , Trippett, Tanya, Cooper, Todd M. , Foran, James M. , Hale, Gregory A., Albertson, Tina, Sandalic, Larissa, Zhao, Baiteng, Borate, Uma , O'Brien, Maureen Megan , DeAngelo, Daniel J. , Shah, Bijal , Pressey, Joseph G. , Silverman, Lewis B. , Tibes, Raoul , Kim, Stella Yun

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 963-963

10.1182/blood.v124.21.963.963 Get It

Abstract Background CD19, a B cell-specific marker, is expressed in the majority of patients with B-lineage leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. SGN-CD19A is a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) composed of a humanized anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody conjugated to the microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) via a maleimidocaproyl linker. Methods This first-in-human, phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation study is investigating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of SGN-CD19A in adult and pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell leukemia or highly aggressive lymphoma (NCT 01786096). Eligible patients must have B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) or lymphoma (B-LBL), Burkitt leukemia or lymphoma, and be relapsed or refractory to at least 1 prior systemic regimen. A modified continual reassessment method is used for dose allocation and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) estimation for both pediatric and adult patients. The study is evaluating 2 schedules of IV SGN-CD19A administration: weekly (Days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycles; 0.3-4.5 mg/kg) or every 3weeks (q3week; 0.5-6 mg/kg). Results To date, 49 patients with relapsed or refractory leukemia (n=40) or lymphoma (n=9) have been treated. Median age of adult (n=38) and pediatric patients (n=11) was 37 and 11 years (range, 18-74 and 1-16), respectively. Patients received a median of 2 prior therapies (range 1-9); 14 patients (29%) previously received an allogeneic stem cell transplant. On the weekly schedule, 39 patients (28 adult, 11 pediatric) have been treated, and the median number of cycles is 2.5 (adults; range, 1-12) or 1 (pediatric; range, 1-4). On the q3week schedule, 10 adult patients have been treated, and the median number of cycles is 2.5 (range, 1-4) to date. Six patients remain on study treatment (3 on each schedule), and enrollment is ongoing. The toxicity profiles were similar across both dosing schedules (0.3-2.3 mg/kg weekly and 4-5 mg/kg q3week) and across adult and pediatric patients. The most frequently reported drug-related AEs included pyrexia, nausea, chills, vomiting, blurred vision, and dry eye. Frequent infusion-related reactions were observed early in the study, and recommendation for premedication was instituted. Ocular events were also observed and treated with ophthalmic steroids; steroid eye drop prophylaxis was instituted with each dose. Corneal findings consistent with superficial microcystic keratopathy were observed in 13 adult patients (34%) and in 1 pediatric patient (9%). Grade 3/4 corneal AEs have been observed in 4 adult patients; the majority of these events have resolved or improved to Grade 1 or 2. Steroid eye drop prophylaxis has reduced the incidence of Grade 3/4 events at this interim analysis. Three DLTs were observed: acidosis in a pediatric patient at 1 mg/kg weekly, cytokine release syndrome in an adult patient at 2 mg/kg weekly, and asymptomatic Grade 4 AST elevation in an adult patient at 5 mg/kg q3week. MTD has not yet been determined. SGN-CD19A ADC pharmacokinetic profiles indicate target-mediated drug disposition in patients with leukemia. Plasma ADC exposures generally increased with doses and were lower than those in patients with lymphoma. To date, no objective responses were observed in 9 efficacy-evaluable pediatric patients or in 3 adult patients with Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia. However, in efficacy-evaluable adult patients with B-ALL/B-LBL, objective responses were observed in 6 of 25 patients treated on the weekly schedule (3 CR, 2 CRp, 1 PR), and in 4 of 8 patients treated on the q3week schedule (2 CR, 2 CRp). Of 8 B-ALL patients with CR/CRp, 6 were MRD negative. Conclusions MTDs have not yet been identified, and dose escalation continues on weekly and q3week schedules. SGN-CD19A has been generally well tolerated. At this interim analysis, objective responses were observed in 30% (10 of 33) of heavily pretreated adult B-ALL/B-LBL patients dosed weekly or q3week. Evidence of activity in relapsed/refractory patients and lack of overlapping toxicities suggest opportunities for combination with conventional anti-leukemic therapies in lymphoblastic malignancies. Disclosures Fathi: Ariad: Consultancy; Exelixis: Research Funding; Takeda pharmaceuticals International Co.: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Off Label Use: SGN-CD19A is an investigational agent being studied in patients with B-cell malignancies. SGN-CD19A is not approved for use. . Chen:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau, Travel expenses Other. Trippett:OSI Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. O'Brien:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. DeAngelo:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Shah:Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; SWOG: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; NCCN: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy. Cooper:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Foran:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Hale:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Pressey:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Silverman:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Tibes:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Kim:Bayer: Consultancy; Eli Lily: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Albertson:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sandalic:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zhao:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Borate:Genoptix: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding.
Efficacy and Safety of Combined Rituximab and Ipilimumab to Treat Patients with Relapsed/Refractory CD20+ B-Cell Lymphoma
Galligan, Barbara Marie, Groshen, Susan , Kirschabum, Mark, OʼDonnell, Robert T. , Kaesberg, Paul, Siddiqui, Tanya, Popplewell, Leslie , Htut, Myo , Chen, Robert , Palmisiano, Neil , Newman, Edward M. , Tsao-Wei, Denice D , Siddiqui, Tanya, Ailawadhi, Sikander , DiPersio, John F. , Claxton, David F. , Tuscano, Joseph M.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3977-3977

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3977.3977 Get It

Abstract Background: As a single agent, rituximab produces an overall response rate (ORR) of 20-50% in patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). Acquired resistance occurs, however, partially due to defective host immune effector mechanisms. Efforts to augment immune function have included combining rituximab with immune modulators such as IL-2, IL-12, interferonand lenalidomide. These efforts have resulted in improved efficacy of rituximab. Ipilimumab is a human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4, CD152) expressed on activated T cells. CTLA-4 is a negative regulator of T-cell responses. Ipilimumab augments the immune response by disrupting the interaction of CTLA-4 with its ligands, B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86). We therefore hypothesize that ipilimumab will augment the efficacy of rituximab. This phase I with an expansion cohort was designed to assess the safety of this combined therapy. Methods: Patients ≥ 18 years old with r/r CD20+ NHL, measurable disease, KPS ≥ 70%, neutrophils ≥ 1000, platelets ≥ 50,000 and adequate kidney and liver function were eligible. In this phase I with an expansion cohort, after establishing the recommended Phase II dose (RP2D), study patients would be randomized to differing treatment schedules of rituximab and ipilimumab. For induction in phase I, rituximab was given every week for four weeks and ipilimumab was administered every 3 weeks for 4 doses. Primary endpoints included toxicity and determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD)/RP2D during the first 7 weeks of induction of ipilimumab (2 doses) when given in combination with rituximab (4 doses, 375mg/m2 per dose). Secondary end points included immune response, ORR and progression free survival (PFS). In the phase I component, a standard 3+3 design was used to determine the MTD/RP2D. After the RP2D was established, 20 more patients would be randomized to one of two schedules: Arm A - ipilimumab on Day 1 together with the first dose of rituximab, or Arm B - ipilimumab on Day 15 together with the third rituximab dose. After induction in both the Phase I and the expansion cohorts, ipilimumab and rituximab were given every 12 weeks (+/- 1 week) on the same day for 1 year. Results: As of August 1 2015, 21 patients have been enrolled (1SLL, 9FL, 6DLCL, 1MCL, 4 indeterminate): 15 are evaluable for toxicity assessment at 7 weeks. The median age was 62 (32-71) and the median number of prior regimens was 2 (1-6). The RP2D of ipilimumab when given with rituximab (375 mg/m2) was 3 mg/kg, which was the highest dose tested. The most common grade 1-2 AEs (>20%) were:anemia (33%); diarrhea (20%); constipation (27%); nausea/vomiting (33%); fatigue (40%); anorexia (33%); low albumin (53%); hypocalcemia (33%); hyponatremia (27%). The most common grade 3-4 AEs (≥ 5%) were: anemia (20%); diarrhea (13%); leukopenia (13%); and hyponatremia (27%). There were no study related deaths. Twelve patients remain on treatment, 6 came off due to progression, 2 due to toxicity, and there was one death (unrelated). Conclusion: The RP2D of ipilimumab when given in combination with rituximab is 3 mg/kg. This dose is safe and moderately well tolerated. Enrollment continues in the expansion cohort to assess efficacy and the ability of ipilimumab to augment the rituximab-mediated immune response. Disclosures Off Label Use: Ipilimumab to augment rituxan in treating lymphoma. Chen:Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; genentech: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.
Three-Year Follow-Up Data and Characterization Of Long-Term Remissions From An Ongoing Phase 2 Study Of Brentuximab Vedotin In Patients With Relapsed Or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
Chen, Robert , Smith, Scott E. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Engert, Andreas , Larsen, Emily K., Huebner, Dirk, Younes, Anas , Gopal, Ajay K. , Rosenblatt, Joseph D. , Savage, Kerry J. , Connors, Joseph M. , Sievers, Eric L.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4382-4382

10.1182/blood.v122.21.4382.4382 Get It

Abstract Background Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by the presence of CD30-positive Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells. The standard of care for patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory HL is salvage chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (auto-SCT). However, approximately 50% of pts experience relapse of HL after auto-SCT and this population represents a pronounced unmet need. In a 756-pt retrospective analysis, the median overall survival (OS) in HL pts who relapsed after auto-SCT was 2.4 years, as measured from the time of auto-SCT, with shorter time to relapse after auto-SCT being the most predictive factor for shortened survival (Arai 2013). Brentuximab vedotin (ADCETRIS®) comprises an anti-CD30 antibody conjugated by a protease-cleavable linker to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a microtubule-disrupting agent. A pivotal phase 2 study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin in 102 pts with relapsed or refractory HL after auto-SCT (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00848926). Data representing approximately 3 years of follow up from this ongoing trial are described, including characterization of patients who experienced long-term remissions. Methods Pts received 1.8 mg/kg brentuximab vedotin every 3 weeks as a 30-minute outpatient IV infusion for up to 16 cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) per independent review according to the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson 2007). Long-term follow-up assessments to determine survival and disease status occurred every 3 months (mos) for 2 years, every 6 mos during years 3 to 5, and annually thereafter. Results In this high-risk population with poor prognosis, the median time to relapse after auto-SCT was 6.7 mos (range, 0–131 mos). Pts received a median of 9 cycles of brentuximab vedotin and the ORR was 75% (76 of 102 pts), with complete remissions (CRs) in 33% of pts (n=34). As previously reported, the most common (≥15%) brentuximab vedotin-related adverse events of any grade were peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, neutropenia, and diarrhea. Adverse events of Grade 3 or higher that occurred in ≥5% of pts were neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. At the time of this analysis (May 2013), the median observation time from first dose was 32.7 mos (range, 1.8 to 48.3 mos). Of the 102 pts enrolled, 51 (50%) were alive at the time of last follow up. The median OS was 40.5 mos (95% CI: 28.7, – [range, 1.8 to 48.3+ mos]) and the estimated 36-mo survival rate was 54% (95% CI: 44%, 64%). Median OS by best clinical response was CR (n=34): median not yet reached; partial remission (PR, n=42): 31.6 mos; stable disease (SD, n=22): 20.6 mos; and progressive disease (PD, n=3): 10.2 mos. Of the 51 pts who were alive at the time of this analysis, 14 remain in remission and have not started a new anti-cancer therapy other than 5 pts who received consolidative allo-SCT following brentuximab vedotin. Demographics/baseline characteristics of these 14 pts show that the majority are female (10/14; 71%) and white (12/14; 86%), with a median age of 26.5 years (range, 15–54). Eleven of the 14 pts had CRs and 3 had PRs following brentuximab vedotin; all 3 of the pts with PRs received subsequent allo-SCT. The observation time for the 14 pts who remain in remission ranges from 31.5 mos to 44.4 mos and their progression-free survival ranges from 27.2+ mos to 44.4+ mos. Additional characterization of the pts who achieved long-term remissions following brentuximab vedotin will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions After a median observation time of approximately 3 years from first dose of brentuximab vedotin, 50% of pts with relapsed or refractory HL were alive at the time of last follow up. The median OS was 40.5 mos. Fourteen patients remain in follow up with no evidence of lymphoma progression, providing early suggestion that a fraction of these patients may be cured. A randomized phase 3 study is being conducted to evaluate brentuximab vedotin in combination with AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) versus ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) for frontline treatment of HL (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01712490). Disclosures: Gopal: Biogen, Idec: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; BioMarin: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Emergent/Abbott: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Cephalon/Teva: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Piramal: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding. Chen:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau, Trave expenses Other. Smith:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Spectrum: Consultancy; Cephalon: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; GlaxoSmith Kline: Speakers Bureau. Ansell:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Rosenblatt:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; University of Miami: Employment. Savage:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Connors:F Hoffmann-La Roche: Research Funding; Roche Canada: Research Funding. Engert:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria. Larsen:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huebner:Takeda Cambridge US: Employment; Takeda: Equity Ownership. Sievers:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Younes:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Advisory/Scientific Board Membership Other, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Millennium: Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria; Curis: Honoraria; Genentech: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Johnson and Johnson: Research Funding; Infinity: Research Funding.
Brentuximab Vedotin plus Chemotherapy in North American Subjects with Newly Diagnosed Stage III or IV Hodgkin Lymphoma
Ramchandren, Radhakrishnan , Advani, Ranjana H. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Bartlett, Nancy L. , Chen, Robert , Connors, Joseph M. , Feldman, Tatyana , Forero‐Torres, Andres , Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Gopal, Ajay K. , Younes, Anas , Engley, Gerald, Manley, Thomas, Fenton, Keenan , Straus, David J. , Gordon, Leo I , Connors, Joseph M , Bartlett, Nancy L , Advani, Ranjana H , Gopal, Ajay , Gordon, Leo I. , Kuruvilla, John , Savage, Kerry J.

Clinical Cancer Research | January 7, 2019 | Volume: 25 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 1718-1726

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-2435 Get It

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate safety and efficacy outcomes for subjects on the ECHELON-1 study treated in North America (NA). Patients and Methods: ECHELON-1 is a global, open-label, randomized phase III study comparing doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine in combination with brentuximab vedotin (A+AVD) versus ABVD (AVD + bleomycin) as first-line therapy in subjects with stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL; NCT01712490). Subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive A+AVD or ABVD intravenously on days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle for up to 6 cycles. Results: The NA subgroup consisted of 497 subjects in the A+AVD (n = 250) and ABVD (n = 247) arms. Similar to the primary analysis based on the intent-to-treat population, the primary endpoint [modified progression-free survival (PFS) per independent review] demonstrated an improvement among subjects who received A+AVD compared with ABVD (HR = 0.60; P = 0.012). For PFS, the risk of progression or death was also reduced (HR = 0.50; P = 0.002). Subsequent anticancer therapies were lower in the A+AVD arm. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) were more common, but there were fewer study discontinuations due to AEs in the A+AVD arm as compared with ABVD. Noted differences between arms included higher rates of febrile neutropenia (20% vs. 9%) and peripheral neuropathy (80% vs. 56%), but lower rates of pulmonary toxicity (3% vs. 10%) in subjects treated with A+AVD versus ABVD. Conclusions: The efficacy benefit and manageable toxicity profile observed in the NA subgroup of ECHELON-1 support A+AVD as a frontline treatment option for patients with stage III or IV cHL.