Estrov, Zeev E.

Abstract Introduction: PRM-151, a recombinant human pentraxin-2 molecule, has been shown to prevent and reverse fibrosis in animal models of myelofibrosis (MF) by postulated targeting differentiation of fibrocytes (essential cells in fibrotic process) from monocytes. In the first stage of a two-stage trial, 27 patients (pts) with primary myelofibrosis (PMF), post-essential thrombocythemia/polycythemia vera (post-ET/PV) MF, and Grade 2 or 3 bone marrow fibrosis (BMF) received PRM-151 10 mg/kg IV ± ruxolitinib (RUX) for 6 cycles (24 weeks). A reduction in BMF, decrease in symptoms (MPN-SAF Total Symptom Score [TSS]), and a reduction of palpable splenomegaly were observed, along with a favorable safety profile. Pts experiencing clinical benefit were allowed to continue beyond 24 weeks in an open label extension (OLE) study. Here, we report interim efficacy and safety data for 18 pts enrolled in the OLE, who had been treated for up to 35 cycles (140 weeks). Methods: All pts in the OLE received a monthly infusion of PRM-151 10 mg/kg IV. Pts receiving PRM-151 alone or in combination with RUX in the main study continued with their respective drugs. Safety and hematology parameters were assessed monthly, and MPN-SAF TSS Q3 months. BM biopsies were obtained at baseline, end of main study, and at physician discretion in the OLE. These were evaluated centrally by two independent, blinded hematopathologists for the degree of reticulin and collagen fibrosis. Immunostaining for fibrocytes was performed on available biopsies. The primary objective of the OLE was to assess safety and efficacy of long-term administration of PRM-151. Results: Of the 18 pts enrolled in the OLE, 9 received PRM-151 as single agent, and 9 in conjunction with RUX. Baseline characteristics included median age of 66 years (51-78); 8 pts were DIPSS Int-1, 9 Int-2, and 1 high-risk; 6 (33%) had Hgb < 100 g/L, 12 (67%) had PLT < 100 x 109/L; 7 (39%) had PLT <50 x 109/L; 8 pts had PMF, 10 had post-ET/PV MF; 13 pts (72%) had a palpable spleen, and 9 (50%) had Grade 3 BMF. Median time on study for these 18 pts was 30.9 months (15.9-47.2 months). All pts experienced at least 1 adverse event (AE), with 8 pts (44%) reporting a possible study drug-related AE. No unexpected AEs were observed, and no deaths were reported during the study period. The mean best percent change (by palpation) in spleen size from baseline was −37%, with a median percent reduction of −26.1% (Figure). The mean best percent improvement in MPN-SAF TSS was −54%, with a median percent reduction of TSS of −64%. Pts in the PRM-151 monotherapy group showed similar improvements in MPN-SAF TSS and splenomegaly as those receiving PRM-151 + RUX (Figure). Complete data on hematology parameters will be available at the time of presentation. Improvement in BM reticulin grade was observed in 5 of 7 pts (71%) with Grade 2 BMF at baseline, and in 4 of 9 pts (44%) with Grade 3 BMF at baseline. Of the pts with Grade 3 BMF at baseline, 2 of 9 pts (22%) had a 2-grade reduction (Table). In addition, 5 of 6 pts (83%) with Grade 2 collagen fibrosis at baseline had a 1-grade reduction, with 2 of 6 pts (33%) improving to Grade 0. Also, 2 of 7 pts (28%) with Grade 3 collagen fibrosis had a reduction of 1-grade with 1 of 7 (14%) improving to Grade 0 (Table). Eight of 18 pts had BM fibrocyte immunostaining done: mean fibrocyte count in the hematopoietic BM decreased from 378.0 ± 255.3 per mm2 (11.2 ± 7.7% of total cells) at study baseline to 81.3 ± 86.5 per mm2 (2.0 ± 2.1% of total cells; 7 of 8 pts evaluable) at cycle 25, with continuous reduction in fibrocyte numbers observed at interim. Over the same period, improvement in BM reticulin grade was detected in 4 of 7 pts (57%), and collagen fibrosis grade was decreased in 3 of 7 pts (43%). Conclusions: This long-term follow-up study of 18 pts with MF who received PRM-151 for a median of 31 months showed the drug to be well tolerated. An overall improvement in BM reticulin and collagen fibrosis grade, as well as reductions in MPN-SAF TSS and splenomegaly were observed. In a subset of pts for whom bone marrow fibrocyte immunostaining data were available, a mean reduction in fibrocyte counts was observed, as well as improved bone marrow reticulin and collagen fibrosis grade. These data warrant confirmation in a larger controlled study. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Verstovsek: Incyte: Consultancy; Italfarmaco: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Pozdnyakova:Promedior, Inc.: Consultancy. Mesa:Promedior: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Celgene: Research Funding; Galena: Consultancy; Gilead: Research Funding; CTI: Research Funding. Foltz:Incyte: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Mascarenhas:Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding. Ritchie:Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; ARIAD Pharmaceuticals: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Palmer:Novartis: Research Funding. Kremyanskaya:Incyte: Research Funding. van den Blink:Promedior, Inc.: Employment. Gupta:Promedior, Inc.: Employment. Gotlib:Deciphera: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Kartos: Consultancy; Promedior: Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Blueprint Medicines: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 3917 Poster Board III-853 Background Patients with Myelofibrosis (MF) suffer from significant fatigue, constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly (Mesa et. al. Cancer 2007) not improved by current therapy. The MF-SAF is a 19 item self administered instrument specific to MF associated symptoms previously validated for use at a single time point (Mesa et. al. Leukemia Research 2009). We sought to assess the performance characteristics of the MF-SAF when administered sequentially in the context of a prospective clinical trial. Methods Sequential MF patients enrolled in the prospective, uncontrolled Phase II, trial were given a 15 item modified MF-SAF to complete at enrollment, and after 15 days, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months and every 3 months thereafter. The MF-SAF was scored as previously published on a 0 (absent) to 10 (maximal) scale. Cross validation of serial change in MF-SAF scores was undertaken by comparison to objective measurements made as part of the therapeutic drug trial. Results Patients Eighty six MF patients were enrolled and had 2 or more MF-SAF instruments completed to allow for sequential analysis. Patients were of a median age (65 years), gender distribution (35 % females), and disease subtype (53 % PMF) typical for a clinical trial in MF. Baseline MF-SAF Responses: Baseline assessment of the most frequent MF abnormalities reported by patients completing the MF-SAF (see Table 1) confirmed the wide prevalence of MF associated symptoms, and their significant severity. General fatigue was the most frequent symptom cited (91%), while cough was the least frequently observed symptom (44%). 95% of patients had at least 2 symptoms present on the MF-SAF. Serial MF-SAF Changes in Response to Therapy Therapy with INCB018424 resulted in a significant and rapid reduction in MF associated symptoms with 46% to 85% of patients experiencing improvement in a given symptom. The greatest improvements in MFSAF score improvements were reported by patients experiencing abdominal discomfort, night sweats, pruritus and fever (see Table 1), and corresponded to significant improvements in the individual MF symptom scales as well as the patient's overall assessment of quality of life (QOL). Correlation of MF-SAF to Objective Changes during INCB018424 Therapy Objective measurements obtained on the INCB018424 trial included MRI measurements of splenic reduction, the six minute walk test (6MWT) for inactivity, and serial weights. Reduction in spleen size (by ≥ 35% by volume or ≥ 50% by palpable length) corresponded to improvement in MF-SAF scores of abdominal discomfort and fatigue (50% of patients, median score decrease of -1.2, and -1.8, respectively). Improvement in the 6MWT by > 50 meters was associated with a 2-fold greater improvement in inactivity score on the MF-SAF compared to subjects who improved 6MWT performance by <50 meters. Finally, improvements in weight loss and fever were corroborated by objective measurements made at physician visits on the trial. Conclusions The MF-SAF is a brief, easily self administered, MF specific instrument which was successfully administered sequentially in the conduct of a large Phase II clinical trial. The significant symptomatic improvements reported by patients in the open label trial of INCB018424 corresponded to both improvements in symptom specific scores on the MF-SAF and objective measurements. Further validation of the MF-SAF will be possible by inclusion in upcoming randomized placebo controlled trials in MF patients. Parallel trials performed in MF patients should consider use of this instrument to allow for comparisons. Disclosures: Levy: Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Vaddi:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Erickson-Viitanen:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Verstovsek:Incyte: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 2926 Background: RAS proteins are encoded by 3 proto-oncogenes (K-RAS, N-RAS, and H-RAS) and regulate the growth and differentiation of many cellular types, including the myeloid compartment. Codons 12, 13, and 61 (in N-RAS and K-RAS) have been reported to be common targets of mutations. These mutations result in constitutive activation of the RAS pathway by increasing intracellular RAS GTP levels, which result in activation of the RAS/MEK and the RAS/PI3K pathways. Its prognostic significance in MDS is yet to be clarified. Because the potential prognostic and therapeutic implications of RAS mutations in MDS, we decided to study the impact of RAS mutations in patients (pts) with MDS. Methods: Mutation analysis of KRAS and NRAS codons 12, 13, and 61 was performed by Pyrosequencing using biotinylated reverse primers. All pts referred to MD Anderson between 2000–2009 were reviewed. In addition to standard clinical characteristics, including karyotyping, mutational status of Flt3, c-Kit and JAK2 was also analyzed. Overall survival was calculated based on Kaplan-Meier. Results: Of the 1067 pts with MDS of age above 17 evaluated for RAS mutation, 43 pts (4%) were positive. Seventy nine percent of RAS mutations were of N-RAS type (codon12 (55%), codon 13 (12%), codon 61(12%)) with K-RAS 12 comprising the rest (21%). Median age was 68 years (range, 18–94) with 66% being males (703 pts). Their median white blood cell (WBC) was 3.3×109/L (range, 0.3–72.2), hemoglobin 9.8 (range, 3–17.5), and platelets 73×109/liter (range, 1–1040). Median bone marrow blast was 5% and 77 pts (7%) had leukemic transformation. More than half of the pts had RAEB or RAEB-t (44% and 9 % respectively) which translated into fewer patients in the low IPSS category (19%). The median age was 66 years (range 26–84) in the RAS mutated (muRAS) group compared to 68 in the wild type (wtRAS). WBC was higher in the muRAS group compared to wtRAS (6.8 ×109/L vs. 3.2 ×109/L, p<0.001 by Mann-Whitney median test (M-W-T)). Percent of bone marrow blasts was higher (9%) in muRAS group compared to 5% in wtRAS (p<0.001 by M-W-T). High (Int-2 and high) risk by IPSS was more frequent in muRAS 51% compared to 40% in wtRAS group (p=0.11). Leukemic transformation was 9% and 7% (p=0.61) in both muRAS and wtRAS groups respectively. RAS mutation was detected more frequently in the CMML subgroup (12/80 (15%) pts). There were no differences in terms of response to DNA methylating inhibitors (CR in 41% in muRAS versus 40% in wtRAS). ARA-C-based regimens resulted in better CR in wtRAS than muRAS (59% vs 25%); however, the size of muRAS group was too small (1 out 4 pts).There was a trend towards shorter overall survival (OS) in the muRAS group compared to wtRAS (395 vs. 500 days, p value=0.057). MuRAS RAEB (325 vs. 450 days, p= 0.13) and RAEB-t (125 vs. 375 days, p= 0.27) subgroups showed a trend towards worse OS compared to wtRAS group. There was a significant OS decrease in RCMD (150 vs. 700 day, p= 0.015). Surprisingly, muRAS CMML group showed a trend towards better OS compared to wtRAS (728 vs. 687 days, p=0.44). Additionally we analyzed patients for presence of Flt3 mutation. These were present in only 18 of the pts (4%) but none of them had also a RAS mutation. There was no c-Kit mutations found in this cohort of pts, compared to 9/37 (24%) pts tested positive for JAK2V617F. Conclusion: MuRAS occurs in 4% of pts with MDS. In the muRAS group, pts tended to have higher risk disease and risk of transformation to acute leukemia compared with wtRAS. OS tended to be worse in some subgroups in muRAS. Although the prognostic impact of RAS mutations in MDS appears to be limited, mutations could be used to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 756 Background: Myelofibrosis (MF) is the most serious of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) for which there is no approved therapy. Exaggerated JAK2 signaling, either by gain-of-function mutations (eg, JAK2V617F) or high circulating levels of JAK1/2 activating cytokines (eg, interleukin [IL]-6), is believed to play a key role in MPN pathogenesis. INCB018424 (424), a selective oral inhibitor of JAK1/2, has demonstrated clinical benefits including reduction of splenomegaly and improvement of symptoms in a Phase I/II trial in MF patients. Thrombocytopenia was identified as the dose limiting toxicity occurring in 30% of patients at 25mg BID. Methods: Patients with primary, post-PV or post-ET MF were enrolled in the study. Following the characterization of multiple dosing regimens, an individually optimized dose regimen strategy was developed, based on available efficacy and safety data. In a subset of patients, spleen volume change was measured by MRI at 1, 3 and 6 months of treatment in order to establish an objective measure of spleen response. The impact of 424 on MF associated symptoms was assessed using a validated instrument, MFSAF (Mesa et al., Leukemia Research 2009). As a surrogate marker of functional benefit, exercise capacity was assessed with a standardized 6-minute walk test (6MWT) at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months of therapy. Results: 155 patients were enrolled in the study, with median duration of treatment of 1+ years and the duration of drug exposure of >150 patient years (76 patients received >1 year of therapy). Clinical responses have been maintained over the entire duration of treatment and most patients remain on therapy (115 of 155 patients; 74%). Progression to AML occurred in 3 patients, which is below the expected frequency based on published data (Barosi et al., Blood 2007). SAEs related to 424 occurred in 12 patients, and are generally related to bone marrow suppression or return of or exacerbation of signs and symptoms of MF when therapy is discontinued. Further optimization of the dosing regimen utilized baseline platelet count to determine the starting dose (10 or 15mg BID) and allowed dose titration after 1 and 2 months of therapy; most patients were optimized to 15 or 20mg BID. This approach significantly reduced the incidence of thrombocytopenia (<5%, N=35), while providing equivalent efficacy to higher dose regimens. With an optimized dosing regimen, spleen volume reduction was evident as early as 1 month, and durable over 6 months, of therapy (33 % median decrease after 6 months, N=23). Eleven of 23 (48%) of patients achieved ≥ 35% reduction (equivalent to IWG clinical improvement criteria of 50% reduction by palpation) from baseline in spleen volume at month 6. MF patients have impaired exercise capacity at baseline (decreased 6MWT performance by 60-90 meters vs. age-matched controls). Treatment with 424 resulted in improved 6MWT performance, with median increase from baseline of 33, 58 and 70 meters after 1,3 or 6 months of therapy, respectively. Rapid and durable reduction of a total symptom score based on key symptoms (fatigue, abdominal discomfort/pain, bone/muscle pain, night sweats and pruritus) was noted (51 % and 58% of patients achieving 50% reduction in the total score following 1 and 6 months of treatment, respectively). Improvement in symptoms coincided with a rapid and sustained reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1b, IL-1ra, IL-6 and TNFa, without tachyphylaxis to therapy. Finally, spleen response was associated with greater improvements in total symptom score, exercise capacity, and reduced fatigue (see Table). Conclusion: An optimized dosing regimen of INCB018424 resulted in sustained clinical, symptomatic and functional benefits in MF patients with an improved hematological safety profile compared to a 25 mg BID regimen. Safety and efficacy of 424 in MF patients is further supported by the follow-up data of >1 yr of 424 therapy. Disclosures: Verstovsek: Incyte: Research Funding. Bradley:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Erickson-Viitanen:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Vaddi:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Levy:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Key Points miR-155 levels are significantly and increasingly overexpressed as normal B cells progress to MBL and to CLL. Plasma levels of miR-155 before treatment were significantly lower in patients with CLL who experienced complete response than in all others.

RAS is an oncogene frequently mutated in human cancer. RAS mutations have been reported in 10–15% of cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but they appear to be less frequent among patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The impact of RAS mutations in patients with MDS is unclear. We conducted a retrospective study in 1,067 patients with newly diagnosed MDS for whom RAS mutational analysis was available. Overall, 4% of patients carried mutant RAS alleles. Notably, FLT3 mutations, which were found in 2% of patients, were mutually exclusive with RAS mutations. Patients with RAS mutations had a higher white blood cell count as well as bone marrow blasts compared with patients carrying wild‐type RAS. However, no differences were observed between both groups regarding the risk of AML transformation (9% vs. 7%) and overall survival (395 days vs. 500 days, P = 0.057). In summary, RAS mutations are infrequent in patients with MDS and do not appear to negatively impact their outcome. Am. J. Hematol. 88:365–369, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract Marrow stromal cells (MSCs) provide important survival and drug resistance signals to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells, but current models to analyze CLL–MSC interactions are heterogeneous. Therefore, we tested different human and murine MSC lines and primary human MSCs for their ability to protect CLL cells from spontaneous and drug-induced apoptosis. Our results show that both human and murine MSCs are equally effective in protecting CLL cells from fludarabine-induced apoptosis. This protective effect was sustained over a wide range of CLL–MSC ratios (5:1 to 100:1), and the levels of protection were reproducible in 4 different laboratories. Human and murine MSCs also protected CLL cells from dexamethasone- and cyclophosphamide-induced apoptosis. This protection required cell–cell contact and was virtually absent when CLL cells were separated from the MSCs by micropore filters. Furthermore, MSCs maintained Mcl-1 and protected CLL cells from spontaneous and fludarabine-induced Mcl-1 and PARP cleavage. Collectively, these studies define common denominators for CLL cocultures with MSCs. They also provide a reliable, validated tool for future investigations into the mechanism of MSC–CLL cross talk and for drug testing in a more relevant fashion than the commonly used suspension cultures.