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Schuster, Steven Robert

0000-0002-7766-6295

Mayo Clinic

10UCHealth Cancer Care and Hematology, Fort Collins, CO

Citations 10

MagnetisMM-9: Efficacy and Safety of Step-up Priming Doses and Longer Dosing Intervals of Elranatamab (ELRA) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM)
Pianko, Matthew J. , Ishida, Tadao, Sborov, Douglas W. , Iida, Shinsuke , Ramakrishnan, Aravind , Benjamin, Reuben, Popat, Rakesh , Kuroda, Junya , Liu, Chia-Jen, Conte, Umberto, Vandendries, Erik, Pawlyn, Charlotte , Huang, Shang‐Yi , Ishida, Tadao , Popat, Rakesh , Schuster, Steven Robert , Philippe, Anne, Hong, Fangxin , Fonseca, Rafaël

Blood | December 6, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4743-4743

10.1182/blood-2024-205872 Get It

BACKGROUND ELRA is a humanized, BCMA/CD3 bispecific antibody. In the phase 2 registrational MagnetisMM-3 (MM-3) trial, SC ELRA given as 2 step-up priming doses (12 mg on day 1 and 32 mg on day 4 of cycle 1) followed by 76 mg QW in patients (pts) with RRMM naive to BCMA-directed therapy resulted in an ORR of 61.0%. With a median follow-up of 28.4 mos, the median DOR, PFS, and OS were not reached (NR; 2-year rate, 66.9%), 17.2, and 24.6 mos, respectively. Overall, 56.3% of pts had CRS (grade 2, 14.3%; no grade ≥3). Most events occurred after doses 1 (44.5%), 2 (20.2%), and 3 (5.9%); 0.8% (1 pt) had CRS with doses ≥4. Recurrent CRS occurred in 15.1% of pts. The phase 1/2 MagnetisMM-9 (MM-9; NCT05014412) study is examining an alternative priming regimen and longer dosing intervals of ELRA. Here, we present updated MM-9 results. METHODS In MM-9, pts with RRMM and disease refractory to ≥1 IMiD drug, ≥1 PI, and ≥1 anti-CD38 antibody were given SC ELRA as step-up priming doses of 4 and 20 mg on Day 1 and Day 4 of Cycle 1, respectively. After the priming doses, ELRA 76 mg was given QW for the next 6 cycles (Part 1) or for 1 cycle followed by 116 (dose level 1 [DL1]) or 152 (dose level 2 [DL2]) mg Q2W for the next 5 cycles (Part 2A). After 6 cycles, the dosing frequency was decreased from QW to Q2W (Part 1) or from Q2W to Q4W (Part 2) in pts who achieved ≥PR lasting ≥2 months. The recommended phase 2 dose from Part 2A (152 mg, DL2) was evaluated in Part 2B (dose expansion). The primary endpoint for both parts is grade ≥2 CRS rate per ASTCT criteria during Cycle 1. Secondary endpoints include evaluation of efficacy and adverse events. Data cutoff: February 13, 2024. RESULTS Overall, 85 pts (median age, 64.0 y) were treated with ELRA. The majority (72.9%) of pts had R-ISS stage I/II disease (23.5% with R-ISS stage III); 31.8% had high-risk cytogenetics. Median number of prior lines of therapy was 5.0 (range, 1-12). The median treatment duration was 8.6, 2.9, 1.4, and 3.3 mos, in Part 1, Part 2A DL1, Part 2A DL2, and Part 2B, respectively. Median follow-up for pts overall (n=85), in Part 1 (n=33), Part 2A DL1 (n=12), Part 2A DL2 (n=11), and Part 2B (n=29) was 10.4, 23.3, 16.5, 15.2, and 9.3 mos, respectively. Overall, the ORR was 58.8%. For pts in Part 1, Part 2A DL1, Part 2A DL2, or Part 2B, ORR was 66.7%, 58.3%, 36.4%, and 58.6%, respectively; median DOR was NR (9-mo rate: 86.4%), 10.8 mos (9-mo rate: 80.0%), NR (9-mo rate: 100.0%), and NR (9-mo rate: 84.8%); median PFS was 17.1 (9-mo rate: 62.8%), 11.6 (9-mo rate: 50.9%), 1.6 mos (9-mo rate: 40.0%), and NR (9-mo rate: 57.1%); median OS was NR (9-mo rate: 75.8%), 17.4 mos (9-mo rate: 66.7%), NR (9-mo rate: 60.0%), and NR (9-mo rate: 72.4%), respectively. For pts in Part 1, Part 2A DL1, Part 2A DL2, and Part 2B, grade ≥2 CRS rates during Cycle 1 were 15.2%, 16.7%, 27.3%, and 6.9%, respectively. For pts in Part 1, Part 2A DL1, Part 2A DL2, and Part 2B, CRS rates were 30.3%, 33.3%, 36.4%, and 24.1% after dose 1, 27.3%, 25.0%, 36.4%, and 24.1% after dose 2, 15.2%, 33.3%, 27.3%, and 20.7% after dose 3, 6.1%, 8.3%, 0%, and 3.4% after dose 4, and 6.1%, 16.7%, 9.1%, and 0% after doses ≥5. Recurrent CRS occurred in 18.2%, 33.3%, 18.2%, and 17.2% of pts in Part 1, Part 2A DL1, Part 2A DL2, and Part 2B. The most common (>60%) TEAEs (any grade/grade ≥3) were hematologic TEAEs (Part 1, 75.8%/75.8%; Part 2A DL1, 83.3%/83.3%; Part 2A DL2, 81.8%/81.8%; Part 2B, 79.3%/69.0%), infections (Part 1, 78.8%/48.5%; Part 2A DL1, 83.3%/66.7%; Part 2A DL2, 72.7%/63.6%; Part 2B, 62.1%/37.9%), and CRS (Part 1, 60.6%/0%; Part 2A DL1, 83.3%/0%; Part 2A DL2, 90.9%/9.1%; Part 2B, 48.3%/0%). Grade 5 TEAEs not including PD were infection (n=4), fall (n=1), subdural hematoma (n=1), and food poisoning (n=1). CONCLUSIONS The 4/20 mg step-up priming regimen and alternative dosing schedules in MM-9 resulted in similar efficacy vs the step-up regimen used in the registrational MM-3 study (12/32 mg). Responses were durable with encouraging PFS and OS with the alternative step up and longer dosing schedule. While the overall safety signals with the alternative step up regimen are similar to those seen with MM-3, the CRS profile differed with more CRS events after each subsequent dose and a higher prevalence of recurrent CRS. Thus, the optimal ELRA step-up regimen remains 12/32 mg from the original regimen in the MM-3 study. In addition, these early results suggest that reducing the dose frequency of ELRA may not compromise efficacy.
Evaluation of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) receiving step-up priming doses and longer dosing intervals of elranatamab: MagnetisMM-9.
Sborov, Douglas W. , Ishida, Tadao, Huang, Jeffrey, Iida, Shinsuke , Popat, Rakesh , Pianko, Matthew J. , Ramakrishnan, Aravind , Dabak, Vrushali, Conte, Umberto, Soltantabar, Pooneh , Vandendries, Erik, Pawlyn, Charlotte , Ishida, Tadao , Benjamin, Reuben , Popat, Rakesh , Kuroda, Junya , Schuster, Steven Robert , Lesokhin, Alexander M. , Soltantabar, Pooneh , Hong, Fangxin , Fonseca, Rafaël

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 10, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 7522-7522

10.1200/jco.2024.42.16_suppl.7522 Get It

7522 Background: Elranatamab (ELRA) is a humanized BCMA-CD3 bispecific antibody. In the phase 2 registrational MagnetisMM-3 (MM-3) trial, SC ELRA was given as 2 step-up priming doses (12 mg on C1D1 and 32 mg on C1D4) followed by 76 mg QW in patients (pts) with RRMM. Overall, 56.3% of pts had CRS (grade 2, 14.3%; no grade ≥3). Most events occurred after doses 1 (44.5%), 2 (20.2%), and 3 (5.9%); 0.8% (1 pt) had CRS with doses 4+. Recurrent CRS (>1 event) occurred in 15.1% of pts (Lesokhin Nat Med 2023). Methods: MagnetisMM-9 (MM-9; NCT05014412) is a phase 1/2, open-label, nonrandomized study of ELRA examining an alternative 2-dose step-up priming regimen (4 and 20 mg on C1D1 and C1D4, respectively). Eligible pts had RRMM and were refractory to ≥1 IMiD, ≥1 PI, and ≥1 anti-CD38 antibody. After the priming doses, ELRA 76 mg was given QW for 6 cycles (Part 1) or for 1 cycle followed by 116 or 152 mg Q2W for 5 cycles (Part 2A). The RP2D from Part 2A (152 mg) was evaluated in Part 2B (dose expansion). The rate of grade ≥2 CRS per ASTCT criteria during C1 is the primary endpoint for both parts. Secondary endpoints include evaluation of AEs and PK. Here, we report the overall safety and CRS profile associated with the 4/20 mg priming regimen. Results: For 85 treated pts, median age was 64.0 y; 49.4% were male; 23.5% had EMD; 31.8% had high-risk cytogenetics. Pts had a median of 5.0 (range, 1-12) prior LOTs; 85.9% had triple-class refractory disease. After a median follow-up of 7.4 mo, the most common (>50%) AEs were CRS (63.5%; grade ≥2, 15.3%) and neutropenia (54.1%; all grade ≥2). ICANS occurred in 4.7% of pts (all grade ≤2). The grade ≥2 CRS rate in C1 was 14.1% (90% CI, 8.4-21.9). CRS rates after the first 3 doses are in the the table. For doses 4+, any grade (grade ≥2) CRS was observed in 10.6% (3.5%) of pts overall, 12.1% (3.0%) of pts continuing to receive 76 mg (n=33), 25.0% (0%) of pts receiving 116 mg (n=12), and 5.0% (5.0%) of pts receiving 152 mg (RP2D; n=40). Overall, recurrent CRS was observed in 20.0% of pts. The geometric means (CV%) of free ELRA concentrations 24 h (Cmax-24h) after step-up doses 1 and 2 were 85.64 (48%) and 242.8 (55%). Conclusions: The 4/20 mg step-up priming regimen and alternative dosing schedules resulted in similar safety and incidence of overall and grade ≥2 CRS events vs the regimen used in MM-3 (12/32 mg), with no new safety signals identified. However, the CRS profile in this study differed, with more CRS after doses 2, 3, and 4+ and a higher prevalence of recurrent CRS. The Cmax-24h of free ELRA (CV%) after the priming doses were lower than those in MM-3 (107.4 [47%] and 405.1 [72%], respectively). Thus, the priming regimen used in MM-3 remains the optimal regimen for mitigating CRS. Future analyses of ongoing studies will be used to confirm these results. Clinical trial information: NCT05014412 . [Table: see text]
IgM Multiple Myeloma: Disease Definition, Prognosis, and Differentiation From Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia.
Aspitia, Alvaro Moreno, Kyle, Robert A. , Schuster, Steven Robert , Dispenzieri, Angela , Rajkumar, S. Vincent , Mıkhael, Joseph

Blood | November 16, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1828-1828

10.1182/blood.v114.22.1828.1828 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1828 Poster Board I-854 Background IgM Multiple Myeloma (MM) and Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM) are two hematologic diagnoses with the common variable of an IgM monoclonal gammopathy. Distinguishing these two diagnoses is critical as the approach to therapy is different. A study by Avet-Loiseau et al demonstrated the presence of t(11;14) translocations in 7 of 8 patients with IgM MM that was absent in all of a series of 17 cases of WM (Semin Oncol 2003 30:2;153). However, 6 of the 8 IgM MM cases lacked classic lytic lesions. Method A priori, based on the literature and the natural history of MM, we defined IgM MM as a symptomatic clonal plasma cell proliferative disorder characterized by a serum IgM monoclonal protein (regardless of size) plus presence of t(11;14) on fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and/or lytic bone lesions felt to be related to the underlying plasma cell disorder. The cases for the study were screened by a computerized database search for ‘IgM’ and ‘Myeloma’ of all patients seen at Mayo Clinic in the last 30 years at all three sites (Rochester, Arizona and Florida). Patients identified on the computerized screen were then audited by chart review to identify the study cohort. Results 38 cases were identified on initial screen of the computerized database as potential patients with IgM MM. Of these, a total of 22 cases met our specific definition of IgM myeloma (t(11;14 and/or lytic lesions). Of the remaining 16 cases, 8 were IgM MGUS, 5 were WM based on clinical presentation (hyperviscosity, lymphadenopathy and organomegaly) and biopsy findings of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, 1 was excluded due to lack of information, and the remaining 2 patients were indeed considered to have clinical IgM MM. Interestingly, these two patients did not have either the t(11;14) or lytic lesions, but rather had immunophenotypic features suggestive of MM and not WM (CD138+, CD20-). Table 1 summarizes the clinical characteristics of the 22 patients who met our criteria for IgM MM. All 22 patients had lytic bone lesions. Of the 17 evaluated with FISH, 6 (35%) demonstrated the t(11;14) abnormality. Median overall survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 37 months represented in Figure 1. Conclusion IgM MM is a discrete clinical entity that can and should be distinguished from WM. Our definition of IgM MM is designed to be specific and requires the presence of a symptomatic IgM secreting plasma cell proliferative disorder plus presence of t(11;14) and/or lytic bone lesions felt related to the underlying plasma cell disorder. In this, the largest series of patients with IgM MM, the t(11;14) abnormality is very specific for IgM MM, but may not be sensitive, being present in approximately 1/3 of patients. The median overall survival is similar to non-IgM myeloma patients treated during this period, and much shorter than what would be expected for WM. The minority of symptomatic patients with IgM monoclonal gammopathy who do not meet this criteria, but have immunophenotypic features more suggestive of MM rather than WM need further study. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Cereblon Expression Is Required for the Anti-Myeloma Activity of Lenalidomide and Pomalidomide
Zhu, Yuan Xiao , Schmidt, Jessica, Bruins, Laura A., Bjorklund, Chad C. , Stewart, A. Keith, Braggio, Esteban , Shi, Chang-Xin , Schuster, Steven Robert , Fonseca, Rafaël , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Orlowski, Robert Z.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 127-127

10.1182/blood.v118.21.127.127 Get It

Abstract Abstract 127 The precise molecular mechanism of action and targets through which thalidomide and related immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) exert their anti-tumor effects remains unclear. A landmark paper has recently identified cereblon (CRBN) as a primary target of thalidomide teratogenicity. We hypothesized that this protein would also be required for myeloma (MM) cytotoxicity. To examine this issue we first tested 12 MM cell lines: 4 of which (OCIMY5, OPM1, SKMM2 and KMS12 PE) were very resistant to treatment with both lenalidomide and pomalidomide. Of these, OCIMY5 and OPM1 showed CRBN gene expression levels at the bottom 10% across the human MM cell lines. We next used CRBN shRNA lentiviral expression constructs to knock down CRBN in 5 human-derived myeloma cell lines (HMCLs) (KMS18, MM1.S, H929, OPM2 and JJN3). HMCLs infected with CRBN shRNAs have a significant reduction of CRBN expression and subsequent diminished cell viability (reduced 65–78%). Surviving MM cells with CRBN knock down demonstrate an acquired (essentially complete) resistance to lenalidomide when compared with controls but retained sensitivity to melphalan, dexamethasone and bortezomib. Gene expression changes induced by lenalidomide were dramatically suppressed in those CRBN depleted cells, e.g., OPM2 cells only showed 30 down regulated (3% of control) and 150 up-regulated genes (24% of control) after lenalidomide treatment, further emphasizing that CRBN is required for lenalidomide activity. We next compared by array comparative genomic hybridization the differences between MM1.S (lenalidomide sensitive) and its isogenic lenalidomide resistant line (MM1.S res), generated by culturing MM1.S in gradually increasing concentrations of lenalidomide. Only three structural abnormalities were noted differentiating the two lines one of which was deletion of CRBN. In fact the baseline MM1.S cell line has a minor population of 9% of cells with CRBN depletion which becomes dominant after lenalidomide treatment. However, further scrutiny of CRBN status in additional HMCLs and MM patients (irrespective of therapy and stage) suggested that copy-number abnormalities affecting this gene are uncommon events in MM, with 12% of HMCLs (7 out of 60) and only 1.2% of MM patients (3 out of 238) showing CRBN monoallelic deletion. Next, we examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) ten MM patients who had become resistant to lenalidomide therapy. CRBN expression level by Q-PCR in 8 of 10 patient samples had a significant reduction (20% to 90% reduction compared to baseline) at time of drug resistance, suggesting CRBN expression as a potential biomarker to predict IMiD response. Notably however some clearly resistant patients have normal CRBN, demonstrating that while CRBN is absolutely required for response, multiple resistance mechanisms are likely present. By gene and protein expression downstream targets of CRBN were examined and included interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) previously reported to also be a target of lenalidomide. In summary, we demonstrate here that CRBN is essential for IMiD activity and preliminary data support that low levels of CRBN predict for poor drug response. In addition, our data suggest that CRBN is a critical molecule but not the unique source of IMiD resistance. We suggest that the “IMiDs” be renamed Cereblon binding small molecules to more accurately reflect their mechanism of action. Disclosures: Orlowski: Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.
The Combination of Cyclophosphamide-Bortezomib-Dexamethasone (CYBOR-D) Is a Highly Effective and Well Tolerated Regimen that Produces Rapid and Complete Hematological Response In Patients with AL Amyloidosis
Bello, Nancy, Spong, Jacy, Reeder, Craig B. , Stewart, A. Keith, Mıkhael, Joseph , Schuster, Steven Robert , Jimenez-Zepeda, Victor Hugo , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Fonseca, Rafaël

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3063-3063

10.1182/blood.v116.21.3063.3063 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3063 Background: The combination of Cyclophosphamide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (CYBOR-D) is proven to be highly active and effective in multiple myeloma. (Reeder, Leukemia 2009) We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this regimen in a separate plasma cell neoplasm, AL Amyloidosis. The primary endpoint of this study is hematologic response. Complete hematologic response is defined as normalization of the free light chain ratio with no evidence of a monoclonal protein by immunofixation. Partial hematologic response is defined as a 50% reduction in M-spike or absolute light chain level (Gertz Am J Heme 2006). Methods: We report a series of patients with symptomatic AL Amyloidosis who received treatment with a combination of Bortezomib (1.3mg/m2 on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 every 28 days or 1.5 mg/m2 weekly), Cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2 orally weekly) and Dexamethasone (40 mg weekly). We include patients in this study regardless of autologous bone marrow transplant candidacy or previous treatment history. Results: Fifteen patients with AL amyloidosis received two to six cycles of CYBOR-D. The treatment history, bone marrow transplant candidacy prior to treatment, hematological response, and status of transplant after therapy are shown in table 1. Of note, 8 (53%) had symptomatic cardiac involvement all of whom had elevated levels of both cardiac biomarkers (Troponin T and B-natriuretic peptide). Complete hematological response occurred in 11 patients (73.3%) with partial hematological response in 3 patients (20.0%). One patient (6.6%) did not achieve a partial response but did receive autologous bone marrow transplant after treatment with CYBOR-D. Median time to response was 2 months. Six patients (40%) had objective evidence of kidney response to therapy with a greater than 50% decrease in proteinuria. Conclusions: CYBOR-D produces a rapid and complete hematological response in the majority of patients with AL amyloidosis regardless of previous treatment history or bone marrow transplant candidacy. Overall, it is well tolerated with few side effects that included peripheral neuropathy and infectious complications. Two patients originally determined to be not eligible for transplant improved sufficiently on CYBOR-D to become eligible and then went on to receive autologous bone marrow transplant. The retrospective nature and small sample size limit this study, and prospective, randomized studies are needed to further elucidate the role of this regimen in AL amyloidosis. Disclosures: Stewart: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria. Fonseca:Amgen: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy; Onyx: Research Funding; Otsuka: Consultancy; Medtronic: Consultancy.
Activity of Single Agent Drugs in Phase I and II Trials Best Predicts Future Clinical Utility in Multiple Myeloma
Kortuem, K. Martin, Khan, Meaghan L., Zidich, Kaitlyn E., Jiménez‐Zepeda, Víctor H. , Stewart, Keith, Schuster, Steven Robert , Fonseca, Rafaël

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4034-4034

10.1182/blood.v120.21.4034.4034 Get It

Abstract Abstract 4034 Through literature review we identified 376 pre-clinical studies in which a small molecule or antibody has been demonstrated to be cytotoxic to multiple myeloma (MM) cells either as cell lines, primary tumor samples or in mouse models. Indeed it seems there is no limit to the number of compounds that are cytotoxic to MM cell lines at high enough concentration. Since the pipeline to clinical trials is then large the utility of such assays in predicting future clinical value is debatable. We therefore sought to examine the utility of applying very early Phase I or Phase II trial experiences to predict for future clinical adoption. Using Pubmed, ASCO, ASH, EHA and IMWG abstracts we identified 117 drugs explored as single agents in 211 early stage clinical MM trials between 1961 and 2012 involving 7,166 patients. As definitions have changed over time, our analysis used partial responses (PR) or better as a response. When multiple trials were reported with a single drug, the average and the highest response rate for that agent was identified. Results were considered regardless of whether single or multi center trial, elderly or younger patients, stage of disease, targeted or non targeted therapy. High dose therapies requiring autologous stem cell support (eg. melphalan and etoposide), trials with less then 5 patients (e.g. siltuximab) or trials with concomitant steroid application which obscure single agent activity (e.g. pomalidomide, marizomib or daratumumab) were excluded in the analysis. Results: 17 drugs (14.5%) showed a best result of PR in more than 20% of patients, but when average response across all reported trials is considered, doxorubicin, arsenic trioxide and idarubicin drop out leaving 14 active drugs. Twelve drugs (10.3%) report as a best result PR in 10–20% of patients. 88 drugs (75.2%) reported a PR response in less than 10% of patients, 68 of which (58.1%) had no reported activity. A striking finding of our study is that all drugs approved for, or commonly used in clinical practice (prednisone, dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, melphalan, bendamustine, thalidomide, lenalidomide, bortezomib, carfilzomib) have an average single agent PR response of at least 20%. Pomalidomide, although not approved, meets this threshold in Phase I testing. Older agents including teniposide, fotemustine, paclitaxel, and interferon also appear active by this criteria but have fallen from favor or were never adopted due to perceived toxicity. Of note, a number of newer agents which are in, or which recently completed Phase 3 testing, such MLN9708, elotuzumab, panobinostat, vorinostat or perifosine show little single agent activity. A weakness in this approach is that changes in measurement of response over time might bias the results, especially in favor of older studies. Furthermore, the chance of responding to a new drug has likely slowly declined as therapies have improved and patients have entered such trials at increasingly late stages of disease. It also does not rule out the possibility of synergistic activity or clinical benefit from a cytostatic drug. Nevertheless, our analysis suggests that a cut off of 20% single agent partial response activity averaged across all trials with that agent is highly predictive of future clinical success. If best reported response over 20% is considered no drug except vincristine has yet reached the clinic and has subsequently fallen from favor. Thus only drugs with 20% PR activity are in widespread use and thus this benchmark provides a framework for guiding choice of drugs for late stage clinical testing. Disclosures: Jimenez-Zepeda: MMRF: Research Funding; Jansenn Ortho: Honoraria. Fonseca:Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cylene: Research Funding; Medtronic: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Genzyme: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Lilly: Consultancy; Binding Site: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; AMGEN: Consultancy; Mayo Clinic: Patents & Royalties. Stewart:Millenium: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy.
Cereblon Expression Predicts Response, Progression Free and Overall Survival After Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone Therapy in Multiple Myeloma
Kortuem, K. Martin, Zhu, Yuan Xiao , Shi, Chang‐Xin, Bruins, Laura A., Schmidt, Jessica, Ahmann, Gregory , Kumar, Shaji , LaPlant, Betsy, Laumann, Kristina, Barlogie, Bart , Shaughnessy, John D. , Bergsagel, Leif, Lacy, Martha Q. , Stewart, Keith, Schuster, Steven Robert , Braggio, Esteban , Rajkumar, S. Vincent , Mıkhael, Joseph , Roy, Vivek , Fonseca, Rafaël , Bergsagel, P. Leif

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 194-194

10.1182/blood.v120.21.194.194 Get It

Abstract Abstract 194 Background: Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are key components of treatment for hematologic malignancies, especially multiple myeloma (MM). Recently, we demonstrated that CRBN expression is the major mediator of IMiD action operating at least in part via interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), however the clinical significance of this finding remains unclear. Methods: To better understand clinical impact, we retrospectively reviewed 148 MM patients whose tumor cells were tested for CRBN expression by Gene Expression Profiling (GEP) prior to treatment with an IMiD containing therapy. Results: GEP studies show no significant differences in CRBN expression between MGUS, smoldering MM (SMM), untreated symptomatic MM and normal plasma cells. However, differences were observed between MM cell lines of varying drug sensitivity to IMiDs and between other B-cell Neoplasia (eg low grade lymphoma has higher levels). Within the genetic subtypes of MM, levels were significantly higher for hyperdiploid patients (median 1.26) as opposed to significantly lower levels for TC class D2 (median 0.76) and average for the 4p16 (median 0.97). We next screened the University of Arkansas Medical School (UAMS) GEP database of MM patients treated with combination therapies and did not find significant correlation between CRBN expression and survival in this multi-agent regimen. We then focused on patients that received only single agent IMiD therapy with low dose dexamethasone. Review of the twelve lowest expressing patients demonstrated a lack of response to IMiDs in any patient. Finally we analyzed 53 relapsed or relapsed/refractory patients treated homogeneously in a study with pomalidomide 2–4mg daily and weekly dexamethasone 40mg. CRBN levels were assessed prior to therapy initiation. Response rates varied significantly based on gene expression level. The percentage of patients that demonstrated at least a partial response was 0% for CRBN <0.81, 19% for CRBN expression of 0.81–0.90, and 33% for CBN expression >0.9. Significant differences in PFS (3.0 months vs. 8.9 months, p = 0.0006) and in OS (9.1 months vs. 27.2 months, p = 0.01) were observed when the lowest quartile of CRBN expression was compared to the top three quartiles. Values used for the cut offs are as follows: (25%: 0.889687; 50%: 1.026542, 75%: 1.211133). While this study demonstrates a positive correlation between CRBN expression and response to pomalidomide and dexamethasone, an important caveat with respect to PFS and OS is that CRBN mRNA level is primarily a reflection of the number of copies of CRBN. Since focal deletions are uncommon, this mostly reflects chromosome 3p copy number. Since trisomy 3 is common in hyperdiploid, good prognosis disease, CRBN not only is required for IMiD function but higher levels also serve as a surrogate for low risk disease. Optimal gene expression cut offs for survival were determined using the Contal and O'Quigley method. The optimal cut point for PFS was 1.18443 and for OS was 1.17816. Conclusion: In summary, this study demonstrates, for the first time, a clinical correlation between CRBN expression and response to IMiD and dexamethasone therapy. CRBN expression is also predictive of survival outcomes and when quantified prior to therapy could potentially be utilized as a predictive biomarker for response to an IMiD based treatment. Disclosures: Stewart: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria.
A surprising cause of masses in the chest
Cherington, Chad, Kundranda, Madappa N. , Valdez, Riccardo, Northfelt, Donald W. , Schuster, Steven Robert , Mesa, Ruben A.

American Journal of Hematology | September 27, 2012 | Volume: 88 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 518-521

10.1002/ajh.23343 Get It

Clinical Utility of Gene Expression Profiling Data for Clinical Decision-Making Regarding Adjuvant Therapy in Early Stage, Node-Negative Breast Cancer: A Case Report
Pockaj, Barbara A. , Bothe, Mary R., David, Paru S., Northfelt, Donald W. , Schuster, Steven Robert

Journal of Personalized Medicine | September 10, 2012 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 71-76

10.3390/jpm2030071 Get It

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in the United States with the second highest incidence of cancer-related death following lung cancer. The decision-making process regarding adjuvant therapy is a time intensive dialogue between the patient and her oncologist. There are multiple tools that help individualize the treatment options for a patient. Population-based analysis with Adjuvant! Online and genomic profiling with Oncotype DX are two commonly used tools in patients with early stage, node-negative breast cancer. This case report illustrates a situation in which the population-based prognostic and predictive information differed dramatically from that obtained from genomic profiling and affected the patient’s decision. In light of this case, we discuss the benefits and limitations of these tools.
Cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone (CyBorD) produces rapid and complete hematologic response in patients with AL amyloidosis
Jiménez‐Zepeda, Víctor H. , Bello, Nancy, Spong, Jacy, Reeder, Craig B. , Stewart, A. Keith, Bergsagel, P. Leif , Fonseca, Rafaël , Mıkhael, Joseph , Schuster, Steven Robert , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Fonseca, Rafael

Blood | February 13, 2012 | Volume: 119 | Issue: 19 | Pages: 4391-4394

10.1182/blood-2011-11-390930 Get It

Abstract Cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (CyBorD) is highly effective in multiple myeloma. We treated patients with light chain amyloidosis (AL) before stem cell transplantation (ASCT), instead of ASCT in ineligible patients or as salvage. Treatment was a combination of bortezomib (1.5 mg/m2 weekly), cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2 orally weekly), and dexamethasone (40 mg weekly). Seventeen patients received 2 to 6 cycles of CyBorD. Ten (58%) had symptomatic cardiac involvement, and 14 (82%) had 2 or more organs involved. Response occurred in 16 (94%), with 71% achieving complete hematologic response and 24% a partial response. Time to response was 2 months. Three patients originally not eligible for ASCT became eligible. CyBorD produces rapid and complete hematologic responses in the majority of patients with AL regardless of previous treatment or ASCT candidacy. It is well tolerated with few side effects. CyBorD warrants continued investigation as treatment for AL.