Back to Authors

Kim, Haesook T.

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4889-6849

Mayo Clinic

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Citations 12

The MAGIC algorithm probability predicts treatment response and long-term outcomes to second-line therapy for acute GVHD
DeFilipp, Zachariah , Spyrou, Nikolaos , Katsivelos, Nikolaos , Kowalyk, Steven, Eng, Gilbert, Kasikis, Stelios, Beheshti, Rahnuma, Baez, Janna , Akahoshi, Yu , Ayuk, Francis, Choe, Hannah , Etra, Aaron , Vášová, Ingrid, Young, Rachel , Holler, Ernst , Ferrara, James L.M. , Nakamura, Ryotaro , Chen, Yi‐Bin , Katsivelos, Nikolaos , Akahoshi, Yu , Hexner, Elizabeth , Hogan, William J , Qayed, Muna , Reshef, Ran , Nakamura, Ryotaro , Levine, John E , Chen, Yi-Bin , Kim, Haesook T. , Grupp, Stephan A. , Hexner, Elizabeth O. , Hogan, William J. , Kitko, Carrie L. , Reshef, Ran , Zeiser, Robert , Levine, John E.

Blood Advances | June 28, 2024 | Volume: 8 | Issue: 13 | Pages: 3488-3496

10.1182/bloodadvances.2024012561 Get It

Abstract The significance of biomarkers in second-line treatment for acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) has not been well characterized. We analyzed clinical data and serum samples at the initiation of second-line systemic treatment of acute GVHD from 167 patients from 17 centers of the Mount Sinai Acute GVHD International Consortium (MAGIC) between 2016 and 2021. Sixty-two patients received ruxolitinib-based therapy, whereas 102 received other systemic agents. In agreement with prospective trials, ruxolitinib resulted in a higher day 28 (D28) overall response Frate than nonruxolitinib therapies (55% vs 31%, P = .003) and patients who received ruxolitinib had significantly lower nonrelapse mortality (NRM) than those who received nonruxolitinib therapies (point estimates at 2-year: 35% vs 61%, P = .002). Biomarker analyses demonstrated that the benefit from ruxolitinib was observed only in patients with low MAGIC algorithm probabilities (MAPs) at the start of second-line treatment. Among patients with a low MAP, those who received ruxolitinib experienced significantly lower NRM than those who received nonruxolitinib therapies (point estimates at 2-year: 12% vs 41%, P = .016). However, patients with high MAP experienced high NRM regardless of treatment with ruxolitinib or nonruxolitinib therapies (point estimates at 2-year: 67% vs 80%, P = .65). A landmark analysis demonstrated that the relationship between the D28 response and NRM largely depends on the MAP level at the initiation of second-line therapy. In conclusion, MAP measured at second-line systemic treatment for acute GVHD predicts treatment response and NRM. The outcomes of patients with high MAP are poor regardless of treatment choice, and ruxolitinib appears to primarily benefit patients with low MAP.
The MAGIC Algorithm Probability Predicts Long-Term Outcomes and Treatment Response to Second-Line Therapy for Acute Gvhd
DeFilipp, Zachariah , Spyrou, Nikolaos , Kowalyk, Steven, Eng, Gilbert, Beheshti, Rahnuma, Baez, Janna , Ayuk, Francis , Choe, Hannah , Etra, Aaron , Vášová, Ingrid, Young, Rachel , Ferrara, James L.M. , Nakamura, Ryotaro , Chen, Yi‐Bin , Kim, Haesook T. , Grupp, Stephan A. , Hexner, Elizabeth O. , Hogan, William J. , Kitko, Carrie L. , Qayed, Muna , Reshef, Ran , Zeiser, Robert , Levine, John E.

Blood | December 1, 2023 | Volume: 142 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3576-3576

10.1182/blood-2023-182300 Get It

Introduction: Risk stratification approaches using clinical criteria or biomarkers in acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) have traditionally been implemented at diagnosis or initiation systemic treatment with corticosteroids. For patients who require second-line treatment, the significance of biomarkers at salvage therapy and the relationship between biomarker risk and choice of therapy are unknown. Methods: We studied adult patients who received second-line treatment for acute GVHD between January 2016 and December 2021 in the Mount Sinai Acute GVHD Consortium (MAGIC) database, which collects clinical data and longitudinal serum samples from allogeneic HCT recipients using a rigorous PRoBE study design. Exclusion criteria included relapse of underlying malignant disease prior to second-line therapy, missing response data, or missing serum sample. Serum samples collected from 7 days prior to 3 days after initiation of second-line therapy met criteria for biomarker analysis. The MAGIC algorithm probability (MAP) was calculated as a single value based on concentrations of ST2 and REG3α and was stratified at a threshold of 0.290 to define high MAP and low MAP groups. The primary objective evaluated the association between MAP and survival for patients receiving second-line therapy for acute GVHD. The key secondary objective was to investigate the MAP and choice of second-line systemic agent on Day 28 overall response rate (ORR) and survival. Results: In total, 316 adult patients received second-line treatment for acute GVHD; 149 patients (47%) were excluded for disease relapse (n=27), missing response data (n=48), or missing sample (n=74).Of the 167 evaluable patients, most had steroid-refractory acute GVHD (n=146, 87%), rather than steroid-dependent (n=8, 5%) or steroid-sensitive (n=14, 8%) disease. 62 patients received ruxolitinib while 102 received other systemic agents (best available therapy: BAT). Baseline clinical characteristics of the study population according to treatment choice were similar, except for donor type (Rux: MRD 15%, MUD 74%, haplo 11%; BAT: MRD 30%, MUD 67%, haplo 3%; P=0.014) and median days from corticosteroids to second-line treatment (Rux: 18, BAT: 12; P=0.02).In total, 81 patients had high MAPs and 86 patients had low MAPs, with similar distribution in each treatment cohort (P=0.53). For the entire cohort, the median follow-up for survivors was 22 months (range, 1.5-27).The MAP separated patients into 2 groups (high vs low) with significantly different mortality (NRM at 2 years, 76% vs 29%, P<.0001) and survival (OS at 2 years, 12% vs 63%, P<.0001). Patients who received ruxolitinib as second-line therapy had lower mortality (NRM at 2 years, 35% vs 60%, P<.002) and improved survival (OS at 2 years, 51% vs 32%, P<.008), compared to those who received other systemic agents. However, the outcomes of patients with high MAP were poor, regardless of second-line treatment choice ( Figure 1A). The MAP (low vs high), time from corticosteroids to second-line treatment (≥14 days vs < 14 days), GVHD grade at second-line (0-2 vs 3-4), and choice of second-line therapy (Rux vs BAT) were all significant (P<0.05) predictors of lower NRM and higher OS in multivariate analysis. The MAP also separated patients into 2 groups with significantly different D28 ORR (low: 49%, high: 30%, P<.0001). In agreement with prospective trials, ruxolitinib resulted in higher D28 response rates compared to other systemic therapies (ORR 54.9% vs 30.5%, P=0.005), which was observed in both low MAP (ORR, 64.5% vs 38.5%, P=0.017) and high MAP cohorts (ORR, 42.9% vs 22.6%, P=0.06) ( Figure 1B). The MAP (low vs high), GVHD grade at second line (0-2 vs 3-4), and choice of second-line therapy (Rux vs BAT) were significant predictors (P<0.05) of higher D28 ORR in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The MAP measured at the initiation of second-line systemic treatment for acute GVHD predicts NRM and OS, as well as treatment response. The outcomes of patients with high MAP are poor, regardless of second-line treatment choice, and the higher CR rate in low MAP patients may drive higher survival rates. Incorporation of MAP into clinical trials in this setting warrants investigation. The results also support the current use of ruxolitinib as second-line treatment for acute GVHD, particularly in patients with low MAP.
Predictors of Clinical Outcome to Pentostatin, Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab (PCR) Followed by Campath for Relapsed/Refractory CLL – A Study of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, E2903.
Kempin, Sanford, Secreto, Charla, Knox, Traci R., Tschumper, Renee C. , Jelinek, Diane F., Smoley, Stephanie A., VanDyke, Daniel L., Tallman, Martin S. , Kay, Neil E. , Kim, Haesook T. , Saltzman, Joel , Rosen, Steven T. , Kahl, Brad S.

Blood | April 18, 2020 | Volume: 112 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1057-1057

10.1182/blood.v112.11.1057.1057 Get It

Abstract Background: This is an initial report of a correlative laboratory study of an ECOG clinical trial, E2903, to investigate an array of prognostic factors that are potentially associated with the clinical outcome in previously treated, high risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) patients. The ultimate goal of this study is to develop a prognostic model for this group of patients. Method: We have previously reported (ASH, 2007) on initial clinical and toxicity results using a combination of PCR followed by Campath. To date we have clinical response data on 37 patients and have conducted correlative prognostic factor analysis on these patients at entry to the study. The prognostic parameters assessed were fluorescence interphase hybridization (FISH) panel, CD38, ZAP-70 and IGVH (mutated vs. unmutated) status and plasma levels of pro- and anti-angiogenic cytokines. In addition, features such as clinical stage, age, sex and laboratory parameters including total white blood count, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and beta 2 microglobulin (b2m) were studied as predictors of response to PCR. Results: As of July 2008, the response data for the first 41 (the accrual goal is 110) patients who started the induction treatment are available. Of these 41, 3 patients are ineligible and one patient had no response data. The median age was 63 (range 51–76) with 29 males and 8 females, median b2m was 4 (range 2–28), 11 (31%) were Rai stage 0–2, and 26 (69%) were Rai 3–4. The median number of prior treatments was 2 (range 1–5); 15 of 23 (65%) patients tested for IGVH were unmutated, while on FISH analysis 4 had del 6q, 8 had del 11q, 4 had del 17p and 30 patients had complex FISH defects (>1 defect). Despite the prevalence of high risk features in this cohort of patients, 17 out of 37 responded (best response=partial response), 18 were stable and 2 had progressive disease with an overall response rate of 46%. Prognostic parameters most strongly associated with a clinical response included CD38 negative (p=0.008), ZAP-70 negative status (p=0.01) and mutated status (p=0.03). Responses were independent of age, sex, b2m, ALC, number of prior therapy or FISH defects. Responders showed a prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the PFS of non-responders (i.e., 2-yr PFS 29% vs. 0%, respectively, p<0.0001). Prognostic parameters most strongly associated with PFS included being both ZAP-70 negative (p=0.0009) and CD38 negative (p=0.004). Also, ZAP-70 negative and CD38 negative status was a strong predictor of favorable PFS (p=0.002). Mutated status was borderline significant (p=0.07) in univariate analysis and there was no obvious correlation of baseline angiogenic cytokine plasma levels with PFS. These results also hold in a multivariable Cox model. In the Cox model, mutated status was significantly associated with PFS (HR=0.2, p=0.01). Conclusion: We believe that the PCR regimen is highly effective at inducing responses in previously treated relapsed or refractory CLL patients who carry high risk prognostic markers. Thus, while no CRs were seen all but 2 patients had a PR or were stable after 6 cycles of PCR. The prognostic parameters most strongly associated with predictors of clinical outcome appear to be ZAP-70, CD38 and mutation status. The ability to attain a response also appears to be important for achieving a prolonged PFS. In summary, we believe that the strong clinical activity of PCR in a high risk group of CLL patients provides more evidence for pursuing the regimen as a platform for other combinations. In addition, we have generated a first level prognostic model that will continue to be refined as we proceed to complete this trial.
Immunosuppression Taper to Induce Graft-Verus-Tumor Activity As the Sole Therapy for Early Relapse after Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Kekre, Natasha , Thanarajasingam, Gita , Armand, Philippe , Antin, Joseph H. , Nikiforow, Sarah , Ho, Vincent T. , Alyea, Edwin P. , Koreth, John , Soiffer, Robert J. , Kim, Haesook T. , Cutler, Corey S.

Blood | November 17, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2504-2504

10.1182/blood.v124.21.2504.2504 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Relapse is the primary cause of death after reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Documented responses have been reported after combination chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents, donor lymphocyte infusions, and second transplants. For patients with early relapse after RIC HCT while still on immunosuppression (IS), IS taper alone may induce significant graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity. We describe the clinical characteristics and subsequent course of 48 patients with disease recurrence that responsed to IS taper alone without any additional chemotherapy, radiation, or donor lymphocyte infusion. Methods: We reviewed medical records of all patients with frank histologic or radiographic evidence of relapse (n=477) and those with impending relapse defined by development of cytopenias with a fall in donor derived hematopoietic cell chimerism (n=87) within one year of allogeneic RIC HCT who were on IS at time of relapse between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013 at Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital. Complete response after IS taper was defined as complete recovery of peripheral blood counts, bone marrow biopsy with absence of disease, negative radiologic imaging, or chimerism recovery to above 90 percent. Partial response was defined as improvement in disease burden in bone marrow or by imaging. Survival probabilities were calculated using the Kaplan Meier method. Results: Forty-eight patients (37 male, 11 female) who relapsed within one year of HCT responded to IS taper alone. Of these, 14 had impending relapse and 34 had frank relapse at time of IS taper. The median age of patients was 62 years at time of transplant. The most frequent indication for transplant was MDS (n=14) followed by AML (n=11), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n=8), CLL (n=6), Hodgkin's disease (n=4), CML (n=3) and multiple myeloma (n= 2). At time of transplant, 9 patients had standard risk disease and 39 had high risk disease. All patients except one underwent conditioning with busulfan (≤ 6.4 mg/kg) and fludarabine. Five patients had graft versus host disease (GVHD) prior to relapse. The median time to frank or impending relapse was 105 days (range 57-360) after HCT. The median interval between starting and completing IS taper was 30 days (range 0-251), but 13 patients could not come off IS completely due to GVHD. The median time to documented response after initiation of IS taper was 77 days (range 14-189). Thirty-five patients had a complete response and the remaining 13 patients had a partial response. Nine patients subsequently relapsed late after initial response to IS taper at a median time of 2.38 years (range 0.88-3.95). Forty-five of the 48 patients developed or had a flare of previous GVHD as a consequence of IS taper. Of these, 26 patients had grade II-IV acute GVHD and 19 had chronic GVHD. The median time to developing GVHD after starting IS taper was 39 days (range 7-261 days). Twenty-five patients died during follow-up (10 from GVHD, 6 from disease, 7 from infection, 1 from congestive heart failure and 1 unknown). The median follow-up time among survivors was 4 years (range 1.6, 9.4). The median overall survival (OS) time from IS taper was 4.78 years (95% CI 2.93-7.35, see figure). The 4 year overall survival was 56%. There was no difference in survival for those with frank or impending relapse. Conclusion: Immunosuppression taper alone in patients who relapse early after RIC HCT can produce durable remissions but is almost always associated with development of GVHD. Understanding the clinical, molecular and immunologic characteristics of underlying disease will allow us to better predict who will respond to this manipulation. When feasible, this strategy should be given sufficient time to allow for a GVT response to develop in order to possibly avoid the adverse effects of more aggressive therapies. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
MicroRNA Expression Profiling of CLL B Cells From Relapsed/Refractory CLL Patients Reveals a Signature Group of Genes That Are Associated with Clinical Responses: Results of An ECOG Trial E2903.
Jelinek, Diane F., Kempin, Sanford, Tallman, Martin S. , Kay, Neil E. , Kim, Haesook T. , Volinia, Stefano , Croce, Carlo Maria

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4377-4377

10.1182/blood.v114.22.4377.4377 Get It

Abstract Abstract 4377 Introduction MicroRNA (miRNA) profiling in CLL has revealed a leukemia specific gene signature in CLL patients. Our earlier work found a unique signature of 13 deregulated microRNAs from 190 previously untreated CLL patients. This signature included some of the most frequently deregulated miRNAs in different types of hematological malignancies (miRNA-15-a/16-1, miRNA-29 family, miRNA-155, miRNA-221) and correlation with CLL prognostic factors (ZAP-70 expression and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGVH) mutations). Since these miRNAs have both diagnostic and prognostic implications, we wished to extend our observations to a cohort of relapsed/refractory CLL patients entered on the ECOG trial E2903. This trial is a chemoimmunotherapy protocol that uses 6 cycles of pentostatin, cyclophosphamide and rituximab to induce responses followed by consolidation with Alemtuzumab. Methods To assess miRNA status, we used our previously described method which employs a bead-based profiling that interrogates 649 microRNA genes. We used the Trizol extracted RNA from the CLL B-cells of 33 patients entered onto the E2903 clinical trial. All patients were also characterized by determining their CD38, ZAP-70, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and IGVH status. All microRNA and prognostic parameters were done on baseline CLL B-cells obtained from the patients prior to going on study. Results The demographics of this CLL patient population included 28 males with median age of 61 (range; 47-76), 1 Rai stage 3 and 24 Rai stage 4. The median number of prior treatments was 2 (range;1-5). To date with PCR treatment only assessed, there were 15 partial responses (PR), 15 stable disease, and 3 unevaluable patients. Because of a batch effect, we restricted our analysis in this report to only 24 patients. We decided to initially compare the microRNA profiles for CLL patients segregated on the following; responders (CR/PR) vs. non responders (SD or less), ZAP-70+ vs. ZAP-70- (20 % cutoff), CD38+ vs. CD38– (30% cutoff), Low-risk FISH (normal, 13q- or trisomy 12) vs. High-Risk FISH (17p- or 11q- or complex) and age '65 vs. ≥ 65. In addition, we did combine some of the prognostic parameters or responses together for comparison of microRNA status (ZAP-70 with either response, IGVH status, or CD38 status). This analysis revealed a set of 10 microRNA genes with a median false discovery rate of 20% that were aberrantly expressed when we compared the ZAP-70- responders to the ZAP-70+ non-responders. In addition, we found 15 differentially expressed miRNAs when we compared ZAP-70- to ZAP-70+ cohorts. We then evaluated the association of the 15 genes found in the ZAP-70 comparison with the overall survival and progression free survival (PFS). We found that miR-625* was significantly associated with PFS (p=0.01). The expression level of miR-625* was more than 2-fold increased in ZAP-70- compared to ZAP-70+. miR-625*, located at 14q23.3, has more than 60 putative target genes, including nuclear and cell cycle, and cell adhesion targets. Conclusion Interrogation of the genes that are impacted by the deregulated miRNAs uncovered in our analysis of this previously treated CLL cohort may provide valuable information regarding the mechanism of resistance commonly seen in this cohort of heavily pretreated CLL patients. Disclosures: Kay: Genentech, Celgene, Hospira, Polyphenon Pharma, Sanofi-Aventis: Research Funding; Biogenc-Idec, Celgene, Genentech, genmab: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Safety and Efficacy of Allogeneic Hematopoetic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) after Treatment with Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) Inhibitors
Ansell, Stephen M. , Ho, Vincent T., Antin, Joseph H. , Soiffer, Robert J. , Armand, Philippe , Merryman, Reid W. , Kim, Haesook T. , Zinzani, Pier Luigi , Carlo‐Stella, Carmelo , Halwani, Ahmad , Perales, Miguel‐Angel , Ritz, Jerome

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 2018-2018

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2018.2018 Get It

Abstract Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies have shown promising results in several hematologic malignancies. As a result, these agents are being tested in a growing number of clinical trials across multiple diseases and settings. Many participants in these trials will at some point become candidates for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT); however, the safety and efficacy of HSCT may differ in patients previously exposed to PD-1 inhibitors given their immunomodulatory mechanism and long tissue half-life. Specifically, residual PD-1 inhibition post-HSCT could enhance allogeneic T-cell responses, which could augment the graft-vs-tumor (GVT) effect but also increase the incidence, severity or manifestations of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) and other immune complications of HSCT. To report our experience in this setting, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of patients who had received a PD-1 inhibitor prior to HSCT. Between 2013 and 2015, 19 patients who previously participated in clinical trials with either pembrolizumab or nivolumab (administered in combination with ipilimumab in 1 patient) were transplanted at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Median age at HSCT was 32 (range 22-67). Histologies included HL (n=11), DLBCL (n=2), FL (n=2), PMBCL (n=2), EATL (n=1), and MCL (n=1). Patients had received a median of 4 (2-8) lines of therapy prior to PD-1 blockade. 79% of patients had received a previous autologous stem cell transplant (21% as part of planned tandem procedure). Patients received a median of 8 (3-20) cycles of a PD-1 inhibitor; 74% had intervening salvage therapy between PD-1 blockade and HSCT, and transplant occurred a median of 130 (range 7-260) days after the last dose of PD-1 inhibitor. At HSCT, 63% of the patients were in CR and 16% had refractory disease. All patients received reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). 5 (26%) received marrow grafts from haploidentical sibling donors; the remaining 14 received peripheral blood stem cells, 5 from a matched sibling, 7 from a matched, 1 from a unidirectional host-versus-graft and 1 from a bidirectional mismatched unrelated donor. 3 cases of veno-occlusive disease (VOD) (16% of patients) were observed, one of them fatal. The 180-day cumulative incidences of grade 2-4 and grade 3-4 acute GVHD were 32% and 11%, respectively, and the 1-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 30%. There were 4 treatment-related deaths, (1 from VOD, 3 from severe acute GVHD occurring within 14 days of HSCT). In addition, 6 patients developed a febrile syndrome with elevated transaminases (n=3), rash (n= 4), and arthralgias (n=1) shortly after transplant, which required prolonged courses of steroids. Only 3 patients relapsed. After a median follow-up of 10 (3-23) months for survivors, the 1-year overall (OS) and progression-free survivals (PFS) were 78% (95CI, 52-91) and 67% (95CI, 41-84), respectively (Figure). The 1-year cumulative incidences of relapse and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were 11% (95CI, 2-30) and 22% (95CI, 6-43), respectively. In conclusion, HSCT is feasible in patients previously treated with PD-1 inhibitors, with acceptable PFS and OS. Despite the heterogeneous patient population, small sample size, and limited follow-up to date, our results raise the possibility of important differences in the post-HSCT course of those patients. First, the relapse rate compares favorably to that expected for this cohort (1-year expected relapse rate based on Disease Risk Index mix 28%). Although this finding is at best suggestive given the sample size and follow-up time, it could reflect accentuation of GVT by prior PD-1 blockade. We also observed a high rate of severe complications including fatal early acute GVHD and VOD, with a higher NRM than expected in a RIC HSCT population. Furthermore, we noted the frequent occurrence of a steroid-responsive febrile syndrome. These possible effects of prior PD-1 blockade (including GVHD, VOD, febrile syndrome) did not appear related to the time from PD-1 treatment to HSCT, and were not reduced by intervening treatment before HSCT. As we accumulate experience with HSCT after PD-1 blockade, our early results may be relevant when considering the decision to proceed to HSCT and for the choice of transplantation strategies. We are presently expanding this analysis through a multi-center international collaborative study. Updated results will be presented at the meeting. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Zinzani: Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; J&J: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Perales:Takeda: Honoraria; Astellas: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; NMDP: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Soiffer:Gentium SpA/Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Armand:Sequenta, Inc.: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Infinity: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding.
Outcome and Prognostic Factors for Patients Who Relapse After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation.
Thanarajasingam, Gita , Ho, Vincent T. , Koreth, John , Alyea, Edwin P. , Antin, Joseph H. , Soiffer, Robert J. , Armand, Philippe , Kim, Haesook T. , Cutler, Corey S.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3069-3069

10.1182/blood.v120.21.3069.3069 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3069 Disease relapse remains a major obstacle to the success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for patients with hematologic malignancies (HM), and the principal cause of failure after reduced intensity conditioning HSCT. Much work has focused on identifying the risk factors for relapse and devising strategies for its prevention, but comparatively little is known about the outcome of patients who relapse and the relevant prognostic factors in this setting. We conducted a retrospective study of 1080 consecutive adult patients with HM transplanted at our institution between 2004 and 2008. 351 (33%) relapsed at a median of 4.5 months after HSCT. The 4-year post-relapse overall survival (pr-OS) was 15%, with a median post-relapse follow-up of 39 months. Significant risk factors for post-relapse mortality included shorter time to relapse, higher disease risk index1 at HSCT, myeloablative conditioning, and high HCT-CI2 at HSCT. While being on immunosuppression at the time of relapse did not significantly affect outcome in multivariable models, a history of acute or chronic graft-versus host disease (GVHD) prior to relapse conferred a higher risk for death after relapse. Based on those 5 factors and their hazard ratio for mortality in the Cox models, we constructed a simple risk score that stratified patients into 4 groups, with 4-year pr-OS ranging from 64% in patients with fewer than 3 points (13% of the cohort, among whom over one third had myeloid diseases) to 0% in those with greater than 6 points (p<0.0001) (Figure). This score performed similarly in a historical validation cohort of 276 relapsed patients who were transplanted between 1998 and 2003. An analysis of the impact of post-relapse treatment on outcome showed that immune manipulation, through either donor lymphocyte infusion or repeat HSCT, was associated with significantly better pr-OS (4-year pr-OS 28% versus 9%, p<0.0001). Even though this likely reflects in part selection bias, the difference remained significant in models that accounted for other post-relapse prognostic factors, in landmark analyses of patients who survived at least 2 months from relapse, and in patients with active GVHD at the time of relapse. The results of this study may aid with prognostication and management of patients who relapse after HSCT, as well as motivate the design of clinical trials aimed at relapse prevention or treatment in the higher-risk groups. Figure. Post-Relapse Overall Survival by risk score. Figure. Post-Relapse Overall Survival by risk score. Risk factors are: Disease Risk Index (0 points for low risk, 1 point for intermediate, 2 points for high or very high)1Time to relapse (0 points for >24 months, 1 point for 6–24 months, 2 points for 3–6 months, 3 points for <3 months)HCT-CI (0 points for index of 0–2, 1 point for index of 3+)2Myeloablative conditioning (1 point)Prior GVHD (1 point) Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A Prospective Randomized Double Blind Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Anti- T Lymphocyte Globulin (ATLG) to Assess Impact on Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease (cGVHD) Free Survival in Patients Undergoing HLA Matched Unrelated Myeloablative Hematopoietic Cell Tra
Soiffer, Robert J. , Horwitz, Mitchell E. , Johnston, Laura, Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Rybka, Witold B. , Porter, David L. , Shea, Thomas C., Boyer, Michael W., Jagasia, Madan , Shaughnessy, Paul , Safah, Hana, Stiff, Patrick J. , Vusirikala, Madhuri , Levine, James D., Pidala, Joseph A. , Lewis, Ian D., Ho, Vincent T. , Alyea, Edwin P. , Glavin, Frank, Westervelt, Peter, Chen, Yi‐Bin , Kim, Haesook T. , McGuirk, Joseph P. , Artz, Andrew , Maziarz, Richard Thomas , Gergis, Usama , Reshef, Ran , DiPersio, John F. , Szer, Jeff , Holter‐Chakrabarty, Jennifer , Martin, Paul J. , Ritz, Jerome

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 505-505

10.1182/blood.v128.22.505.505 Get It

Abstract Background: Chronic GVHD contributes to morbidity and mortality after allogeneic transplantation. Several phase 2 and 3 open label studies suggested that ATLG (formerly referred to as ATG-F) reduces cGVHD without impacting relapse or survival. This report describes the first prospective randomized double blind phase 3 trial to assess the effect of ATLG (Neovii) when added to tacrolimus / methotrexate prophylaxis on cGVHD free survival. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted at 27 sites in the United States and Australia. 260 patients were randomized (132 placebo, 128 ATLG). 6 patients who were randomized never received ATLG/placebo (4 placebo and 2 ATLG). Data presented include the 128 placebo and 126 ATLG patients who underwent treatment and transplant. Patients were ages 18-65 years with a diagnosis of acute myeloid (AML, 64%) or lymphoblastic (ALL, 21%) leukemia in first or subsequent complete remission or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS, 15%) with less than 10% marrow blasts. Median age was 48 years (18-65) with 55% males. All patients received 8/8 HLA (A, B, C, DR) allele matched unrelated products (80% mobilized peripheral blood, 20% bone marrow). Myeloablative conditioning was with cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation (Cy/TBI, 27%), busulfan and cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy, 33%), or busulfan and fludarabine (Bu/Flu, 40%). All patients received tacrolimus starting on Day -1 and standard mtx on days 1, 3, 6, and 11 for GVHD prophylaxis. Patients received ATLG or placebo on Days -3, -2, -1 at an ATLG dose of 20 mg/kg per day (60 mg/kg total). The primary endpoint of the study was moderate/severe chronic GVHD free survival. cGVHD was scored by the investigator and then confirmed or overturned by an independent adjudication committee. Secondary endpoints included engraftment, acute GVHD , moderate/severe cGVHD, non-relapse mortality, GVHD and relapse free survival (GRFS), progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The impact of ATLG on immune reconstitution was assessed in 91 patients. Results: Treatment arms were balanced with respect to age, diagnosis, remission status, cytogenetics, graft source (PB or BM), CMV serostatus and conditioning regimen. Median follow up of survivors was 745 days (61, 1425). Regarding the primary endpoint, there was no difference in 2 year moderate/severe cGVHD free survival between ATLG and placebo (48 vs 44%, p = 0.57), nor was there a difference in GRFS (Table 1). Neutrophil engraftment at Day 30 was less in the ATLG arm (85% vs 95%, p=0.00001). Grade 2 or higher infusion reactions were higher in the ATLG arm (16% vs 2.3%, p=0.0001). Reactivation of CMV was similar (27% vs 31%, p=0.58). The Day 180 cumulative incidence of grades 2-4 acute GVHD was lower in the ATLG arm (23 vs 40%, p = 0.003) as was the 2-year cumulative incidence of moderate/severe cGVHD (12 vs 33%, p = 0.000006). However, both 2-year OS and PFS were lower in ATLG treated patients (58 v 76% and 47 vs 67%, respectively) due in part to a higher incidence of relapse (32 vs 19%, p=0.068). Multivariable models confirmed that ATLG was associated with inferior OS, HR 1.85 (1.1-2.9, p=.0075) and PFS, HR 1.63 (1.1-2.41, p=0.015). We then conducted an unplanned post-hoc analysis and discovered a striking influence of conditioning regimen on outcomes. There were no differences in OS or PFS between ATLG and placebo arms in patients receiving Bu/Cy or Bu/Flu but a dramatic difference in patients receiving Cy/TBI conditioning (OS, 88% vs 48% p =0.006 and PFS, 75 vs 29%, p=0.007 in placebo and ATLG arms, respectively). 91 patients (44 ATLG, 47 placebo) participated in the immune reconstitution study. ATLG treatment was associated with lower CD3, CD4, and CD8 counts at Days 30, 100, and 360, respectively. In turn lower CD3, CD4, and CD8 counts assessed as time dependent variables were all associated with inferior OS and PFS as well as higher NRM (data not shown). Conclusion: In this first ever prospective, randomized, double blind trial of ATLG added to tacrolimus /methotrexate in recipients of matched unrelated donor grafts after myeloablative conditioning, there was no significant difference in 2 year moderate/severe cGVHD free survival or GRFS. ATLG did significantly reduce grades 2-4 acute and moderate/severe chronic GVHD. However, overall survival was higher in the placebo arm, driven mainly by patients who received Cy/TBI conditioning. Further analyses are needed to understand the proper role for ATLG in HCT. Disclosures Soiffer: Juno: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kiadis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Porter:Genentech: Employment; Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Jagasia:Therakos: Consultancy. Szer:Alnylam: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Ra Pharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Ritz:Kiadis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Glavin:Neovii Biotech: Employment. Chen:Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding.
Prognostic Score and Cytogenetic Risk Classification for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients: Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research Report
Ahn, Kwang Woo , Hu, Zhen‐Huan , Volpe, Virginia O. , Antin, Joseph H. , Sorror, Mohamed L. , Press, Oliver W. , Pidala, Joseph, Negrin, Robert S., Uberti, Joseph P., Agura, Edward, Nash, Richard A. , Mehta, Jayesh, Forman, Stephen J. , Langston, Amelia , Hale, Gregory A., Marks, David I. , Ganguly, Sid, Reshef, Ran , Hildebrandt, Gerhard , Inamoto, Yoshihiro , Cahn, Jean‐Yves, Solh, Melhem , Kharfan‐Dabaja, Mohamed A. , Saad, Ayman , Aljurf, Mahmoud , Schouten, Harry C. , Hill, Brian T. , Pawarode, Attaphol , Kindwall‐Keller, Tamila L. , Saba, Nakhle S. , Copelan, Edward A. , Nathan, Sunita , Beitinjaneh, Amer , Černý, Jan , Wirk, Baldeep , Olsson, Richard F. , Bashey, Asad, Sobecks, Ronald , Alyea, Edwin P. , Saber, Wael , Brown, Jennifer R. , Hogan, William, Kharfan-Dabaja, Mohamed A., Saad, Ayman , Press, Oliver , Olsson, Richard F , Reshef, Ran , Kim, Haesook T. , Davids, Matthew S. , Shadman, Mazyar , Hogan, William J. , Devine, Steven M. , McGuirk, Joseph P. , Giralt, Sergio , Perales, Miguel‐Angel , Battiwalla, Minoo , Gale, Robert Peter , Hamadani, Mehdi , Bacher, Ulrike , Lazarus, Hillard M. , Cahn, Jean‐Yves , Ghosh, Nilanjan , Savani, Bipin N. , Grunwald, Michael R. , Yared, Jean A. , Nishihori, Taiga , Chhabra, Saurabh , Gergis, Usama , Popat, Uday R , Sorror, Mohamed

Clinical Cancer Research | June 28, 2019 | Volume: 25 | Issue: 16 | Pages: 5143-5155

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3988 Get It

Abstract Purpose: To develop a prognostic model and cytogenetic risk classification for previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) undergoing reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Experimental Design: We performed a retrospective analysis of outcomes of 606 patients with CLL who underwent RIC allogeneic HCT between 2008 and 2014 reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. Results: On the basis of multivariable models, disease status, comorbidity index, lymphocyte count, and white blood cell count at HCT were selected for the development of prognostic model. Using the prognostic score, we stratified patients into low-, intermediate-, high-, and very-high-risk [4-year progression-free survival (PFS) 58%, 42%, 33%, and 25%, respectively, P &lt; 0.0001; 4-year overall survival (OS) 70%, 57%, 54%, and 38%, respectively, P &lt; 0.0001]. We also evaluated karyotypic abnormalities together with del(17p) and found that del(17p) or ≥5 abnormalities showed inferior PFS. Using a multivariable model, we classified cytogenetic risk into low, intermediate, and high (P &lt; 0.0001). When the prognostic score and cytogenetic risk were combined, patients with low prognostic score and low cytogenetic risk had prolonged PFS (61% at 4 years) and OS (75% at 4 years). Conclusions: In this large cohort of patients with previously treated CLL who underwent RIC HCT, we developed a robust prognostic scoring system of HCT outcomes and a novel cytogenetic-based risk stratification system. These prognostic models can be used for counseling patients, comparing data across studies, and providing a benchmark for future interventions. For future study, we will further validate these models for patients receiving targeted therapies prior to HCT.
Safety and efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant after PD-1 blockade in relapsed/refractory lymphoma
Merryman, Reid W. , Zinzani, Pier Luigi , Carlo‐Stella, Carmelo , Ansell, Stephen M. , Perales, Miguel-Angel, Avigdor, Abraham, Halwani, Ahmad , Houot, Roch, Marchand, Tony , Dhédin, Nathalie , Lescaut, W., Thiebaut‐Bertrand, Anne , François, Sylvie, Stamatoullas‐Bastard, Aspasia, Rohrlich, Pierre-Simon, Wallet, Hélène Labussière, Castagna, Luca , Santoro, Armando , Bachanová, Veronika , Bresler, Scott C., Kim, Harim , Pesek, Emily, Chammas, Marie J, Reynolds, Carol, Ho, Vincent T., Antin, Joseph H., Soiffer, Robert J. , Armand, Philippe , Kim, Haesook T. , Houot, Roch , Rohrlich, Pierre‐Simon , Bresler, Scott C. , Srivastava, Amitabh , Reynolds, Carol, Antin, Joseph H. , Ritz, Jerome , Bachanova, Veronika , Zinzani, Pier Luigi , Santoro, Armando , Castagna, Luca , Carlo-Stella, Carmelo , Merryman, Reid W

Blood | January 10, 2017 | Volume: 129 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 1380-1388

10.1182/blood-2016-09-738385 Get It

Key Points HSCT after PD-1 blockade is feasible, although may be associated with increased early immune toxicity. PD-1 blockade may cause persistent depletion of PD1+ T cells and alterations in T-cell differentiation impacting subsequent treatment.