O'Brien, Maureen Megan

Abstract Inotuzumab ozogamicin (InO) is an antibody-calicheamicin conjugate with striking efficacy in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, there is wide interpatient variability in treatment response, and the genetic basis of this variation remains largely unknown. Using a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we discovered that the loss of DNA nucleotidylexotransferase (DNTT) is a primary driver of InO resistance. Mechanistically, the downregulation of DNTT attenuated InO–induced DNA damage response, cell cycle arrest, and mitochondrial apoptotic priming, thereby ultimately leading to leukemia resistance to InO. Ex vivo leukemia InO sensitivity was highly associated with DNTT expression in ALL blasts with substantial intraleukemia heterogeneity as revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Among patients with B-ALL enrolled in the Children's Oncology Group trial AALL1621, we observed consistent DNTT downregulation in residual blasts following InO treatment. The selection of DNTT-low blasts by InO therapy was also recapitulated in vivo using patient-derived xenograft models. Collectively, our data indicate that DNTT is a key regulator of calicheamicin response in leukemia and thus a potential biomarker for individualizing InO therapy in B-ALL.

Introduction: Survival of children with relapsed/refractory (r/r) acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) remains dismal, and successful treatment approaches are limited. Myeloid leukemias frequently have high telomerase expression, and neoplastic progenitor cells have relatively shorter telomeres compared to normal tissues due to the balance between frequent malignant cell division and compensatory increased telomerase activity. In one study, the 5-year overall survival (OS) in children with AML and lower telomerase activity was 88% compared to 43% for those with higher activity, suggesting potential prognostic and therapeutic importance of telomerase in this population (Verstovsek Cancer 2003). Imetelstat is a first-in-class telomerase inhibitor approved by the FDA in 2024 for the treatment of adult patients with low-to-intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS) with transfusion-dependent anemia who are r/r/ineligible for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. . Imetelstat has also been shown to drive AML cells into ferroptosis (Bruedigam Nature Cancer 2024). The Children's Oncology Group (COG) previously conducted the ADVL1112 Phase 1 study of imetelstat monotherapy in children with r/r solid tumors or lymphomas (Thompson CCR 2013). Imetelstat was administered intravenously on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. The recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) was 268 mg/m2. Imetelstat was well-tolerated with no grade >3 non-hematologic toxicities and one dose-limiting thrombocytopenia observed in a subject treated at the RP2D. In preclinical studies, imetelstat was active against leukemia stem cells in pediatric AML patient derived xenograft models (Barwe J Clin Med, 2022). Methods: PEPN2312 is an open-label, multi-center phase 1 study of imetelstat in combination with fludarabine/high dose cytarabine (FLA) for patients with AML in second or greater relapse, refractory to re-induction after first relapse, or r/r MDS or JMML (NCT06247787). The primary objective of this study is to estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or RP2D of imetelstat in combination with FLA in this patient population. Secondary objectives include toxicity assessment, pharmacokinetics, clinical response/minimal residual disease assessments per standard criteria, and OS. Exploratory analyses will be conducted to analyze telomerase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, conduct pharmacodynamic studies, and evaluate any changes in cytogenetic and mutational abnormalities. Eligible patients must be between the ages of 1 to 18 at the time of study enrollment with Lansky/Karnofsky performance status of ≥50. Patients with leukemia must have platelet count >25,000/µL and hemoglobin >8 g/dL (transfusions allowed). Patients known to have a congenital bone marrow failure syndrome are excluded. This study will use the Rolling 6 design to estimate the MTD/RP2D. The starting dose of imetelstat (DL1) is 212 mg/m2 IV over 2 hours (80% of the single-agent RP2D) given on days 1 and 8 of a 28-day cycle in combination with FLA administered days 2-6. Premedication for infusion reactions with an antihistamine and corticosteroid are required prior to each dose of imetelstat. Patients may receive up to 2 cycles of therapy in the absence of progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity as graded by CTCAE version 5.0. Response assessment will be performed via morphology and central flow cytometry analysis for patients with AML and standard response criteria for patients with JMML or MDS (Niemeyer Haematologica 2015; Zeidan Blood 2023). One dose escalation to 268 mg/m2 (DL2) will be explored if DL1 is deemed safe. Intra-patient dose escalation is not permitted. Pharmacokinetic sampling will be performed during cycle 1. Once the MTD/RP2D is determined, further assessment of safety and preliminary activity of imetelstat and FLA chemotherapy will occur in an expansion cohort of up to 6 additional patients treated at the MTD/RP2D. PEPN2312 was activated in July 2024 and will enroll at 21 participating COG/PEP-CTN sites.

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

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

10512 Background: Inotuzumab ozogamicin (InO), a CD22-targeting antibody linked to calicheamicin demonstrated exceptional activity in R/R ALL in adults. InO has been available to pediatric patients with R/R ALL via a compassionate access program. Methods: Participating international pediatric oncology centers received IRB approval to submit retrospective demographic, outcome and toxicity data on pediatric patients who received at least one dose of InO. Results: Thirty-four patients, age 2.3-21.4 yrs (median 11.7) received 1-4 cycles (3 weekly doses) of InO. Patients were heavily pretreated in 1st-5threlapse; 28 were refractory to their preceding regimen. Thirteen patients had prior hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), 27 received prior CD19 and 8 prior CD22-directed therapy. Pre-InO disease was M3 ( > 25% blasts) in 26 patients, M2 (5-25%) in 3, and MRD only in 5 (1 with extramedullary disease). Of 29 patients with M2/M3 disease at baseline, 18 (62%) achieved a complete remission (CR), 13 of whom were MRD negative. Post-InO, 15 patients proceeded to HSCT and 5 to CAR T-cell therapy. Alterations in CD22 expression at subsequent relapse were noted in two patients with available blasts samples. No deaths were attributed to InO during therapy. The incidence of grade 3/4 infections was 38% and were of the expected types. Grade 1-4 hepatic toxicity was noted in 11/34 (32%) patients, primarily asymptomatic elevations in transaminases/bilirubin. There was no sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) during InO therapy but 8/15 patients who received HSCT post-InO developed SOS. One patient died from SOS, but the others recovered. The incidence of SOS was higher in patients who had undergone prior HSCT (6/8) versus no prior HSCT (2/7). SIRS (1), neurotoxicity (2) and hemorrhage (3) were infrequent. Three patients had musculoskeletal pain associated with edema. Conclusions: Single agent InO had a CR rate of 62% in heavily pretreated pediatric patients. Toxicities were similar to adults with hepatic and infectious toxicity being the most common. Overall InO was well tolerated, but the incidence of SOS was high in patients who underwent HSCT post-InO, particularly in those who had undergone a prior HSCT.