Walsh, Katherine

Abstract Introduction: Guadecitabine (SGI-110) is a novel next-generation HMA administered as a small volume subcutaneous (SC) injection which results in extended decitabine exposure. Phase 2 studies have been conducted in TN-AML patients who were not candidates for intensive chemotherapy using two different doses and schedules of guadecitabine. We report here a comparative efficacy and safety analysis of the 5-day and 10-day regimens. Methods: TN-AML patients who were not candidates for intensive chemotherapy based on age (≥ 65 y), poor performance status (PS 2), comorbidities, or poor risk cytogenetics were enrolled in 2 separate treatment cohorts in the Phase 2 study. In the first cohort, patients were randomized (1:1) to either 60 mg/m2/d or 90 mg/m2/d on Days 1-5 (5-day regimen). In the second cohort, patients were treated with 60 mg/m2/d on Days 1-5 and Days 8-12 (10-day regimen) for up to 4 cycles, followed by 60 mg/m2/d Days 1-5 in subsequent cycles. Cycles were scheduled every 28 days for both regimes with dose reductions/delays allowed based on response and tolerability. Patients remained on treatment as long as they continued to benefit with no unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was the composite Complete Response (CRc): Complete Response (CR) + CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp) + CR with incomplete neutrophil recovery (CRi) using modified International Working Group (IWG) criteria (Cheson et al, 2003). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), and safety. Results: There was no difference in efficacy or safety between 60 and 90 mg/m2/d on the 5-day regimen (Yee et al, European Hematology Association meeting 2014, S647), so data are reported here for the two doses combined on the 5-day cohort. There were 51 patients treated in the 5-day regimen cohort and 52 treated with the 10-day regimen. There was no statistically significant difference in patient characteristics between the 2 regimens; median age 77.9 vs. 77.3 years ; male 59% vs. 65%; PS 2 or higher 35% vs. 40%; median BM blasts 40.0% vs. 49.5%; poor risk cytogenetics 46% vs. 43% for the 5-day and 10-day cohorts, respectively. Follow up of the 10-day cohort patients was shorter as it started after completion of enrolment of the 5-day cohort. The median follow up was 25.7 and 12.4 months and median number of cycles was 5 (range 1-26) and 3 (range 1-13) for the 5-day and 10-day cohorts, respectively. There was no significant difference in the primary efficacy endpoint, CRc, between the 2 regimens (p=0.43). CRc was achieved in 29/51 patients (57%) on the 5-day regimen (19 CR, 3 CRp, and 7 CRi) and in 25/52 patients (48%) on the 10-day regimen (16 CR, 5 CRp, and 4 CRi). Median OS was 10.5 and 8.7 months for the 5-day and 10-day cohorts, respectively (p=0.89). The 30, 60, and 90-day all-cause mortality rates were not statistically significant between the two cohorts: 5.9%, 15.7%, and 21.6% on the 5-day regimen and 1.9%, 17.3%, and 28.8% on the 10-day regimen. The most common Grade ≥3 AEs regardless of relationship to guadecitabine were: febrile neutropenia 59% vs. 60%, thrombocytopenia 47% vs. 38%, neutropenia 39% vs. 33%, anemia 27% vs. 19%, pneumonia 24% vs. 27%; and sepsis 12% vs. 19%, for the 5-day and 10-day cohorts respectively, none of which was statistically significant. Fifteen patients remain on treatment (5 from the 5-day cohort and 10 from the 10-day cohort). Conclusions: Guadecitabine is clinically active with a good safety profile in TN-AML patients not candidates for intensive chemotherapy. Unlike in relapsed/refractory AML, where the 10-day regimen of guadecitabine showed a trend toward improved efficacy (Roboz et al, Annals of Oncology 25 Supplement 4, 2014), there was no significant difference in either efficacy or safety between the 5-day and 10-day regimens in newly diagnosed AML patients. Guadecitabine 60 mg/m2/d SC Days 1-5 is currently being investigated in an 800-patient multicenter randomized phase 3 study in TN-AML patients unfit to receive intensive chemotherapy (ASTRAL-1 Phase 3 clinical trial: ClinicalTrials.gov reference NCT02348489). Disclosures Kropf: Teva Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. O'Connell:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Griffiths:Astex: Research Funding; Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Rizzieri:Teva: Other: ad board, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Other: ad board, Speakers Bureau. Stock:Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Savona:Karyopharm: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Rosenblat:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Berdeja:Celgene: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Array: Research Funding; Curis: Research Funding; Acetylon: Research Funding; MEI: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Wilson:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Lowder:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Taverna:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Hao:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Azab:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Issa:Janssen: Consultancy; Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy.

Abstract Background: SGI-110 is a second generation HMA formulated as a dinucleotide of decitabine (DAC) and deoxyguanosine delivered as a small volume SC injection that yields longer half-life and more extended DAC exposure than DAC IV infusion. A phase 1 clinical trial of SGI-110 demonstrated a differentiated pharmacokinetic profile from DAC IV, potent hypomethylation, and clinical responses in previously treated patients with MDS and AML (Kantarjian et al. 2012). Phase 1 established 60 mg/m2 QDx5 as the biologically effective dose (BED), and 90 mg/m2QDx5 as the Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in MDS patients given in 28-day cycles. Phase 2 is conducted to evaluate dose response between the BED and MTD in MDS patients. Methods: Int, or HR MDS, and CMML patients who were either treatment-naïve or previously treated were randomized to either 60 mg/m2 or 90 mg/m2QDx5 every 28 days. Efficacy was evaluated by the clinical responses of CR, PR, marrow CR (mCR), and Hematological Improvement (HI) based on the International Working Group Criteria 2006 as well as transfusion-independence. Adverse events (AEs) as graded by the CTCAE v4 criteria and pharmacodynamic biological activity as measured by Long Interspersed Nucleotide Element LINE-1 (an index of global DNA methylation) were also assessed. Patients are being followed for overall survival. Results: The study completed target enrolment with 102 patients: 53 who were refractory or have relapsed on prior treatment, and 49 previously untreated. Fifty three patients were randomized to 60 mg/m2 and 49 patients to 90 mg/m2 QDx5 with a median follow up of 8.2 months (range 1-21). Most baseline patient characteristics were well balanced between the 2 treatment arms with no significant differences in median age (71.7 vs. 72.5 y); male gender (70 vs. 61%); ECOG PS 2 (15 vs. 12%); HR MDS (28 vs. 37%); transfusion-dependence (57 vs. 55%), median baseline Hb (9.25 vs. 9.3 g/dL); platelets count (42.5 vs. 45 x109/L), and neutrophils count (1.19 vs. 1.16 x109/L) for the 60 and 90 mg/m2 QDx5 respectively. However, there were 15 CMML patients (28%) randomized to 60 mg/m2 vs. only 7 CMML patients (14%) randomized to 90 mg/m2(p=0.097). All but 2 patients in the previously treated group received one or more HMA. At the time of the data cutoff, 38 of 102 patients (37%) were still on treatment. Median number of treatment cycles was 4 for previously treated patients, and 5 for the treatment naïve group (range 1-22 cycles). CR+mCR were observed in 10/53 (19%), and 11/49 (22%) in the 60 and 90 mg/m2 arms respectively (p=0.8). CR was observed in 7/49 treatment naïve patients (14%) while CR+mCR were observed in 11/53 previously treated patients (21%) with no significant differences between 60 and 90 mg/m2 arms. Transfusion independence for at least 8 weeks was reported in 32% and 24% for platelets and RBCs respectively with no difference between the 2 treatment arms. Treatment naïve patients benefited from higher rate of transfusion-independence (58% and 46% for platelets and RBCs respectively). Potent demethylation was achieved in both treatment arms with a mean LINE-1 DNA demethylation of 27.3 and 30.5% for 60 and 90 mg/m2 respectively (p=0.12). Overall incidence of Grade ≥3 AEs regardless of relationship to treatment was reported in 81 vs. 88% for 60 and 90 mg/m2 treatment arms respectively (p=0.42).There was a slightly higher but non-significant difference in Grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia (51 vs 38%) and pneumonia (20 vs. 13%) for the 90 mg/m2 arm compared to 60 mg/m2. Early 8-week any-cause mortality occurred in 3/102 patients treated (3%), 2 at 60 and 1 at 90 mg/m2. Follow up for survival is still ongoing. Conclusions: SC SGI-110 is a well-tolerated novel HMA with biological and clinical activity in the treatment of Int and HR MDS, and CMML patients with particularly promising activity in patients previously treated with azacitidine or decitabine. Clinical responses, transfusion independence, DNA demethylation as assessed by LINE-1, and Safety did not significantly differ between the 2 treatment doses. Disclosures Tibes: Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Rosenblat:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Yee:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Griffiths:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Issa:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Naim:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Taverna:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Hao:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Azab:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Roboz:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy.

Abstract Abstract 414 Background: SGI-110 is a dinucleotide of decitabine (DAC) and deoxyguanosine formulated as a low volume and pharmaceutically stable SQ injection allowing more extended decitabine exposure than DAC IV infusion. The anticipated differentiated PK profile offers the potential of improved biological and clinical activity and safety over currently available HMAs. Methods: A randomized Phase 1–2 FIH Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics (PK/PD)-guided, dose-escalation study has been conducted in patients with relapsed/refractory intermediate or high-risk MDS or AML. The objective of the first stage (dose escalation) is to determine safety and tolerability and to establish the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) and Biologically Effective Dose (BED). Patients were randomized to one of two SQ regimens (dailyx5 or once weeklyx3, 28-day courses). PD is evaluated by LINE-1 global DNA hypomethylation. The second stage (dose expansion) is to determine the clinical activity and safety in AML and MDS using the established BED and MTD. We report here the results of the dose escalation phase which has completed enrolment. Results: 78 patients (64 AML, 14 MDS) were enrolled in the dose escalation phase: 44 patients in the dailyx5 regimen and 34 in the weeklyx3 regimen. Median age was 69 years (range 29–86), 65% were male, and 82% had ECOG PS of 0–1. Median number of prior regimens was 3 (range 1–9), 59% of patients had prior HMA treatment (50% of AML patients, and 100% of MDS patients). Six patients are still ongoing treatment. The PK profile demonstrated efficient conversion of SGI-110 to decitabine as predicted from the SGI-110 rational design, resulting in longer decitabine exposure window (beyond 8 hrs) compared to DAC IV (3–4 hrs). At SGI-110 dose range of 60–125 mg/m2, observed mean decitabine AUCs (88–231 ng*hr/mL) reach or exceed the therapeutic range seen with 20 mg/m2 DAC IV (115 ng*hr/mL) while achieving only a small fraction of the Cmax (26–64 ng/mL vs 146 ng/mL for DAC IV). The effective half-life for decitabine after SQ SGI-110 injection appeared to be prolonged (up to 4-fold or ∼2.4 hrs) compared to DAC IV (0.58 hrs). Decitabine exposures (AUC) increased in a dose-proportional manner regardless of the regimen and no accumulation was observed. Dose-related LINE-1 hypomethylation was observed in patients treated with the daily regimen between 18 and 60 mg/m2; a plateau in maximum average hypomethylation (∼25%) was evident at higher daily doses (90-125 mg/m2) and therefore the BED for the dailyx5 schedule is established at 60 mg/m2. The 25% average hypomethylation of LINE-1 compares favorably with that observed historically after DAC IV at the dose of 20 mg/m2 dailyx5. The extent of LINE-1 hypomethylation after weeklyx3 SGI-110 was inferior as the maximum average hypomethylation plateaued at ∼8% from baseline. Starting at 36 mg/m2 daily and 60 mg/m2 weekly (44 AML, and 7 MDS patients), clinical responses were observed: 2CRs, 1CRp, and 1CRi in heavily pretreated AML patients; 1 mCR and 1 HI in MDS patients previously treated with azacitidine. All responses were in patients who achieved >10% LINE-1 hypomethylation. The most common Adverse Events (AEs), regardless of relationship to SGI-110, were diarrhea (21%), febrile neutropenia (17%), fatigue/injection site pain/nausea at 15% each. The most common drug-related AEs were injection site pain (15%), fatigue (8%), nausea (6%), and thrombocytopenia (5%). MTD was not reached with the weekly regimen up to 125 mg/m2 weeklyx3. With the daily regimen, 125 mg/m2dailyx5 resulted in 2 Dose-Limiting Toxicities (DLTs) of febrile neutropenia in 3 MDS patients (1 associated with bacteremia, and the other with sepsis and thrombocytopenia Grade 4) while none of the 9 patients with AML had DLT at that dose. Conclusions: SGI-110 is well tolerated at doses higher than BED which is established at 60 mg/m2 dailyx5 where average hypomethylation of ∼25% was achieved. MTD estimated to be 90 mg/m2 dailyx5 for MDS and 125 mg/m2dailyx5 for AML patients. SQ administration of SGI-110 achieved efficient conversion to decitabine resulting in an improved PK profile over DAC IV. Clinical responses were observed in this heavily pretreated population and they seem to correlate with the extent of LINE-1 hypomethylation. Study is currently enrolling patients in the dose-expansion Phase 2 stage. Disclosures: Kantarjian: Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Roboz:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Rizzieri:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Stock:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. O'Connell:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Griffiths:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Yee:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Tibes:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Garcia-Manero:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Ravandi:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Walsh:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Feldman:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Ritchie:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Rao:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Decastro:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Schimmer:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Mesa:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Syed:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Choy:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Oganesian:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Taverna:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Azab:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Chung:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Issa:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Purpose To explore faculty perspectives on which characteristics of high-performing clerkship students are most important when determining an honors or top grade designation for clinical performance. Method In 2016–2017, the authors surveyed faculty (teaching ward attendings) for internal medicine clerkships and 1 pediatrics clerkship in inpatient settings at 5 U.S. academic medical centers. Survey items were framed around competencies, 24 student characteristics, and attitudes toward evaluation. Factor analysis examined constructs defining high-performing students. Results Of 516 faculty invited, 319 (62%) responded. The top 5 characteristics as rated by respondents were taking ownership, clinical reasoning, curiosity, dependability, and high ethical standards (in descending order). Twenty-one characteristics fit into 3 factors (Cronbach alpha, 0.81–0.87). Clinical reasoning did not fit into a factor. Factor 1 was the most important (mean rating, 8.7/10 [95% confidence interval (CI), 8.6–8.8]). It included professionalism components (ownership, curiosity, dependability, high ethical standards), presentation and interviewing skills, seeking feedback, and documentation. Factor 2 (mean, 7.9 [95% CI, 7.7–8.0]) included aspects of teamwork and communication, such as positive attitude and comments from others. Factor 3 (mean, 7.6 [95% CI, 7.4–7.7]) addressed systems-based thinking, including patient safety and care transitions. Conclusions Professionalism components, clinical reasoning, and curiosity were among the most important characteristics distinguishing high-performing clerkship students. These may represent behaviors that are highly valued, observable, and relevant to training stage. Improved definition of the characteristics associated with clinical honors would assist students, faculty, and residency program directors when interpreting clinical performance within core clerkships.

Abstract Background: SGI-110 (guadecitabine) is a novel HMA that prolongs in vivo exposure of the active moiety decitabine following subcutaneous (SC) administration. We previously reported guadecitabine clinical activity in previously untreated elderly AML with Overall Complete Response (CR+CRi+CRp) of 55% using a standard 5-day regimen (Yee et al, 2014). Here we report the first results of a more intensive 10-day regimen in the same patient population. Methods: Elderly AML patients (≥ 65y) with at least one of the following characteristics were enrolled: age ≥ 75y; poor Performance Status (PS) ≥ 2; significant comorbidities particularly cardiopulmonary dysfunction; poor risk cytogenetics; or secondary AML. Guadecitabine 60 mg/m2/d SC was administered for 10 days (Days 1-5; and 8-12) for the first 1-2 cycles followed by the 5-day regimen (Days 1-5) for subsequent cycles. Cycles were scheduled every 28 days. Primary endpoint was Overall Complete Response (Overall CR). Secondary endpoints included Overall Survival, Safety including all-cause 30-day and 60-day early mortality, and global maximum DNA demethylation from baseline by LINE-1 assay. Results: Fifty two patients were treated with median age 77 (range 66-92) including 40 (77%) ≥75y; 34 (65%) male; 21 (40%) PS ≥ 2; 19 (36%) poor risk cytogenetics; and 13 (25%) secondary AML. The median bone marrow blasts percentage was 49% (range 16-98%). All patients had a minimum follow up of 3 months; 26 (50%) patients remain on treatment at the time of the analysis. Overall CR was observed in 24 patients (46%):14 CR (27%), 8 CRi (15%), and 2 CRp (4%). There was no significant difference between median DNA demethylation in responders (- 27%) and non-responders (-28%). Early all-cause 30-day and 60-day mortality occurred in 2 (4%) and 10 (19%) patients respectively. The most common Grade ≥3 Adverse Events considered by investigators to be drug-related were febrile neutropenia (33%), thrombocytopenia (27%), neutropenia (21%), anemia (15%), bacteremia (10%), and pneumonia (6%). Conclusions: Administration of guadecitabine as a more intense 10-day regimen for the first 1-2 cycles was active with acceptable toxicity. However, and although it was not a randomized comparison, the 10-day regimen did not result in higher rate of Overall CR in previously untreated AML than what was previously reported for the 5-day regimen. A Phase III randomized clinical trial in previously untreated AML patients not considered candidates for intensive chemotherapy has been initiated with the 5-day regimen of guadecitabine. Reference: Yee K, Daver N, Kropf P, et al: European Hematology Association Meeting, June 12-15, 2104; Milan, Italy. Abstract S647. Citation Format: Gail Roboz, Hagop Kantarjian, Patricia Kropf, Ellen Richie, Nitin Jain, Elizabeth Griffiths, Nikola A. Podoltsev, Katherine Walsh, Casey O'Connell, Wendy Stock, David Rizzieri, Raoul Tibes, Todd Rosenblat, Woonbok Chung, Pietro Taverna, Xiang Yao Su, Sue Naim, Mohammad Azab, Jean-Pierre Issa. First results of a 10-day regimen of SGI-110 (guadecitabine), a second generation hypomethylating agent (HMA) in previously untreated elderly AML who are not candidates for intensive chemotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr CT321. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-CT321