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Younes, Anas

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0001-4133

Mayo Clinic

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Citations 42

Frontline Therapy with Brentuximab Vedotin Combined with ABVD or AVD in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Advanced Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma
Younes, Anas , Park, Steven I., Hunder, Naomi, Ansell, Stephen M. , Connors, Joseph M.

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 955-955

10.1182/blood.v118.21.955.955 Get It

Abstract Abstract 955 Background: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a lymphoid neoplasm defined by the presence of CD30-positive Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells in a background of inflammatory cells. Frontline treatment is generally ABVD alone or in combination with other chemotherapy regimens or radiation. Although a standard ABVD regimen is curative for the majority of patients with advanced stage HL, up to 30% of patients will require a second-line therapy. Brentuximab vedotin (SGN-35) comprises an anti-CD30 antibody conjugated by a protease-cleavable linker to the potent antimicrotubule agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). In a phase 2 study, an objective response rate of 75% and multiple durable complete remissions (CRs) (34%) were obtained with single-agent brentuximab vedotin in highly treatment-refractory patients with HL. Methods: A phase 1, open-label, multicenter study is being conducted to evaluate the safety of brentuximab vedotin when administered in combination with standard therapy (ABVD) or a modified standard (AVD) (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01060904). Patients received doses of 0.6, 0.9, or 1.2 mg/kg brentuximab vedotin with standard doses of ABVD or 1.2 mg/kg brentuximab vedotin with AVD, depending upon cohort assignment. The combination regimens were administered on Days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle for up to 6 cycles of therapy. Each regimen evaluated a dose limiting toxicity (DLT) period, defined as any Cycle 1 toxicity requiring a delay of ≥7 days in standard ABVD or AVD therapy. Determination of antitumor activity is based on investigator assessment of objective response according to the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson 2007). Results: Interim data are presented for the first 31 patients treated. Six patients received 0.6 mg/kg, 13 received 0.9 mg/kg, and 6 received 1.2 mg/kg with ABVD; 6 patients received 1.2 mg/kg with AVD. Baseline characteristics included: Stage IV, 55%; IPI score ≥4, 29%; male, 77%; median age, 35 years (range, 19–59). Combination treatment was generally well tolerated, with no DLT observed up to 1.2 mg/kg in either regimen. Overall, AEs reported in ≥45% of patients, regardless of severity, were nausea and neutropenia (77% each); peripheral sensory neuropathy (48%); and fatigue (45%). Infusion-related reactions occurred in 23% of patients. Grade 3/4 AEs observed in >10% of patients were neutropenia (74%), febrile neutropenia (16%), and anemia (13%). No Grade 5 events were observed. Overall, 6 patients discontinued combination treatment due to an AE. In the ABVD cohorts (n=25), AEs of pulmonary toxicity, dyspnea, and interstitial lung disease that could not be distinguished from bleomycin toxicity led to discontinuation of bleomycin in 7 patients. Five of these 7 patients continued treatment with AVD and brentuximab vedotin. All 10 patients who had a response assessment available after completion of frontline therapy achieved CR. Currently, an expansion cohort of approximately 20 patients is enrolling to explore 1.2 mg/kg brentuximab vedotin combined with AVD therapy. Conclusions: In this interim analysis of 31 patients with newly diagnosed HL, the maximum tolerated dose in combination with ABVD or AVD was not reached; no DLT was observed up to 1.2 mg/kg, the maximum planned dose. Brentuximab vedotin treatment was associated with manageable AEs; the most frequent AEs in the study were nausea and neutropenia. The safety profile observed thus far in this study suggests that brentuximab vedotin has potential for combination therapy with ABVD or AVD. Updated safety and response data will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures: Younes: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau, Travel Expenses; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Research Funding; SBIO: Research Funding; Syndax: Research Funding; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Honoraria; Pharmacyclic: Honoraria. Off Label Use: Brentuximab vedotin (SGN-35) comprises an anti-CD30 antibody conjugated by a protease-cleavable linker to the potent antimicrotubule agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). It is an investigational agent that is being studied in CD30+ malignancies. Connors:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Park:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Hunder:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ansell:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding.
Fc-Gamma Receptor IIIa and Interferon-Gamma SNPs Do Not Predict Responsiveness of Follicular Lymphoma to Galiximab (Anti-CD80 Antibody).
Czuczman, Myron S., Leigh, Bryan R., Younes, Anas , Alkuzweny, Baha, Larocca, Anne, Cao, Xianjun, Thall, Aron D., Witzig, Thomas E. , Vose, Julie M.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 104 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 3292-3292

10.1182/blood.v104.11.3292.3292 Get It

Abstract CD80 is an immune costimulatory molecule expressed on the cell surface of follicular and other lymphomas. Galiximab, a macaque-human chimeric anti-CD80 monoclonal antibody, has been shown to have antitumor activity in patients with relapsed or refractory, follicular lymphoma. Preclinical work suggested antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) as a mechanism for galiximab-induced cell lysis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for high-affinity Fc gamma receptor IIIa and high interferon-gamma production have been associated with increased ADCC activity. For this report, genomic DNA from peripheral blood of clinical study patients was analyzed for Fc gamma receptor IIIa and interferon-gamma gene SNPs after PCR amplification. In addition, the frequency of interferon-gamma secreting cells in peripheral blood samples was evaluated by ELISPOT. SNP and ELISPOT results were then evaluated for correlation with clinical response (CR or PR) to galiximab and reduction in tumor burden (SPD of indicator lesions). Of 35 follicular lymphoma patients evaluable for response to galiximab, 2 CRs and 1 PR were observed; time to best response was delayed (Months 3, 9, and 12). Of 34 patients with Fc gamma receptor IIIa SNP results, 6 were homozygous for the high-affinity receptor. Of 33 pts with interferon-gamma SNP results, 4 were homozygous for the high-producing allele. None of the 3 responders were homozygous for high-affinity Fc gamma receptor IIIa or high interferon-gamma production, and the degree of tumor burden reduction was smaller in these homozygotes than in the others. In addition, pretreatment interferon-gamma ELISPOT data did not predict clinical response to galiximab or tumor burden reduction. In summary, high-affinity Fc gamma receptor IIIa and high interferon-gamma production do not predict clinical responsiveness of follicular NHL to galiximab, suggesting that ADCC may not be a primary mechanism of action for this antibody. Ongoing studies are evaluating other potential mechanisms including the immunomodulatory effects of blocking CD80.
Chromosome 9p24.1/PD-L1/PD-L2Alterations and PD-L1 Expression and Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated with Nivolumab (PD-1 Blockade)
Roemer, Margaretha G.M., Ligon, Azra H. , Engert, Andreas , Younes, Anas , Santoro, Armando , Timmerman, John M. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Armand, Philippe , Fanale, Michelle A. , Ratanatharathorn, Voravit, Cohen, Jonathon B. , Farsaci, Benedetto , Kato, Kazunobu, Sumbul, Anne, Santoro, Armando , Roemer, Margaretha G.M. , Zinzani, Pier Luigi , Kuruvilla, John , Collins, Graham P. , Savage, Kerry J. , Trněný, Marek , Neuberg, Donna , Redd, Robert , Rodig, Scott J , Shipp, Margaret Ann

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2923-2923

10.1182/blood.v128.22.2923.2923 Get It

Abstract Classical Hodgkin lymphomas (cHLs) include infrequent malignant Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells within an extensive but ineffective inflammatory/immune cell infiltrate. HRS cells exhibit frequent copy number alterations (CNAs) of 9p24.1/CD274 (PD-L1)/PDCD1LG2(PD-L2), ranging from low-level polysomy to relative copy gain and high-level amplification, all associated with increased expression of programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) ligands on the tumor cell. PD-1 ligands engage the PD-1 receptor on T cells, inhibiting T cell activation and anti-tumor immune responses. cHL patients (pts) with the highest-level 9p24.1 alterations, PD-L1/PD-L2 amplification, have inferior progression-free survival (PFS) after standard primary chemotherapy (Roemer et al. J Clin Oncol 2016). Given the demonstrated responsiveness of cHL to PD-1 blockade, we examined the prevalence and type of 9p24.1 genetic alterations, PD-L1 expression, and association of these alterations with clinical outcome in pts receiving nivolumab (nivo; anti-PD-1) for relapsed/refractory (R/R) cHL. CheckMate205 is a multicenter, multicohort, phase 2 trial of nivo in R/R cHL. This analysis focused on 2 cohorts: pts with recurrent cHL following autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and subsequent brentuximab vedotin (BV) (cohort B), and pts with R/R cHL following ASCT and BV given pre- or post-ASCT (cohort C). Pts received nivo 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Best overall response (BOR) and PFS were assessed by an independent radiological review committee (IRRC). In pts with available tumor biopsies, 9p24.1 genetic alterations were evaluated via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay; probes encompassed CD274 (PD-L1, red) or PDCD1LG2 (PD-L2, green)and included a centromeric control (aqua).Dual immunohistochemical staining of PD-L1/PAX5 was performed to delineate PD-L1 expression in PAX5dim+ HRS cells and PAX5- cells in the tumor microenvironment. A modified PD-L1 H-score (range 0-300) was calculated by multiplying the percentage of PAX5+ (malignant) or PAX5- (non-malignant) cells with positive staining (0-100%) and the average intensity of positive staining (1-3+; ≥50 RS cells counted). All p-values are nominal. 96 pts had evaluable baseline tumor biopsy specimens; all 96 had detectable 9p24.1 alterations: polysomy in 10/96 (10%), copy gain in 56/96 (58%), amplification in 28/96 (29%), and presumptive rearrangement (split-apart FISH signal) in 2/96 (2%) (Figure). There was a significant association between PD-L1 protein expression (H-score) and the level of 9p24.1 alterations in HRS cells (p=0.002) (Figure). We next evaluated the association between BOR and defined 9p24.1 alterations and PD-L1 H-scores. The level of 9p24.1 CNAs was significantly associated with BOR (p=0.01); no pts with progressive disease (PD) had genomic amplification and no pts with complete response (CR) had polysomy. Similarly, there was significant association between PD-L1 H-score in HRS cells and BOR (p=0.02); all pts with PD had PD-L1 H-scores in quartiles (Q) 1/2, whereas most pts with CR had PD-L1 H-scores in Q4. We also assessed the association of PFS with 9p24.1 status and PD-L1 H-scores. The level of 9p24.1 alterations was associated with PFS; pts with 9p24.1 amplification had the most favorable PFS with nivo. HRS cell PD-L1 H-score (by quartiles) was also significantly associated with PFS (p=0.048), as pts with PD-L1 H-scores in Q1/Q2 had significantly shorter PFS than those with scores in Q3/Q4 (p=0.01). In contrast, there was no association between PD-L1 expression on non-malignant cells in the tumor microenvironment and PFS (p=0.43). In conclusion, all evaluable pts in this study had genetic alterations of 9p24.1/PD-L1/PD-L2 and copy number-dependent increased expression of PD-L1 in HRS cells. Although high-level alterations of 9p24.1 and increased PD-L1 expression were previously linked with inferior response to standard primary chemotherapy, we now associate these parameters with more favorable outcomes to targeted PD-1 blockade. These analyses also highlight the importance of quantifying and delineating PD-L1 expression in HRS cells and non-malignant cells in the tumor microenvironment in cHL biopsy evaluation. While further research is needed to guide possible use in clinical practice, these data advance understanding of 9p24.1 alterations and PD-L1 expression as prognostic biomarkers in cHL. Disclosures Engert: Takeda, BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Zinzani:Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; MorphoSys: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celegene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Timmerman:Bristol-Myers Squibb, Kite Pharma, Valor Biopharmaceuticals, Janssen: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Genmab, Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Ansell:BMS, Seattle Genetics, Merck, Celldex and Affimed: Research Funding. Armand:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Sequenta Inc: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Infinity Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Kuruvilla:BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; Roche Canada: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Lundbeck: Honoraria. Cohen:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Infinity: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Collins:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Trneny:Roche, Celgene, Takeda, Janssen, Gilead, Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche, Celgene: Research Funding. Farsaci:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment. Kato:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment. Sumbul:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment. Rodig:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Perkin Elmer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Shipp:Bayer: Research Funding; Merck, Gilead, Takeda: Other: Scientific Advisory Board; Cell Signaling: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Results of a Pivotal Phase 2 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin (SGN-35) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
Chen, Robert , Smith, Scott E. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Klasa, Richard, Engert, Andreas , Larsen, Emily K., Kennedy, Dana A., Younes, Anas , Gopal, Ajay K. , Rosenblatt, Joseph D. , Connors, Joseph M. , Sievers, Eric L.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 283-283

10.1182/blood.v116.21.283.283 Get It

Abstract Abstract 283 Background: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by the presence of CD30-positive Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells. The antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) brentuximab vedotin (SGN-35) delivers the highly potent antimicrotubule agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) to CD30-positive malignant cells by binding specifically to CD30 on the cell surface and releasing MMAE inside the cell via lysosomal degradation. Binding of MMAE to tubulin disrupts the microtubule network within the cell, induces cell cycle arrest, and results in apoptotic death of the CD30-expressing tumor cell. In a previous phase 1 study with brentuximab vedotin dosing every third week, 11 of 12 patients (92%) treated at the maximum tolerated dose of 1.8 mg/kg had tumor reductions and 6 of 12 patients (50%) achieved an objective response (complete remission [CR] + partial remission [PR]). Methods: A pivotal, phase 2, single-arm, multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin in patients with relapsed or refractory HL post autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Brentuximab vedotin 1.8 mg/kg was administered every 3 weeks as a 30-minute outpatient IV infusion for up to 16 cycles of treatment. The primary endpoint was the overall objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by an independent review facility according to the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson 2007). Results: A total of 102 patients with relapsed or refractory HL were treated at 26 study centers. Median age was 31 years (range 15–77) and approximately half of the patients were female (53%). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status at baseline was 0 (41%) or 1 (59%). All patients had previously received an ASCT and the median number of prior chemotherapy regimens was 4 (range 1–13). More than 70% of the patients had primary refractory disease, defined as failure to achieve a CR or progression within 3 months of completing frontline therapy. In addition, 39% of patients had lymphoma that was refractory to the most recent salvage therapy excluding ASCT. The median duration of brentuximab vedotin treatment on this study was 27 weeks (range 3–54) and the median number of cycles was 9 (range 1–16). The most common (>15%) treatment-related adverse events (AEs) of any grade were peripheral sensory neuropathy (43%), fatigue (40%), nausea (35%), neutropenia (19%), diarrhea (18%), and pyrexia (16%); most events were Grade 1 or 2. Grade 3 treatment-related AEs reported in >1 patient were neutropenia (14%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (5%), thrombocytopenia and hyperglycemia (3% each), and fatigue (2%). The only Grade 4 treatment-related events were neutropenia (4%), and thrombocytopenia, abdominal pain, and pulmonary embolism (1% each). No related Grade 5 events were observed. 18 patients discontinued treatment due to an AE. Consistent with findings from the phase 1 study, 97 patients (95%) had a reduction in tumor size per investigator assessment. Of the 35 patients who had B symptoms at baseline, 29 (83%) experienced resolution of these symptoms. The median time to B symptom resolution was 3 weeks (range <1–16 weeks). To date, 5 patients have received an allogeneic stem cell transplant as their first therapy after discontinuing treatment in the study; all of these patients remain in follow up. Per protocol, no interim analyses were planned for the primary endpoint of ORR by independent review. Independent assessment of ORR is being conducted and final efficacy results will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: Brentuximab vedotin was associated with manageable adverse events and, based on investigator assessment, demonstrated encouraging activity in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory HL. Tumor shrinkage was observed in 95% of patients and the B symptom resolution rate was 83%. Final results of the independent assessment of ORR, as well as duration of response, progression-free survival, and updated safety data, will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures: Chen: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Off Label Use: This clinical trial uses the investigational drug, brentuximab vedotin (SGN-35). Gopal:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Smith:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Ansell:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Rosenblatt:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Klasa:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Connors:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Engert:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Larsen:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kennedy:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sievers:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Younes:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; SBIO: Honoraria, Research Funding.
Phase 1 Study of CB-839, a First-in-Class, Glutaminase Inhibitor in Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma
Younes, Anas , Stewart, Keith, Orford, Keith, Bennett, Mark K. , Vogl, Dan T. , Siegel, David S. , Berdeja, Jesús G.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3059-3059

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3059.3059 Get It

Abstract Background: Malignant cells alter metabolism in order to enable their highly anabolic state. In addition to a massive increase in glycolysis, malignant cells frequently become dependent on glutamine to feed the TCA cycle and provide key building blocks for cell growth and proliferation. CB-839 is a first-in-class potent and selective inhibitor of glutaminase (GLS), the first step in glutamine metabolism, that has broad in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity in solid and heme malignancies, including multiple myeloma. GLS inhibition with CB-839 induces apoptosis and/or growth arrest in multiple myeloma and lymphoma cell lines and is synergistic with pomalidomide and lenalidomide in vitro and as well as in multiple myeloma xenograft models in vivo. Methods: CX-839-002 is an ongoing Ph1 evaluation of escalating doses of CB-839 in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) or non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) with the primary objective of assessing the safety profile and selecting a recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Pharmacokinetics (PK) was monitored on Days 1 and 15. Initially, CB-839 was given three times daily (TID) without food, but based on PK and safety data generated across three Ph1 studies in patients with solid and heme malignancies, the drug is now being given twice daily (BID) with meals. Results: Safety data are available for a total of 14 patients (9 MM, 4 follicular lymphoma, 1 diffuse large B cell lymphoma) that have enrolled to date during the dose escalation (100-400 mg TID and 600 mg BID). The patients have received a median of 7 prior lines of systemic therapy. CB-839 has been well tolerated with only three subjects experiencing a Gr3/4 AEs considered possibly related to study drug and there have been no discontinuations due to AEs. A similar tolerability profile has been observed across three Ph1 studies for CB-839. With a total of 119 pts treated with CB-839 across the three studies, Gr3/4 drug-related AEs have occurred in 16 subjects (13%) and 4.3% of discontinuations were due to AEs. Reversible, asymptomatic elevations in transaminases have been the primary Gr3 AEs, occurring primarily on the TID schedule in 6/59 (10.2%) pts; only one occurred among 60 pts (1.7%) receiving the BID regimen. BID dosing with 600 mg was determined to be the RP2D and combination studies with pomalidomide and dexamethasone have been initiated. The half-life of CB-839 is ~4 hr, exposure increases with dose, and trough concentrations generally remain above the target threshold of 200 ng/mL for patients receiving the RP2D. Six of 8 MM pts that received ≥ 400 mg TID achieved steady state (D15) trough concentrations above the PK target threshold while 0 of 5 pts that received ≤ 250 mg TID achieved the PK threshold. Pharmacodynamic assessment of GLS activity in MM patients was consistent with a broader PK/PD assessment (across all 3 Ph1 studies), which established clear exposure-dependent inhibition of the target in peripheral blood platelets 4 hr after the first dose of CB-839, with >90% inhibition being maintained for most patients at the RP2D. Preliminary efficacy data include confirmed stable disease in 4 of 9 evaluable MM patients. Updated efficacy data and correlative studies on clinical samples will also be presented. The first pt treated with the combination of CB-839 and pomalidomide/dexamethasone (Pd) during dose escalation received 400 mg CB-839 BID, pomalidomide at 4 mg/day (D1-21) and dexamethasone at 40 mg on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of each 28-day cycle. This pt had a 71% decreased in urine M-protein and an 83% reduction in serum free light chain after the first 2 cycles of treatment. This pt had 11 prior lines of therapy but not pomalidomide and had two stem cell transplants and was progressing rapidly prior to study entry. The pt has tolerated the combination well and is continuing on study. Conclusions: CB-839 has been well tolerated at and above doses that produced robust inhibition of GLS in blood platelets and in tumors. Dosing BID with food has improved the PK profile and mitigated the frequency and severity of LFT elevations, which was the primary safety signal using TID dosing. Strong preclinical combination data, an excellent clinical safety profile, and initial data with CB-839 combined with Pd provide a strong rationale for continued development of CB-839 this combination in pts with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Disclosures Vogl: Constellation Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Calithera Biosciences: Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; GSK: Research Funding. Younes:Celgene: Honoraria; Curis: Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria; Takeda Millenium: Honoraria; Bristol Meyer Squibb: Honoraria; Bayer: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Johnson and Johnson: Research Funding. Orford:Calithera Biosciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Bennett:Calithera Biosciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Siegel:Celgene Corporation: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Merck: Speakers Bureau. Berdeja:Curis: Research Funding; Acetylon: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Array: Research Funding; MEI: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding.
Five-Year Survival Data Demonstrating Durable Responses from a Pivotal Phase 2 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
Chen, Robert , Smith, Scott E. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Engert, Andreas , Larsen, Emily K., Huebner, Dirk, Fong, Abraham, Younes, Anas , Gopal, Ajay K. , Rosenblatt, Joseph D. , Savage, Kerry J. , Connors, Joseph M.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 2736-2736

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2736.2736 Get It

Abstract Background: Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by the presence of CD30-positive Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells. The standard of care for patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (R/R) HL is salvage chemotherapy followed by high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (auto-SCT). Approximately 50% of these pts will experience relapse or progression of HL after auto-SCT. For these individuals, outcomes have historically been poor, with median overall survival (OS) from time of relapse ranging from 10.5 to 27.6 mos (Crump, 2008; Fanale, 2013). A pivotal phase 2 study evaluated brentuximab vedotin, a CD30-directed antibody-drug conjugate, in pts with R/R HL after auto-SCT (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00848926). Primary results and 3-year follow-up data have been previously reported (Younes, 2012; Gopal, 2015). Here, we summarize final data from the 5-year follow-up period. Methods: Pts received 1.8 mg/kg brentuximab vedotin once every 3 wks as a 30-min outpatient IV infusion for up to 16 cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) per independent review according to the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson 2007). Assessments of response and durability of response per an independent review facility (IRF) have been previously reported. Following a protocol amendment that removed the requirement for routine CT scanning during the follow-up period, disease status was only assessed per the investigator. Survival and disease status were assessed every 3 mos for 2 yrs and then every 6 mos through Year 5. CT scans were required if progression was suspected clinically. At the time of the amendment, 18 patients were still being assessed for progression; these patients had been in long-term follow-up for a median of over 30 months. Results: The enrolled population of 102 pts (53% female) was heavily pretreated and had a median age of 31 yrs (range, 15-77 yrs). Pts received a median of 9 cycles (range, 1-16) of brentuximab vedotin. Per investigator, the ORR to brentuximab vedotin was 72% and complete remission (CR) rate was 33%. The most common treatment-related adverse events were peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, neutropenia, and diarrhea. Adverse events of Grade 3 or higher that occurred in ≥5% of pts were neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. At study closure, which occurred approximately 5 yrs after the last patient's end-of-treatment visit, the median observation time for all enrolled patients from first dose was 35.1 mos (range, 1.8 to 72.9). The estimated 5-year overall survival rate was 41% (95% CI: 31 %, 51%) and the median OS was 40.5 mos (95% CI: 28.7, 61.9 [range, 1.8 to 72.9+]). Median OS by best clinical response was CR (n=34): median not reached; partial remission (PR, n=39): 39.4 mos; and stable disease (SD, n=28): 18.3 mos. The median PFS was 9.3 months overall, but was not reached in CR pts. Of the 102 enrolled patients, 15 remained in follow-up and in remission at study closure. Among these 15 pts, 6 received consolidative allo-SCT and 9 have received no further therapy since completing brentuximab vedotin. Conclusions: These end-of-study results demonstrate that single agent brentuximab vedotin can induce durable remissions and long-term survival in a subset of heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory HL, particularly in pts that achieve CR. A randomized phase 3 study is being conducted to evaluate brentuximab vedotin in combination with AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) versus ABVD (A, bleomycin, VD) for frontline treatment of advanced HL (ECHELON-1 trial, ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01712490). Figure 1. Overall Survival Figure 1. Overall Survival Disclosures Chen: Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy. Gopal:BMS: Research Funding; Piramal: Research Funding; Emergent/Abbott: Research Funding; Millenium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding; BioMarin: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Merck: Research Funding. Smith:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Ansell:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding. Rosenblatt:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Savage:Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria; Infinity: Honoraria; Roche: Other: Institutional research funding. Connors:Roche: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Engert:Takeda Millenium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Research Funding. Larsen:Seattle Genetics Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huebner:Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Fong:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Younes:Janssen: Honoraria; Novartis: Research Funding; Incyte: Honoraria; Takeda Millenium: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Bristol Meyer Squibb: Honoraria; Curis: Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Johnson and Johnson: Research Funding.
CSF1R Inhibition by PLX3397 in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: Results From a Phase 2 Single Agent Clinical Trial
Moskowitz, Craig H. , Younes, Anas , Vos, Sven de , Bociek, R. Gregory , Gascoyne, Randy D. , Nolop, K. B., Gordon, Leo I. , Witzig, Thomas E. , West, Brian L. , Steidl, Christian

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1638-1638

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1638.1638 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1638 Introduction: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) represents the most common subtype of malignant lymphoma in young people in the Western world. Most of the patients can be cured with modern treatment strategies. However, about 20% of patients still die due to relapse or progressive disease. Recently, elevated numbers of tumor-associated macrophages in diagnostic pretreatment and relapse biopsies have been associated with poor long-term outcomes. Furthermore, high expression of CSF1R on the malignant Hodgkin Reed Sternberg cells has been linked to shorter progression-free survival, providing the rationale to test PLX3397, a highly selective inhibitor of CSF1R (also known as Fms) and Kit receptor tyrosine kinases, in HL patients. Patients and Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory HL were enrolled in this single-agent multicenter trial. All patients had progressed after or were ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation, had radiographically measurable disease, and had discontinued all previous HL therapy. Patients were treated with oral PLX3397 at a dose of 900 mg/day continuously until occurrence of unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate according to the 2007 consensus criteria. Results: A total of 20 patients were enrolled (9 male, 11 female, median age 36 years). Six patients had tumor reduction ranging between 3% and 54% including one partial remission (overall response rate of 5%) (Figure). The median duration of progression-free survival was 56 days. The most common drug-related adverse effects were asthenia, fatigue, hair depigmentation, anemia, leukopenia, and increased LDH, all of which were grade 1 or 2 except for one grade 3 neutropenia. CD14dim/16+ labeled peripheral blood monocytes were markedly reduced in all patients at 4 weeks vs. Baseline (median=83% reduction, range of 44%-96% reduction), confirming inhibition of CSF1R signaling. Increases were observed for adiponectin in 82% of patients (median=2.6-fold, range 1.2 to 12-fold) and for CSF-1 in 94% of patients (median=4.0-fold, range 1.4 to 16.5-fold), also consistent with CSF1R inhibition. Archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lymphoma tissues of sufficient quality were available for 12 patients. Biopsy material was obtained from either initial diagnosis or after relapse. CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages were highly elevated (>25% cellularity) in 42% and 58% of patients, respectively. The number of tumor-associated macrophages was not significantly associated with a reduction in lesion size after PLX3397 treatment in this small study cohort. Discussion: In this phase 2 clinical trial, PLX3397 at a dose of 900 mg/day showed limited activity in this heavily pretreated patient cohort. However, target inhibition of both Fms and Kit was clearly demonstrated. Although the efficacy of single agent PLX3397 in this study population was modest, the manageable safety profile and evidence of target inhibition may warrant further testing in combination therapy trials. Disclosures: Younes: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Affimed: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding. Gascoyne:Plexxikon Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding. West:Plexxikon Inc.: Employment. Nolop:Plexxikon Inc.: Employment. Steidl:Plexxikon Inc.: Research Funding.
Three-Year Follow-Up Data and Characterization Of Long-Term Remissions From An Ongoing Phase 2 Study Of Brentuximab Vedotin In Patients With Relapsed Or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
Chen, Robert , Smith, Scott E. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Engert, Andreas , Larsen, Emily K., Huebner, Dirk, Younes, Anas , Gopal, Ajay K. , Rosenblatt, Joseph D. , Savage, Kerry J. , Connors, Joseph M. , Sievers, Eric L.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4382-4382

10.1182/blood.v122.21.4382.4382 Get It

Abstract Background Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by the presence of CD30-positive Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells. The standard of care for patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory HL is salvage chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (auto-SCT). However, approximately 50% of pts experience relapse of HL after auto-SCT and this population represents a pronounced unmet need. In a 756-pt retrospective analysis, the median overall survival (OS) in HL pts who relapsed after auto-SCT was 2.4 years, as measured from the time of auto-SCT, with shorter time to relapse after auto-SCT being the most predictive factor for shortened survival (Arai 2013). Brentuximab vedotin (ADCETRIS®) comprises an anti-CD30 antibody conjugated by a protease-cleavable linker to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a microtubule-disrupting agent. A pivotal phase 2 study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin in 102 pts with relapsed or refractory HL after auto-SCT (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00848926). Data representing approximately 3 years of follow up from this ongoing trial are described, including characterization of patients who experienced long-term remissions. Methods Pts received 1.8 mg/kg brentuximab vedotin every 3 weeks as a 30-minute outpatient IV infusion for up to 16 cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) per independent review according to the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson 2007). Long-term follow-up assessments to determine survival and disease status occurred every 3 months (mos) for 2 years, every 6 mos during years 3 to 5, and annually thereafter. Results In this high-risk population with poor prognosis, the median time to relapse after auto-SCT was 6.7 mos (range, 0–131 mos). Pts received a median of 9 cycles of brentuximab vedotin and the ORR was 75% (76 of 102 pts), with complete remissions (CRs) in 33% of pts (n=34). As previously reported, the most common (≥15%) brentuximab vedotin-related adverse events of any grade were peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, neutropenia, and diarrhea. Adverse events of Grade 3 or higher that occurred in ≥5% of pts were neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. At the time of this analysis (May 2013), the median observation time from first dose was 32.7 mos (range, 1.8 to 48.3 mos). Of the 102 pts enrolled, 51 (50%) were alive at the time of last follow up. The median OS was 40.5 mos (95% CI: 28.7, – [range, 1.8 to 48.3+ mos]) and the estimated 36-mo survival rate was 54% (95% CI: 44%, 64%). Median OS by best clinical response was CR (n=34): median not yet reached; partial remission (PR, n=42): 31.6 mos; stable disease (SD, n=22): 20.6 mos; and progressive disease (PD, n=3): 10.2 mos. Of the 51 pts who were alive at the time of this analysis, 14 remain in remission and have not started a new anti-cancer therapy other than 5 pts who received consolidative allo-SCT following brentuximab vedotin. Demographics/baseline characteristics of these 14 pts show that the majority are female (10/14; 71%) and white (12/14; 86%), with a median age of 26.5 years (range, 15–54). Eleven of the 14 pts had CRs and 3 had PRs following brentuximab vedotin; all 3 of the pts with PRs received subsequent allo-SCT. The observation time for the 14 pts who remain in remission ranges from 31.5 mos to 44.4 mos and their progression-free survival ranges from 27.2+ mos to 44.4+ mos. Additional characterization of the pts who achieved long-term remissions following brentuximab vedotin will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions After a median observation time of approximately 3 years from first dose of brentuximab vedotin, 50% of pts with relapsed or refractory HL were alive at the time of last follow up. The median OS was 40.5 mos. Fourteen patients remain in follow up with no evidence of lymphoma progression, providing early suggestion that a fraction of these patients may be cured. A randomized phase 3 study is being conducted to evaluate brentuximab vedotin in combination with AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) versus ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) for frontline treatment of HL (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01712490). Disclosures: Gopal: Biogen, Idec: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; BioMarin: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Emergent/Abbott: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Cephalon/Teva: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Piramal: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding. Chen:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau, Trave expenses Other. Smith:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Spectrum: Consultancy; Cephalon: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; GlaxoSmith Kline: Speakers Bureau. Ansell:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Rosenblatt:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; University of Miami: Employment. Savage:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Connors:F Hoffmann-La Roche: Research Funding; Roche Canada: Research Funding. Engert:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria. Larsen:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huebner:Takeda Cambridge US: Employment; Takeda: Equity Ownership. Sievers:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Younes:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Advisory/Scientific Board Membership Other, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Millennium: Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria; Curis: Honoraria; Genentech: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Johnson and Johnson: Research Funding; Infinity: Research Funding.
Overall Survival Benefit for Patients with Relapsed Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated with Brentuximab Vedotin After Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
Karuturi, Meghan , Arai, Sally , Chen, Robert W., Feng, Lei, Yuan, Ying , Smith, Scott E. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Ramchandren, Radhakrishnan , Bartlet, Nancy L, Cheson, Bruce D. , Forero‐Torres, Andres , Moskowitz, Craig H. , Fanale, Michelle A. , Vos, Sven de , Engert, Andreas , Illidge, Tim , Borchmann, Peter , Horning, Sandra J., Younes, Anas , Gopal, Ajay K. , Rosenblatt, Joseph D. , Savage, Kerry J. , Connors, Joseph M. , Morschhauser, Franck

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3701-3701

10.1182/blood.v120.21.3701.3701 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3701 Background: Salvage chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the management of relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) results in prolonged disease-free survival in only around 50% of patients (pts). Median survival following relapse from ASCT is estimated at 2.4 years, with poor outcomes in those experiencing relapse or progressive disease within one year from ASCT (Horning 2008 et al). Recently, a pivotal multicenter Phase 2 trial investigated the efficacy of brentuximab vedotin (BV) in pts with recurrent HL following ASCT. The study demonstrated an overall response rate of 75% and median duration of response of 6.7 months. Furthermore, 34% of patients achieved a complete response (CR), with a median progression free survival of 29 months (mos). Whether treatment with BV renders an OS benefit in pts with relapsed or refractory disease after ASCT remains to be determined. Objective: 1) To compare OS in pts with relapsed HL after receiving ASCT in a cohort of 102 HL pts treated with BV, with 756 pts from 6 international centers before the introduction of BV. 2) To evaluate predictors of durable CR in pts treated with BV. Methods: Kaplan-Meier method was used to depict time-to-event outcomes, including OS. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between two categorical variables and log-rank test to compare time-to-event endpoints among pt groups. Based on the univariate proportional hazard model, we examined whether certain variables (sex, stage at diagnosis, number of prior treatments, and time to CR) were predictors of CR duration in pts receiving BV. Results: In the non-randomized comparison between those with relapsed-refractory HL following ASCT who received BV and those who did not, pts were well matched by age, with a relatively higher percentage of females treated on the pivotal study. Dates of progression from ASCT ranged from 1996–2009 in the BV group and 1981–2003 in the international cohort. Median follow-up after ASCT for the censored observations of pts who received BV and those in the international cohort was 49.4 and 58.8 mos. The difference in median OS was statistically significant (p<0.0001) between those receiving BV and those not exposed to the drug (91.49 vs. 27.99 mos). Improvement in OS was irrespective of time to relapse from ASCT, despite previous studies noting a higher risk of recurrence in pts relapsing within 12 mos of ASCT (Sureda 2005 et al). Neither age nor sex was found to impact OS. In the subgroup analysis of pts achieving a CR with BV, univariate analysis of duration of CR and PFS uncovered no significant factors, while only stage of disease at initial diagnosis had a significant effect on OS (P=0.0004). Disease status characterized as relapsed vs. refractory had borderline significance with a positive impact on OS (P=0.0581). No significant associations were noted between the variables and duration of response post BV stratified into periods of less or greater than 12 mos. However, among those pts who experienced a duration of CR greater than 12 mos, 81.8% (n=18) had an initial CR after receiving ≤ 4 doses of BV, compared with 58.3% entering CR after receiving > 4 doses. Conclusions: While the impact of BV on OS can only be determined through a randomized clinical trial, our analysis indicated that treatment with BV in pts with relapsed/refractory HL following ASCT is associated with prolonged OS when compared with historical control patients. Those who achieve a rapid CR with BV may also have a longer duration of response. A randomized clinical trial is ongoing to evaluate prospectively the efficacy of BV following ASCT. Disclosures: Chen: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Gopal:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Ansell:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy. Savage:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Ramchandren:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Speakers Bureau. Forero-Torres:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Moskowitz:Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau. Connors:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. de Vos:Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau. Engert:Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding. Illidge:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria. Morschhauser:Takeda: Honoraria. Younes:Seattle Genetics: Honoraria.
Frontline Therapy with Brentuximab Vedotin Combined with ABVD or AVD in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Advanced Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma
Ansell, Stephen M., Park, Steven I., O’Meara, Megan M., Younes, Anas , Connors, Joseph M.

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 798-798

10.1182/blood.v120.21.798.798 Get It

Abstract Abstract 798 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a lymphoid neoplasm associated with the presence of CD30-positive Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells in a background of inflammatory cells. The regimen containing doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) has become a common standard of care for the frontline treatment of HL. However, although ABVD is curative for the majority of patients with advanced stage HL, up to 30% of patients will require a salvage therapy. Brentuximab vedotin (ADCETRIS®) comprises an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody conjugated by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule-disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). This phase 1, open-label, multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the safety of brentuximab vedotin when administered in combination with standard therapy (ABVD) or a modified standard (AVD) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01060904). Patients received doses of 0.6, 0.9, or 1.2 mg/kg brentuximab vedotin with standard doses of ABVD or 1.2 mg/kg brentuximab vedotin with AVD, depending upon cohort assignment. The combination regimens were administered on Days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle for up to 6 cycles of therapy. Each regimen evaluated a dose limiting toxicity (DLT) period, defined as any Cycle 1 toxicity requiring a delay of ≥ 7 days in standard ABVD or AVD therapy. Determination of antitumor activity was based on investigator assessment of objective response according to the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson 2007). FDG-PET interpretation for Cycle 2 was performed by a central review per Deauville criteria with uptake above liver background considered positive. Data are presented for the 51 patients treated. Six patients received 0.6 mg/kg, 13 received 0.9 mg/kg, and 6 received 1.2 mg/kg with ABVD; 26 patients received 1.2 mg/kg with AVD. Overall, 37 patients were male (73%) and the median age of all patients was 33 years (range, 18–59). At baseline, 45% of all patients had Stage IV HL, 25% had an IPS score ≥4, and all patients with available ECOG status had a score of 0 or 1. No DLT was observed up to 1.2 mg/kg in either regimen. Common AEs (≥20 patients overall) noted in the ABVD and AVD cohorts, respectively, were nausea (76%, 77%), neutropenia (80%, 69%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (72%, 65%), vomiting (60%, 38%), fatigue (44%, 46%), and constipation (48%, 31%). Common ≥Grade 3 AEs (>10% of patients overall) observed in the ABVD and AVD cohorts, respectively, were neutropenia (80%, 65%), anemia (20%, 12%), febrile neutropenia (20%, 8%), and pulmonary toxicity (24%, 0%). In the ABVD cohorts, 11/25 (44%) patients had AEs of pulmonary toxicity, interstitial lung disease, or pneumonitis that led to discontinuation of bleomycin; 2 of these events led to death. Of these 11 patients, 7 completed treatment with AVD and brentuximab vedotin. In general, these events occurred between Cycles 3 and 6. No pulmonary toxicity was observed in the AVD cohort. The incidence of neuropathy was similar between the ABVD (72%) and AVD (73%) regimens; none of these events were ≥Grade 4 in severity. Overall, 7 patients discontinued brentuximab vedotin due to an AE (5 ABVD patients and 2 AVD patients). At Cycle 2, 48 patients were evaluated by FDG-PET by central review; of these, all 22 ABVD and 24/26 AVD patients were PET negative. Of the 51 patients treated, 4 withdrew consent or were lost to follow-up prior to end of treatment (EOT) assessments. The remaining 47 patients had a 96% objective response rate: 21/22 ABVD patients (95%) and 23/25 AVD patients (92%) achieved CR at the end of frontline therapy, 1 AVD patient had PR (with further workup ongoing), 1 ABVD patient died of AEs (hyponatremia and pulmonary toxicity) prior to EOT, and 1 AVD patient had PD. In patients with newly diagnosed HL, the maximum tolerated dose of brentuximab vedotin combined with ABVD or AVD was not reached; no DLT was observed up to 1.2 mg/kg every 2 weeks, the maximum planned dose. The safety profile observed confirmed that brentuximab vedotin can be safely combined with AVD; however, combination with a bleomycin-containing regimen is not recommended due to the incidence of pulmonary toxicity. The very high CR rate seen in this cohort of advanced-stage HL patients compares favorably with historical controls and warrants comparison with standard therapy. A phase 3 study comparing brentuximab vedotin combined with AVD versus ABVD alone is planned. Disclosures: Ansell: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy. Off Label Use: Brentuximab vedotin is indicated for treatment of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma after failure of autologous stem cell transplant or after failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not ASCT candidates and for the treatment of patients with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. These indications are based on response rate. There are no data available demonstrating improvement in patient reported outcomes or survival with brentuximab vedotin. Connors:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Park:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding. O'Meara:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Younes:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding.