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Soiffer, Robert J.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5810-1192

Mayo Clinic

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Citations 21

Cytogenetics Abnormalities Predict the Outcome of Allogeneic Transplantation In AML: A CIBMTR Study
Armand, Philippe , Pérez, Waleska S., Zhang, Mei‐Jie , Kim, Haesook , Klumpp, Thomas R., Cin, Paola Dal , Litzow, Mark R. , Cahn, Jean‐Yves , Schouten, Harry C. , Ball, Edward D., Aljurf, Mahmoud , Rowe, Jacob M. , Antin, Joseph H. , Isola, Luis , Bartolomeo, Paolo Di , Camitta, Bruce M., Miller, Alan M. , Cairo, Mitchell S. , Savoie, Mary Lynn , Halter, Joerg , Stiff, Patrick J. , Nabhan, Chadi , Jakubowski, Ann A. , Bunjes, Donald , Petersdorf, Effie W. , Lewis, Victor , Marks, David I. , Bredeson, Christopher , Soiffer, Robert J. , Waller, Edmund K. , Liesveld, Jane L. , Lazarus, Hillard M. , Artz, Andrew , Gupta, Vikas , Savani, Bipin N. , McCarthy, Philip L. , Finke, Jürgen , Cutler, Corey S. , Stockerl‐Goldstein, Keith , Sierra, Jorge , Halter, Jörg , Devine, Steven M. , Maziarz, Richard Thomas , Bornhäuser, Martin , Weisdorf, Daniel J.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 680-680

10.1182/blood.v116.21.680.680 Get It

Abstract Abstract 680 Cytogenetics play an essential role in determining the prognosis of patients with AML. However, there is still no validated cytogenetics grouping scheme that specifically applies to patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation, which hampers accurate prognostication and risk stratification. We studied 821 adult patients (median age 41, range 18–74) who underwent SCT between 1999 and 2004 for AML (excluding APL) in CR1 or CR2 and who were reported to the CIBMTR from centers with >20 patients meeting study criteria. 75% of patients received a myeloablative conditioning. 496 patients had a normal karyotype. The primary cytogenetics reports were manually reviewed for 92% of the patients with an abnormal karyotype. We compared the ability of the 6 existing grouping schemes (MRC, CALGB, EORTC/GIMEMA, SWOG/ECOG, DFCI, and Monosomal Karyotype (MK) classifications) to stratify patients, using both the Akaike Information Criterion in multivariable models and the C-statistic. Among all existing schemes, the DFCI system provided a marginally superior stratification for overall and leukemia-free survival. We also built a new classification using individual cytogenetic abnormalities in a Cox model that included other significant covariates (performance status, therapy-related disease, conditioning intensity, graft source, donor match, duration of CR1, and gender match). This CIBMTR scheme (see Table), which is similar to the DFCI scheme except for the inclusion of patients with t(8;21) in the intermediate group, could stratify patients into 3 groups with similar treatment-related mortality but significantly different overall survival, leukemia-free survival, and incidence of relapse. This scheme appeared to apply to both patients in CR1 and in CR2 (see FiguresF2). This transplant-specific scheme could be adopted for prognostication purposes and to stratify patients with karyotypic abnormalities entering transplantation clinical trials. Future studies may clarify the relative outcome of patients with t(8;21) and refine this scheme with the inclusion of molecular abnormalities. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Defibrotide (DF) In the Treatment of Severe Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease (VOD) with Multi-Organ Failure (MOF): Results of a Treatment IND Expanded Access Protocol
Richardson, Paul G. , Smith, Angela R. , Arai, Sally , Adams, Roberta H. , Martin, Paul , Abhyankar, Sunil , Gillio, Alfred P. , Lehmann, Leslie , Haut, Paul, Termuhlen, Amanda , Antin, Joseph H. , Spitzer, Thomas R. , Avigan, David , Hannah, Alison L., Iacobelli, Massimo , Soiffer, Robert J. , Group, Defibrotide Study, Richardson, Paul Gerard Guy , Grupp, Stephan A. , Kernan, Nancy A. , Grimley, Michael S. , Massaro, Joseph M. , Group, Defibrotide Study

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 906-906

10.1182/blood.v116.21.906.906 Get It

Abstract Abstract 906 Background: Single-arm Phase 2 trials of DF in the treatment of severe VOD/MOF post-SCT demonstrated a complete response (CR) in 36–46% of patients (pts). A subsequent Phase 3 trial enrolling pts with more severe VOD (28%/24% with ventilator/dialysis dependence at study entry vs 5%/7%) demonstrated a CR of 24% compared to 9% in a matched Historical Control (HC); p=0.0148; Richardson ASH 2009). Given the life-threatening nature of VOD/MOF, DF was made available in the United States through a Treatment IND protocol (T-IND) in December 2007 to gather additional safety and response data. Methods: Pts were required to have a diagnosis of VOD based upon Baltimore criteria (total bilirubin ≥ 2.0 mg/dL with ≥ 2 of the following: hepatomegaly, ascites or 5% weight gain) with MOF (either renal and/or pulmonary failure). Pts without a Baltimore diagnosis could enroll with biopsy-proven evidence of VOD. Eligibility criteria were expanded to permit patients with late onset VOD (VOD diagnosed after 21 days (d) or VOD/MOF after 28d post-SCT). Key exclusion criteria included clinically significant bleeding or need for >1 pressor to maintain BP. CR was defined as bilirubin < 2 mg/dL + resolution of MOF. Mortality was assessed at D+100. DF was given at 6.25 mg/kg IV q6h (25 mg/kg/d); treatment duration was recommended for at least 21d. Results: This interim analysis is based on 104 pts enrolled between14Dec2007-29Sep2009 and treated at 36 institutions. Most sites (n=23) enrolled only 1–2 pts. Nearly all pts (n=98) had undergone prior SCT; 6 had prior chemotherapy only; and 29 pts had late onset VOD post-SCT. Of the SCT pts, 69 pts enrolled in the T-IND met eligibility criteria for the original Phase 3 trial. Baseline demographics included median age 17 years (range 0.1 – 66); 59% male; and 16% with prior SCT. The most common diagnosis was leukemia (30% AML; 22% ALL; 7% other leukemia). The majority of pts had undergone allogeneic SCT (88%) with conditioning consisting of cyclophosphamide (76%), busulfan (42%) and/or TBI (41%). Mean onset of VOD post-SCT was 17 days. At entry, 20% of pts were dialysis dependent; 28% were ventilator dependent. Mean number of days of DF administration was 20 (range 2–88). Of the 104 pts, 36 (35%) achieved a CR by D+100. For the various sub-populations, the CR by D+100 rate was 24% for pts with late-onset VOD (n=29); 35% for those pts undergoing SCT (n=98); and 39% for the 69 pts who matched the entry criteria for the Phase 3 trial. Comparison of this group of 69 pts to the Phase 3 HC showed a statistically improved outcome (p=0.0007). Similar to the Phase 3 results, the CR rate was higher in pts who were not on dialysis/ventilator at study entry (41% vs 23%). Although children had previously been noted to have a higher CR rate in prior studies, the CR rate in the T-IND was similar in children compared to adults (35% and 34%, respectively). Overall D+100 mortality rate equaled 61% (n=104). Comparing the 69 pts who met Phase 3 entry criteria, D+100 mortality was 58% (p=0.0465 compared to the HC using Kaplan Meier estimates by log-rank analysis). Toxicity proved manageable: 11 pts experienced a total of 13 drug-related AEs including pulmonary hemorrhage (n=5), GI hemorrhage (n=3), hypotension (n=2), rectal hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage and pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage (1 pt each). Overall, 10% of pts experienced a drug-related toxicity that led to discontinuation. Similar to the observation of decreased GvHD in pediatric pts undergoing SCT who received prophylactic DF compared to best supportive care, the incidence of all grade GvHD was relatively low (8%). Conclusions: In 104 pts with severe VOD/MOF enrolled at 36 US institutions, use of DF demonstrated a 35% CR by D+100. Comparing those pts who met criteria for the Phase 3 trial to the HC used in that study, D+100 CR and survival were significantly improved in this study population. DF-associated toxicities are consistent with prior studies. Following an amendment in 30Sep2009, entry criteria for the T-IND study were expanded to permit enrollment of pts without SCT (VOD post chemotherapy) as well as pts without MOF to evaluate earlier intervention. Analysis of this group will be performed separately. Enrollment into the T-IND study continues. Disclosures: Richardson: Gentium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Massaro:Gentium: Consultancy. Hannah:Gentium: Consultancy. Iacobelli:Gentium: Employment.
A Phase II Study of Allogeneic Transplantation for Older Patients with AML in First Complete Remission Using a Reduced Intensity Conditioning Regimen: Results From CALGB 100103/BMT CTN 0502
Blum, William , Stone, Richard M. , Hsu, Jack W., Chen, Yi-Bin A., Vij, Ravi , Slack, James L., Soiffer, Robert J. , Shea, Thomas C., Hárs, Vera, Bennett, Elizabeth , Spangle, Sada, Carter, Shelly L., Horowitz, Mary M. , Linker, Charles, Alyea, Edwin P. , Devine, Steven M. , Owzar, Kouros , DeAngelo, Daniel J. , Champlin, Richard E. , Larson, Richard A. , Giralt, Sergio

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 230-230

10.1182/blood.v120.21.230.230 Get It

Abstract Abstract 230 The prognosis for patients (pts) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are aged 60 years or older at the time of initial diagnosis is poor. Even for pts achieving a first complete remission (CR1), prospects for long-term survival are poor due to the very high risk of relapse. Conventional myeloablative conditioning followed by allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation is associated with significantly less relapse compared with conventional chemotherapy when performed in younger pts with AML in CR1. However, the toxicity of this approach in older pts is prohibitive. A reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen may mitigate the risk of early toxicity and while early results in older AML pts have been encouraging and suggest disease free survival (DFS) rates above 30% at 3 yrs (Farag et al, Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2011), most data are retrospective and pts have not been treated uniformly. We therefore sought to determine the effectiveness of a uniform RIC regimen given to older pts with AML in CR1 on a prospective multi-center phase II trial conducted by the Alliance (formerly Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB)) and the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN). The study, activated in 2004, was initially limited to recipients of a matched related donor (MRD) graft but was amended in 2006 to include matched unrelated donor grafts (URD). The primary endpoint of the study was 2-year DFS. We hypothesized that DFS at 2-years would exceed 20% and powered the study to detect a 2-year DFS probability of 35% for URD recipients. We focused the primary analysis on URD recipients since the majority of older pts require an URD graft. Eligible pts were from 60–74 years old inclusive, had AML in CR1 following induction chemotherapy, availability of a 6/6 MRD or 8/8 URD, and absence of significant end-organ damage prior to transplantation. Adverse events (AE) were initially recorded according to NCI-CTCAE v3.0, amended to v4.0 in 10/2010. Accrual was completed in 12/2011. 132 pts were registered at 21 centers and 123 transplanted (MRD (47%); URD (53%). All donor grafts were mobilized and collected following G-CSF (PBSC). The median age of pts was 65 (range 60–74) and 76 pts (62%) were male. At diagnosis, 67% had an intermediate risk karyotype, 20% adverse risk, <1% favorable, and in 11% data were missing. More than 90% achieved CR following standard “7+3” based induction. CR1 was achieved after 1 (59%) or 2 (41%) induction cycles. Consolidation therapy was administered for one (50%) or two (24%) cycles and 17% received no consolidation with data missing in 9%. All but the initial 8 MRD recipients (who received fludarabine and busulfan alone) were conditioned with the same regimen containing fludarabine (30mg/m2/day × 5), busulfan (6.4mg/kg IV total dose), and antithymocyte globulin (ATG; thymoglobulin) (7.5mg/kg total dose). Only one case of primary graft failure was reported. With a median follow-up of 3.3 yrs, the results in the 123 transplanted pts are depicted below: Event Cumulative incidence at 100 days* or 2yrs† 95% CI Acute GVHD 2-4 9.4%* 4.1–15% Acute GVHD 3-4 3.4%* 1.2–6.7% Chronic GVHD 26%† 17–34% Relapse 47%† 37–57% Treatment related mortality (TRM) 14%† 7.2–21% Event Probability at 2 yrs 95% CI DFS 39% 30–50% DFS URD only 38% 26–55% Overall survival (all pts) 46% 36–57% The rates of both acute and chronic GVHD as well as TRM were relatively low. There were 81 grade 3–5 non-hematologic AE recorded, including 7 grade 5 (4 infections, 1 each cardiac, pulmonary, and second malignancy). Relapse was the most common cause of death. In conclusion, the results of this first prospective US cooperative group trial conducted in a homogeneously treated group of older AML patients in CR1 demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of RIC allografting using MRD or URD PBSC grafts. DFS appears better following a RIC allograft compared to results achieved historically after conventional therapies, warranting prospective comparison in pts with contemporary cytogenetic and molecular disease characterization. Future research should also focus on preventing disease relapse after RIC allografting in this population. Disclosures: Devine: Sanofi: Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: Antithymocyte globulin for GVHD prophylaxis is included in the abstract. Vij:Millennium: Speakers Bureau. Shea:Otsuka: Research Funding.
Defibrotide (DF) in the Treatment of Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease (VOD) in Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) and Non-SCT Patients (Pts): Early Intervention Improves Outcome - Updated Results of a Treatment IND Expanded Access Protocol
Richardson, Paul G. , Smith, Angela R. , Arai, Sally , Haut, Paul R. , Gillio, Alfred P. , Symons, Heather J. , Adams, Roberta H. , Horn, Biljana , Lucas, Kenneth G., Martin, Paul , Mineishi, Shin , Ball, Edward D., Fort, John, Lehmann, Leslie , Madigan, Catherine, Maglio, Michelle E., Hannah, Alison L., Tudone, Elena , Hume, Robin, Iacobelli, Massimo , Soiffer, Robert J. , Group, Defibrotide Study, Richardson, Paul Gerard Guy , Grupp, Stephan A. , Kernan, Nancy A. , Triplett, Brandon Matthew , Boyer, Michael , Kirov, Ivan I., Massaro, Joseph M. , D’Agostino, Ralph B. , Group, Defibrotide Study

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 487-487

10.1182/blood.v118.21.487.487 Get It

Abstract Abstract 487FN2 Background: Given the life-threatening nature of severe VOD (sVOD) and multi-organ failure (MOF), DF was made available in the US through a prospective treatment IND protocol (T-IND) to gather additional safety and response data from SCT patients (pts) with sVOD who were not eligible for a pivotal Phase 3 trial. Following completion of this Phase 3 trial, the T-IND protocol has continued and been amended to include pts who would have met eligibility criteria for the completed phase 3 trial, as well as pts with non-severe VOD and non-SCT pts who develop VOD after chemotherapy (chemo). This is the largest prospective evaluation of DF for the treatment of sVOD/MOF post SCT and non-SCT pts to date. Methods: Pts were initially required to have a diagnosis of VOD by Baltimore criteria (total bilirubin > 2.0 mg/dL with > 2 of the following: hepatomegaly, ascites or 5% weight gain) with MOF (either renal and/or pulmonary failure) that followed SCT. Following treatment of 104 pts, an amendment expanded eligibility criteria to include pts with VOD after chemo and pts with non-severe VOD (defined as no MOF). Key exclusion criteria included clinically significant bleeding or >1 pressor to maintain BP. CR was defined as bilirubin < 2 mg/dL + resolution of MOF (if applicable). Mortality was assessed at Day +100 (D+100) in all pts. DF was given at 6.25 mg/kg IV q6h (25 mg/kg/d) with treatment duration recommended for at least 21d. Results: This interim analysis is based on 269 pts enrolled between December 2007 and March 2011 at 67 centers. Nearly all pts (n=251) had undergone SCT (with allogeneic SCT in 225, 90%); 18 developed VOD after chemo alone. Of the 269 cases of VOD, 200 were severe at study entry, with 25% (66/269) of all pts dialysis dependent and 31% (83/269) ventilator dependent. Median age was 16 years (range 0.1 – 70); 55% were male. In the SCT pts, the most common diagnosis was leukemia (29% AML; 22% ALL; CML 3%; 4% other), with conditioning of CY (71%), BU (46%) and TBI (38%) respectively; 18% had undergone multiple SCTs (>1 SCT). Median onset of VOD was 15 d post-SCT. When presenting after chemo alone (n=18), median onset of VOD was 16 d after the first dose, most frequently after CY (61%), cytarabine (44%) and vincristine (39%), and for treatment of leukemia (AML 33%, ALL 33%, other 6%). Overall mean number of days of DF administration in all pts was 22 (range 1–88).Of 269 pts, 32% (85/269) achieved a CR and 50% [ by Kaplan-Meier estimate] survived to D+100. In the subgroup of SCT pts, 31% (78/251) achieved CR and 50% survived to D+100; 134 pts met entry criteria for the original Phase 3 trial and comparison to the Phase 3 historical control showed a statistically improved outcome in CR (30% vs 9%, p=0.0006) and D+100 survival (46% vs 25%; p=0.006). Of 200 pts with sVOD, CR was 28% and D+100 survival was 44%. In the 18 chemo only pts, CR was 39% and D+100 survival was 50%. CR rate and D+100 survival for the 69 pts with non-severe VOD were 42% and 62%, respectively. Delay of >2 d (vs < 2 d) in the start of DF after VOD diagnosis resulted in reduced CR (23% vs 35%, p=0.0339) and survival (37% vs 56%, p=0.01). Children as compared to adults had higher rates in CR (35% vs 29%) and survival (55% vs 43%). Toxicity proved generally manageable: 22% of pts experienced a total of 81 related AEs, primarily consisting of hemorrhage (19%) and hypotension (4%). Hemorrhage included pulmonary bleeding (6%), GI hemorrhage (3%), epistaxis (3%) and hematuria (3%). Similar to the observation of decreased GvHD in other studies, the incidence of all grade GvHD in the allogeneic SCT pts was 8%. Conclusions: In 269 pts with mainly sVOD/MOF, DF therapy achieved significantly improved outcome compared to an untreated historical control. Importantly, CR and survival were improved in pts who were treated within 2d of VOD diagnosis (vs. later) and in pts who had not yet progressed to sVOD. As with prior studies, there was a low incidence of DF-associated toxicities. Interestingly, the incidence of GvHD in allo-SCT pts was low, consistent with the reduction of GvHD seen in the large randomized EBMT pediatric prevention study. These results confirm the findings of previous trials and strongly support early intervention with DF once the diagnosis of VOD is made after SCT, as well as its use in pts who have not progressed to advanced MOF. The use of DF for VOD following intensive chemotherapy without SCT also appears promising, but more research in this patient population is needed. Enrollment to the T-IND study continues. Disclosures: Richardson: Gentium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Arai:Gentium: Research Funding. Symons:Otsuka Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Martin:Gentium: Research Funding. Massaro:Gentium: Consultancy. D'Agostino:Gentium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Hannah:Gentium: Consultancy. Tudone:Gentium: Employment. Hume:Gentium: Employment. Iacobelli:Gentium SpA: Employment. Soiffer:Gentium: Honoraria.
Safety and Efficacy of Allogeneic Hematopoetic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) after Treatment with Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) Inhibitors
Ansell, Stephen M. , Ho, Vincent T., Antin, Joseph H. , Soiffer, Robert J. , Armand, Philippe , Merryman, Reid W. , Kim, Haesook T. , Zinzani, Pier Luigi , Carlo‐Stella, Carmelo , Halwani, Ahmad , Perales, Miguel‐Angel , Ritz, Jerome

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

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2018.2018 Get It

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

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

10.1182/blood.v120.21.3069.3069 Get It

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

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

10.1182/blood.v128.22.505.505 Get It

Abstract Background: Chronic GVHD contributes to morbidity and mortality after allogeneic transplantation. Several phase 2 and 3 open label studies suggested that ATLG (formerly referred to as ATG-F) reduces cGVHD without impacting relapse or survival. This report describes the first prospective randomized double blind phase 3 trial to assess the effect of ATLG (Neovii) when added to tacrolimus / methotrexate prophylaxis on cGVHD free survival. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted at 27 sites in the United States and Australia. 260 patients were randomized (132 placebo, 128 ATLG). 6 patients who were randomized never received ATLG/placebo (4 placebo and 2 ATLG). Data presented include the 128 placebo and 126 ATLG patients who underwent treatment and transplant. Patients were ages 18-65 years with a diagnosis of acute myeloid (AML, 64%) or lymphoblastic (ALL, 21%) leukemia in first or subsequent complete remission or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS, 15%) with less than 10% marrow blasts. Median age was 48 years (18-65) with 55% males. All patients received 8/8 HLA (A, B, C, DR) allele matched unrelated products (80% mobilized peripheral blood, 20% bone marrow). Myeloablative conditioning was with cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation (Cy/TBI, 27%), busulfan and cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy, 33%), or busulfan and fludarabine (Bu/Flu, 40%). All patients received tacrolimus starting on Day -1 and standard mtx on days 1, 3, 6, and 11 for GVHD prophylaxis. Patients received ATLG or placebo on Days -3, -2, -1 at an ATLG dose of 20 mg/kg per day (60 mg/kg total). The primary endpoint of the study was moderate/severe chronic GVHD free survival. cGVHD was scored by the investigator and then confirmed or overturned by an independent adjudication committee. Secondary endpoints included engraftment, acute GVHD , moderate/severe cGVHD, non-relapse mortality, GVHD and relapse free survival (GRFS), progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The impact of ATLG on immune reconstitution was assessed in 91 patients. Results: Treatment arms were balanced with respect to age, diagnosis, remission status, cytogenetics, graft source (PB or BM), CMV serostatus and conditioning regimen. Median follow up of survivors was 745 days (61, 1425). Regarding the primary endpoint, there was no difference in 2 year moderate/severe cGVHD free survival between ATLG and placebo (48 vs 44%, p = 0.57), nor was there a difference in GRFS (Table 1). Neutrophil engraftment at Day 30 was less in the ATLG arm (85% vs 95%, p=0.00001). Grade 2 or higher infusion reactions were higher in the ATLG arm (16% vs 2.3%, p=0.0001). Reactivation of CMV was similar (27% vs 31%, p=0.58). The Day 180 cumulative incidence of grades 2-4 acute GVHD was lower in the ATLG arm (23 vs 40%, p = 0.003) as was the 2-year cumulative incidence of moderate/severe cGVHD (12 vs 33%, p = 0.000006). However, both 2-year OS and PFS were lower in ATLG treated patients (58 v 76% and 47 vs 67%, respectively) due in part to a higher incidence of relapse (32 vs 19%, p=0.068). Multivariable models confirmed that ATLG was associated with inferior OS, HR 1.85 (1.1-2.9, p=.0075) and PFS, HR 1.63 (1.1-2.41, p=0.015). We then conducted an unplanned post-hoc analysis and discovered a striking influence of conditioning regimen on outcomes. There were no differences in OS or PFS between ATLG and placebo arms in patients receiving Bu/Cy or Bu/Flu but a dramatic difference in patients receiving Cy/TBI conditioning (OS, 88% vs 48% p =0.006 and PFS, 75 vs 29%, p=0.007 in placebo and ATLG arms, respectively). 91 patients (44 ATLG, 47 placebo) participated in the immune reconstitution study. ATLG treatment was associated with lower CD3, CD4, and CD8 counts at Days 30, 100, and 360, respectively. In turn lower CD3, CD4, and CD8 counts assessed as time dependent variables were all associated with inferior OS and PFS as well as higher NRM (data not shown). Conclusion: In this first ever prospective, randomized, double blind trial of ATLG added to tacrolimus /methotrexate in recipients of matched unrelated donor grafts after myeloablative conditioning, there was no significant difference in 2 year moderate/severe cGVHD free survival or GRFS. ATLG did significantly reduce grades 2-4 acute and moderate/severe chronic GVHD. However, overall survival was higher in the placebo arm, driven mainly by patients who received Cy/TBI conditioning. Further analyses are needed to understand the proper role for ATLG in HCT. Disclosures Soiffer: Juno: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kiadis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Porter:Genentech: Employment; Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Jagasia:Therakos: Consultancy. Szer:Alnylam: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Ra Pharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Ritz:Kiadis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Glavin:Neovii Biotech: Employment. Chen:Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding.
Progression Risk Stratification of Asymptomatic Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Bustoros, Mark , Sklavenitis‐Pistofidis, Romanos , Kapoor, Prashant , Kastritis, Efstathios , Zanwar, Saurabh , Fell, Geoffrey, Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Hornburg, Kalvis , Neuse, Carl Jannes , Liu, David , Soiffer, Jenny , Gavriatopoulou, Maria , Boehner, Cody J. , Cappuccio, Joseph M. , Dumke, Henry, Reyes, Kaitlen, Soiffer, Robert J. , Kyle, Robert A. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Trippa, Lorenzo , Ghobrial, Irene M. , Kastritis, Efstathios , Ghobrial, Irene M , Sklavenitis-Pistofidis, Romanos , Liu, Chia‐Jen , Fell, Geoffrey G. , Marinac, Catherine R. , Treon, Steven P. , Castillo, Jorge J. , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | April 16, 2019 | Volume: 37 | Issue: 16 | Pages: 1403-1411

10.1200/jco.19.00394 Get It

BACKGROUND Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is preceded by asymptomatic WM (AWM), for which the risk of progression to overt disease is not well defined. METHODS We studied 439 patients with AWM, who were diagnosed and observed at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute between 1992 and 2014. RESULTS During the 23-year study period, with a median follow-up of 7.8 years, 317 patients progressed to symptomatic WM (72%). Immunoglobulin M 4,500 mg/dL or greater, bone marrow lymphoplasmacytic infiltration 70% or greater, β2-microglobulin 4.0 mg/dL or greater, and albumin 3.5 g/dL or less were all identified as independent predictors of disease progression. To assess progression risk in patients with AWM, we trained and cross-validated a proportional hazards model using bone marrow infiltration, immunoglobulin M, albumin, and beta-2 microglobulin values as continuous measures. The model divided the cohort into three distinct risk groups: a high-risk group with a median time to progression (TTP) of 1.8 years, an intermediate-risk group with a median TTP of 4.8 years, and a low-risk group with a median TTP of 9.3 years. We validated this model in two external cohorts, demonstrating robustness and generalizability. For clinical applicability, we made the model available as a Web page application ( www.awmrisk.com ). By combining two cohorts, we were powered to identify wild type MYD88 as an independent predictor of progression (hazard ratio, 2.7). CONCLUSION This classification system is positioned to inform patient monitoring and care and, for the first time to our knowledge, to identify patients with high-risk AWM who may need closer follow-up or benefit from early intervention.
Financial Hardship after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Lack of Impact on Survival
Khera, Nandita , Albelda, Randy , Hahn, Theresa , Coronado, Diana Salas, Odejide, Oreofe O. , Soiffer, Robert J. , Abel, Gregory A.

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention | February 13, 2018 | Volume: 27 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 345-347

10.1158/1055-9965.epi-17-1040 Get It

Abstract Background: Financial hardship is a growing challenge for patients with blood cancer who undergo hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), and it is associated with poor patient-reported outcomes. In contrast, little is known about the potential impact of patient-reported financial hardship on post-HCT survival. Methods: We sought to describe the association of financial hardship with survival after HCT in a prospectively assembled cohort of patients from three large transplant centers (n = 325). Results: There was no association between financial hardship measures assessed at 6 months post-HCT and 1- or 2-year survival after HCT. Conclusions: Patient-reported financial distress after HCT does not seem to adversely affect post-HCT survival. Impact: When assessing the effectiveness of interventions to ameliorate familial financial burden among HCT, the focus should be on patient-reported outcomes rather than survival. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(3); 345–7. ©2018 AACR.
Safety and efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant after PD-1 blockade in relapsed/refractory lymphoma
Merryman, Reid W. , Zinzani, Pier Luigi , Carlo‐Stella, Carmelo , Ansell, Stephen M. , Perales, Miguel-Angel, Avigdor, Abraham, Halwani, Ahmad , Houot, Roch, Marchand, Tony , Dhédin, Nathalie , Lescaut, W., Thiebaut‐Bertrand, Anne , François, Sylvie, Stamatoullas‐Bastard, Aspasia, Rohrlich, Pierre-Simon, Wallet, Hélène Labussière, Castagna, Luca , Santoro, Armando , Bachanová, Veronika , Bresler, Scott C., Kim, Harim , Pesek, Emily, Chammas, Marie J, Reynolds, Carol, Ho, Vincent T., Antin, Joseph H., Soiffer, Robert J. , Armand, Philippe , Kim, Haesook T. , Houot, Roch , Rohrlich, Pierre‐Simon , Bresler, Scott C. , Srivastava, Amitabh , Reynolds, Carol, Antin, Joseph H. , Ritz, Jerome , Bachanova, Veronika , Zinzani, Pier Luigi , Santoro, Armando , Castagna, Luca , Carlo-Stella, Carmelo , Merryman, Reid W

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

10.1182/blood-2016-09-738385 Get It

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