Colgan, Joseph P.

Abstract Abstract 2802 Background: Redundancy of pro-survival signaling pathways promotes survival and drug resistance in lymphoid and plasma cell malignancies. In particular, the PI3K-Akt and the MEK-ERK pathways have been shown to play an important role in the proliferation and survival of these malignant cells induced by various cytokines in the tumor microenvironment. Sorafenib, a Raf kinase and VEGF receptor inhibitor, and everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, have synergistic cytotoxicity in myeloma and lymphoma cells due to inhibition of multiple signaling pathways. Methods: We designed a Phase 1/2 clinical trial to identify the maximum tolerated doses of the two drugs used in combination and the efficacy of the combination. Patients (Pts) with relapsed myeloma or lymphoma were eligible for enrollment. Pts were required to have an absolute neutrophil count ≥1500 × 10(6)/L, a platelet count ≥75,000, and a serum creatinine 21.5 mg/dL. The study utilized the classic 3+3 design. Extensive pharmacokinetic studies were performed to better delineate potential drug interactions. Results: Twenty-six pts were accrued from August 2007 to February 2009. Four pts discontinued sorafenib during cycle 1 for various reasons (2 patient refusal, 1 unrelated medical condition and 1 physician discretion) and were excluded from MTD determination. An additional pt did not have measurable disease and was ineligible, leaving 19 pts with lymphoma (including 6 with Hodgkin lymphoma) and 2 with myeloma for phase I analysis. The pts had a median age of 56 years (range, 22, 69) and were heavily pretreated with a median of 4 prior therapies (range, 1–10). Eighteen (86%) had received a prior stem cell transplant. Four dose limiting toxicities were seen across all dose levels (Table). These included grade 3 vomiting (level 1), grade 4 thrombocytopenia (level 2 and 3, one each) and grade 2 hand and foot rash leading to treatment delay (level 3). Overall, 13 pts experienced a grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity. Grade 3 or 4 anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia occurred in 19%, 43%, and 38% of pts, respectively. Four pts have experienced a grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity; no grade 4 non-hematologic toxicities were seen. Grade 3 non-hematologic toxicities included hypokalemia, weight loss, vomiting, hand-foot skin reaction, fatigue, and elevated alkaline phosphatase. Dose level 1 (sorafenib 200 mg and everolimus 5 mg daily) was best tolerated and was selected for phase 2 evaluation. The ORR was 33% (7/21;95% CI: 15–57%, Table) with 3 pts at dose level 0 (2 PR, 1 CR), one at level 2 (1 PR) and three at level 3 (2 PR, 1 CR) responding. The responders included 5 pts with Hodgkin's disease and one each with an NK cell and T-cell lymphoma. Pts have received a median of 6 cycles (range: 1–19) of treatment. 16 pts have discontinued treatment due to disease progression (13 pts), non-resolution of cytopenias (1 pt), physician discretion (1 pt), and death on study due to lymphoma (1 pt). Disease progression has been seen in 16 pts; 9 pts have died. Median follow-up for pts still alive is 18.7 months (range: 11.5–29.4). 6 pts died from disease progression, one each due to sepsis unlikely related to treatment, cholecystitis, and unknown causes. Sorafenib is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 CYP3A enzyme and RAD-001 mainly by the CYP3A4 system in the liver, hence there is a potential for interactions. The detailed PK analyses performed as part of this trial showed a decrease in the RAD001 levels following initiation of sorafenib on day 8 of cycle 1 (Figure). Conclusion: The combination of sorafenib and everolimus is safe at a recommended phase 2 dose of sorafenib 200 mg and everolimus 5 mg daily. There is no significant drug interaction seen. Activity has been observed, especially in the setting of Hodgkins Disease. Disclosures: Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide for treatment of newly diagnosed myeloma. Witzig:Novartis and Celgene: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding, Served on advisory boards with Novartis and Celgene – both uncompensated with compensation to Mayo Clinic.

Abstract Abstract 2634 The peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (ALC/AMC) at diagnosis has been recently reported [Porrata et al, Hematologica 2012; 97(2):262-9] and confirmed [Koh et al, Oncologist 2012; 17(6):871-80] to be a predictor of clinical outcomes in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). In addition, an inversed correlation has been reported between the ALC/AMC ratio and tumor associated macrophages in classical HL suggesting an association between the host biological response in the macro-environment and micro-environment. However, a limitation of the ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis, the International Prognostic Score at diagnosis, the Positron-Emission Tomography (PET-scan) at diagnosis, or interim PET-scan during treatment is their inability to sequentially assess the host/tumor interaction during treatment. Therefore, we studied the ALC/AMC ratio recovery, as a surrogate marker of host immunity (i.e., ALC) and tumor micro-environment (i.e., AMC), at each treatment cycle phase to assess its predictive ability for clinical outcomes in classical HL. To participate in the study, patients were required to be diagnosed, treated, and followed at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota and treated with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) with or without radiation therapy. An ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 cut-off was used in the study based on our previous publication [Porrata et al, Hematologica 2012; 97(2):262-9]. From 1990 until 2008, 190 classical HL patients qualified for the study. The cohort was evenly split with 50% males and 50% females. Fifty-eight percent of the patients had an interim PET-scan performed. The median age at diagnosis was 36 years (range: 18–83 years). Seventeen patients received 2 cycles; 5 patients 3 cycles; 51 patients 4 cycles; 5 patients 5 cycles and 112 patients 6 cycles. The median follow-up was 3.7 years (range: 0.2–20 years). The ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 at each treatment cycle phase of ABVD was a predictor for overall survival (OS), lymphoma-specific survival (LSS), progression-free survival (PFS) and time to progression (TTP). Patients were stratified based on how many cycles the ALC/AMC ratio did not reach the cut-off of 1.1. The more cycles with an ALC/AMC < 1.1 the worse survival was observed. The 23 patients who did not achieve an ALC/AMC ≥ 1.1 during the treatment cycles phase experienced the worst survival rates: 5 year OS of 33%; 5 year LSS of 43%; 5 year PFS of 16%; and 5 year TTP of 27%. Patients were then dichotomized into patients that did not achieve an ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 for all the cycles versus patients with an ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 in any cycle during treatment. Patients with an ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 in any cycle (N=167) experienced better survival compared with patients that in all cycles the ALC/AMC ratio was < 1.1 [ OS, the hazard ratio(HR) was 0.09, 95% CI (0.04–0.19), p < 0.0001; for LSS, HR =0.07, 95% CI (0.02–0.17), p <0.0001; for PFS, HR = 0.08, 95%CI (0.04–0.14), p < 0.0001; and for TTP, HR = 0.05, 95% CI (0.02–0.11), p < 0.0001]. In the multivariate analysis, an ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 in any cycle versus none was an independent predictor for clinical outcome when compared to ALC/AMC ratio at diagnsosis, PET-scan, International Prognostic Score, limited verus advanced stage, and radiation therapy [OS, HR = 0.14, 95% CI (0.04–0.40), p< 0.0002; for LSS, HR = 0.09, 95% CI (0.01–0.37), p <0.0006); for PFS, HR = 0.19, 95% CI (0.05–0.82), p < 0.03); and for TTP, HR = 0.15, 95% CI (0.02–0.89), p < 0.02]. In conclusion, the ALC/AMC ratio during ABVD treatment cycles in classical HL is a predictor for survival and provides an opportunity to develop therapeutic modalities to manipulate the ALC/AMC ratio during ABVD chemotherapy to improve clinical outcomes in classical HL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 287 Purpose: Farnesyltransferases are key cellular enzymes involved in the prenylation of proteins. Prenylated proteins are important for malignant cell growth. The purpose of this phase II study (NCT00082888) was to assess tumor response and toxicity associated with the oral farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib (R115777, Johnson and Johnson) in patients with relapsed aggressive, indolent, or uncommon lymphoma. The uncommon group included low incidence lymphoma types such as Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma- cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Patients and Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin (NHL) or Hodgkin (HL) were eligible if they had measurable disease, performance status ≤2, platelet count ≥75,000 × 10(6)/L, an absolute neutrophil count ≥1000 × 10(6)/L and a creatinine ≤2 × upper limit of normal. Patients initially received tipifarnib 300 mg twice daily, days 1–21 every 28 days. The trial was conducted by the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma SPORE. Results: Ninety-three patients with lymphoma (42 aggressive, 15 indolent, and 36 uncommon) enrolled in the trial between March 2004 and November 2008. The median age was 62 years (range, 18–91). The median number of prior therapies was 5 (range, 1–17). The overall response rate (ORR) was 20% (19/93) with 6% (6/93) complete responses (CR) and 14% (13/93) partial responses (PR). The ORR was 17%, 7%, and 31% for the aggressive, indolent, and uncommon groups, respectively (Table). Among the 19 responders were 7 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 7 T-cell NHL, 1 follicular grade II, and 4 HL. The overall median response duration for the 19 responders was 7.5 months (mean, 12.8; range, 1.8 – 48.1 months). The median response duration was 11.3 months (mean, 10.1; range, 1.8 – 18.5 months), 2 months, and 7.5 months (mean, 15.5; range, 1.9 – 48.1 months) for the aggressive (7), indolent (1), and uncommon (11) groups, respectively. Five patients in the uncommon group are still receiving treatment with a range of treatment duration between 25 – 60+ months. Among the 5 still receiving treatment 4 responded and 1 is stable. The range of response duration is 15.4, 17.7, 43.1, and 48.1 months. These five patients (2 with HL, 1 anaplastic large cell cutaneous, and 2 PTCL) are currently receiving doses of 400 (1), 200 (2), and 100 (2) mg twice daily. The median time to progression for all patients was 3.6 months (95% CI: 2.1 – 4.5 months). The grade 3,4 toxicities observed were primarily fatigue (10%) and reversible myelosuppression with 11% anemia, 37% neutropenia, and 32% thrombocytopenia. Correlative studies demonstrated tipifarnib-induced upregulation of Bim, a marker of tipifarnib action in lymphoma cell lines, in 7 of 9 paired lymphoma biopsies. Conclusions: Tipifarnib has activity in lymphoma, with responses in patients with heavily pretreated DLBCL, HL and T-cell types, but little activity in follicular NHL. This agent has an excellent toxicity profile and targets a novel pathway. Further studies in combination with other agents are warranted for patients with DLBCL, HL or T-cell NHL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 1952 Poster Board I-975 Background: Vitamin D is a naturally occurring steroid hormone. In addition to its well-established role in maintaining serum calcium homeostasis, vitamin D has effects on cellular differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Vitamin D3 is naturally produced in skin in response ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from the sun. Several recent studies, however, have shown that a high proportion of community-dwelling subjects in both tropical and temperate climates are deficient in vitamin D, and that subjects in northern latitudes often require dietary supplementation to maintain vitamin D sufficiency. Further, several reports now suggest that vitamin D sufficiency is protective against the development of several cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, it is not known whether vitamin D impacts prognosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common NHL subtype. Methods: We evaluated serum vitamin D concentrations in two cohorts of DLBCL patients. The first cohort consisted of 374 patients newly diagnosed from September 2002-February 2008 who were prospectively enrolled in the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma SPORE Molecular Epidemiology Resource, an observational study in which neither therapeutic nor diagnostic management is prescribed. All serum was obtained within 120 days of diagnosis, and was prior to treatment in 221 (59%). In the second study, 62 patients newly diagnosed from February 2006-August 2007 were enrolled on NCCTG clinical trial N0489, and all serum was obtained before the first course of therapy. Central pathology review was performed on all patients to confirm the diagnosis of DLBCL. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin (25-OH-VitD) levels were measured by the gold standard method for vitamin D determination: liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as total serum 25-OH-VitD < 25 ng/mL (62.5 nmol/L). SPORE patients were followed per a standard protocol for event-free (progression, retreatment, or death due to any cause) and overall survival (EFS and OS, respectively); N0489 patients were followed in a similar way per the clinical trial protocol. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: SPORE patients were primarily treated with immunochemotherapy (83%); all N0489 patients were treated with epratuzumab + R-CHOP21. The median age at diagnosis was 62 years (range, 19-93) for SPORE patients and 61 years (range, 21-82) for N0489 patients. Median follow-up for SPORE patients was 36 months (range, 1-77) with 95 deaths and 131 events; median follow-up for N0489 patients was 24 months (range, 7-39) with 13 deaths and 18 events. Vitamin D deficiency was identified in 188 SPORE patients (50%) and 15 N0489 patients (24%). There were no differences in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency by age, IPI, or whether serum was obtained prior to starting treatment (all p > 0.28). Vitamin D deficiency was associated with inferior overall (HR=2.33, 95% CI 1.53-3.57, logrank p = 0.0001) and event-free survival (HR=1.71, 95% CI 1.20-2.44, logrank p = 0.003) in the SPORE cohort. These associations remained significant after adjusting for IPI and treatment: OS HR=1.97, 95% CI 1.27-3.07; EFS HR=1.47, 95% CI 1.02-2.21. These results were similar for the subset of SPORE patients who were treated with R-CHOP. The HRs for vitamin D deficiency and event-free survival were consistent in the N0489 patients (HR=1.63, 95% CI 0.61-4.35, IPI adjusted HR=1.43, 95% CI 0.53-3.85), although these results lacked precision due to a smaller sample size. We were unable to evaluate OS in N0489 due to the small number of deaths. Conclusions: Approximately 50% of all DLBCL patients in this northern US latitude population are vitamin D deficient at the time of diagnosis and treatment. Vitamin D deficient patients have an inferior event-free and overall survival compared to patients with vitamin D levels within the normal range. Vitamin D supplementation during treatment of DLBCL patients with vitamin D deficiency should be evaluated in a clinical trial setting. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background: Peripheral T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (PTCL) account for approximately 10% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in the U.S. and Europe. PTCL, unspecified (PTCL-U), as classified by the WHO, is the most common subtype. The ability of high-dose therapy (HDT) and stem cell transplantation (SCT) to improve patient outcome was evaluated in the current study. Methods: All patients with PTCL-U evaluated at our institution who had tissue specimens available for review from January, 1994 to December, 2005 were identified and both clinical characteristics and treatment course obtained from the medical record. Results: 89 patients with PTCL-U were identified, with a median follow up of 13 months (range 1 month–12 years). The median age at diagnosis was 56 years (range 24–90). The IPI was low, intermediate or high in 34%, 44% and 22% of patients, respectively. On univariate analysis, age >60 (p<.0001), ECOG performance status >1 (p<.0001), LDH greater than normal (p=.004), Ann Arbor Stage III/IV (p=.01) and the presence of B symptoms (p=.0004) were associated with a poorer overall survival, as was an intermediate or high IPI (p<.0001). In contrast, on multivariate analysis only age >60 (p=.0006) and ECOG performance status >1 (p=.007) were independently associated with poorer overall survival. Fifty-seven percent of patients were treated initially with an anthracycline-based regimen, most commonly CHOP (53%). Patients with a low (0–1), intermediate (2–3) or high (4–5) IPI experienced a 61%, 29% and 18% 5-year overall survival, respectively. Fourteen patients (16%) received HDT and autologous (n=12) or allogeneic (n=2) SCT, either at the time of a first partial or complete response (n=11) or at the time of first relapse (n=3). The median survival in those patients treated initially with an anthracycline-based regimen alone was 11 months (95% CI 0.6–1.6 years). Improvement in both 5-year overall (75% vs 24%, HR=5.6, 95% CI 2.0–23.4, p=.0004) and disease-free (60% vs 26%, HR=3.2, 95% CI 1.3–9.3, p=.008) survival was observed in patients who received HDT/SCT, as compared to patients treated with anthracycline-based therapy alone. Furthermore, improvement in both 5-year overall (80% vs 26%, HR=5.8, 95% CI 1.7–35.7, p=.002) and disease free (72% vs 26%, HR=3.8, 95% CI 1.3–15.8, p=.009) survival was observed in patients who received HDT/SCT at the time of a first partial or complete response when compared to patients who received anthracycline-based therapy. When patients who failed to achieve a first partial or complete response were excluded from the analysis, improved 5-year overall (80% vs 57%, HR=0.5, 95% CI 0.1–2.1, p=.4) and disease-free (72% vs 53%, HR=0.7, 95% CI 0.1–2.3, p=.5) survival were observed in patients who received upfront HDT/SCT, although this failed to reach statistical significance. The improved overall and disease free survival observed in patients receiving HDT/SCT, either at the time of a first response or at the time of relapse, remained significant when accounting for differences in the IPI. In conclusion, selected patients with PTCL-U may benefit from treatment with HDT/SCT following a first response to conventional anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

Abstract Background: Patients (pts) with aggressive NHL who relapse after conventional chemotherapy or stem cell transplant have a poor prognosis. Novel agents are needed for this important subset. Tipifarnib is an orally available methylquinolone derivative that is an inhibitor of the farnesyl transferase enzyme that transfers the farnesyl group from farnesyl pyrophosphate to specific polypeptides including small GTPases of the Ras, Rho-B, and Rheb families, as well as nuclear lamins and kinetochore proteins. Tipifarnib has documented activity in acute leukemia and produces stable disease in relapsed multiple myeloma. The goal of this study was to evaluate the activity of single-agent tipifarnib in patients with relapsed aggressive NHL in the context of a phase II trial. Methods: Pts with relapsed diffuse large, follicular grade III, or mantle cell lymphoma were eligible for this study. Pts were treated with oral tipifarnib 300 mg twice daily d1–21 q 28 days until progression. Pts were restaged after 2 cycles, 6 cycles, and every 3 cycles thereafter. Tumor was sampled prior to tipifarnib and at day 8 in selected patients with accessible tumors. These paired samples were assayed for accumulation of unprocessed HDJ-2 and prelamin A, two polypeptides that require farnesylation for processing. Results: Forty-two pts were accrued between March 2004 and June 2006. Thirty-seven pts had diffuse large cell, 1 follicular grade III, and 4 had mantle cell. Of the 38 patients evaluable for response, 7 (18%) had a partial response and 8 (21%) had stable disease. The 7 responders all had diffuse large cell histology. Median progression-free survival (PFS) for all pts was 2 months (range, 0–25+). The PFS of the 7 responders was noteworthy at 4.2, 4.9+, 6.7, 9.6, 14.9+, 21.6+, and 25.1+ months, respectively. The primary toxicity was myelosuppression and 33% of pts required dose reductions. The median dose received in all pts was 300 mg twice daily (mean 275, range, 100–400). The median dose received by the 7 responders was 200 mg twice daily (range, 100–400). The dose of 300 mg twice daily resulted in accumulation of unfarnesylated forms of one or both markers in all pts studied to date. Conclusion: Oral tipifarnib has antitumor activity as a single agent with an excellent toxicity profile in pts with relapsed/refractory aggressive lymphoma. When given in this dose and schedule, tipifarnib is well-tolerated and can be taken for months without cumulative toxicity. This drug warrants further investigation in combination with conventional chemotherapy and other novel agents for the treatment of this important subset of patients.

Abstract Background: Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) recovery is an independent prognostic factor for survival for different hematological malignancies treated with autologous stem cell transplantation. Recently, we reported superior overall survival (OS) in patients with follicular lymphomas that presented with a higher ALC (ALC ≥ 1 x 109/L) at diagnosis. The role of ALC at diagnosis on survival in T cell lymphomas is not known. Methods: All patients evaluated at the Mayo Clinic for T cell lymphomas from October 1984 until April 2005 were analyzed in the study. The primary objective of the study was to assess the role of ALC at diagnosis and survival in T cell lymphomas. ALC at diagnosis was obtained from the standard complete blood cell count (CBC). Results: 223 patients with T cell lymphomas were included in the study. The histology included: peripheral T-cell lymphoma-unspecified (40%), anaplastic large cell (13%), angioimmunoblastic (10%), angiocentric (4%), intestinal T-cell (2%), and other (31%). The median follow-up was 18.6 months (range: 1 month – 229 months [19 years]). The sample population included 60% male and 40% females with a median age of 60 years (15–90 years). The median ALC at diagnosis was 1.2 x 109/L (range: 0.04–6.7 x 109/L). ALC as a continuous variable was identified as predictor for OS in the univariate analysis (HR= 0.690, 95%CI: 0.542–0.862, p < 0.0006). ALC ≥ 1 x 109/L was selected as the dichotomized value because it yielded the maximum difference in survival by c2 analysis looking at different cut-point from 0.6 to 1.7 x 109/L that were included between the 25% and 75% quartiles. Univariately, ALC ≥ 1 x 109/L was also identified as a predictor for OS (HR = 0.682, 95%CL= 0.578–0.804, p < 0.0001). Patients (N = 122) with an ALC ≥ 1 x 109/L experienced superior survival compared to patients (N = 101) with an ALC < 1 x 109/L [median OS: 76.3 vs 10.6 months, respectively; and 5 years OS estimates of 53% vs 23%, respectively, p < 0.0001]. When ALC ≥ 1 x 109/L was compared to the international prognostic index (IPI), ALC ≥ 1 x 109/L remained an independent predictor for survival in the multivariate analysis (HR = 0.779, 95%CL: 0.655–0.925, p < 0.004). Conclusion: This study demonstrates ALC as an independent predictor for OS in T cell lymphomas, suggesting that the host immune system affects survival in this group of patients.

Abstract Abstract 1527 Interim Positron-Emission Tomography (PET-scan), as a functional imaging test for tumor activity, has been shown to be a predictor for progression-free survival (PFS) and time to progression (TTP) in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). The peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (ALC/AMC) at diagnosis, as a surrogate marker of host immunity (i.e., ALC) and tumor microenvironment (i.e., AMC), has been recently reported [Porrata et al, Hematologica 2012; 97(2): 262–9] and confirmed [Koh et al, Oncologist 2012; 17(6): 871–80] to be also a predictor for PFS and TTP in classical HL. Therefore, we evaluated the combination of ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis and the interim PET-scan to further stratify the clinical outcomes of PFS and TTP in patients with classical HL. To participate in the studies, patients were required to be diagnosed, treated, and followed at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. The treatment consisted of adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) with or without radiation therapy. Patients were required to have an interim PET-scan performed. An ALC/AMC ratio ≥1.1 cut-off was used in the study based on our previous publication [Porrata et al, Hematologica 2012; 97(2): 262–9]. From 2000 until 2008, 111 classical HL patients qualified for the study. The cohort included 54% males and 46% females. The median age at diagnosis was 37 years (range: 18–83 years). The median follow-up was 2.8 years (range: 0.3–10.4 years). Patients with a negative interim PET-scan (N=98) presented with a higher ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis (median of 2.32, range: 0.26–37.5) compared with patients with a positive interim PET-scan (N = 13) (median of 0.9, range: 0.29–3.10), p < 0.004. By univariate analysis, the ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis and the interim PET-scan were predictors for PFS [ ALC/AMC ratio, R =0.13, 95% CI (0.05–0.35), p < 0.0002; and interim PET-scan, HR = 0.13, 95% CI (0.05–0.37), p < 0.0003] and TTP [ALC/AMC ratio, R =0.07, 95% CI (0.02–0.24), p < 0.0001; and interim PET-scan, HR = 0.05, 95% CI (0.01–0.18), p < 0.0003]. By multivariate analysis, ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis and the interim PET-scan were independent predictors for PFS [ ALC/AMC ratio, R =0.13, 95% CI (0.07–0.63), p < 0.006; and interim PET-scan, HR = 0.11, 95%CI (0.02–0.47), p < 0.003] and TTP [ALC/AMC ratio, R =0.11, 95% CI (0.02–0.71), p < 0.02; and interim PET-scan, HR = 0.10, 95% CI (0.02–0.46), p < 0.003] when compared to the International Prognostic Score, limited versus advanced stage, and radiation. Patients were stratified into four groups: group 1 included patients with a negative interim PET-scan and ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis ≥1.1 (N = 88); group 2 included positive interim PET-scan and ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis ≥1.1 (N = 5); group 3 included negative PET-scan and ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis < 1.1 (N = 10); and group 4 included positive PET-scan and ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis <1.1 (N = 8). The three year PFS rates for each group were for goup1 95% (Events = 6); group 2 40% (Events = 3); group 3 56% (Events = 4); and group 4 50% (events = 4), p < 0.0001. The three year TTP rates for each group were: for group1 was 100% (Events = 0); for group 2 of 40% (Events = 3); for group 3 of 65% (Events = 3); and group 4 of 50% (events = 4), p < 0.0001. In conclusion, the ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis is independent of the interim PET-scan to predict PFS and TTP in classical HL. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings and to assess if the combination of the ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis and interim PET can be use for planning of risk-adapted treatment. Disclosures: Ansell: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 1546 Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an incurable disease with an undefined optimal management strategy. Global priorities in goals of care are avoidance of death and transformation to aggressive subtypes. Retrospective series, – most including patients diagnosed before ubiquitous rituximab use, - describe diverse rates of transformation with a common consensus of 3% per year, and with a median survival post transformation of less than 2 years. This study sought to characterize transformation events in a prospective observational series begun after diffusion of early rituximab use in FL. Methods: Newly diagnosed FL patients were prospectively enrolled in the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic SPORE Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER) from 2002–2009. Clinical data were abstracted from medical records using a standard protocol. Patients were actively followed for retreatment, transformation, and death. Inclusion criteria for this analysis were initial diagnosis of grade I-IIIa FL. Exclusion criteria for this cohort include composite diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), FL grade IIIb, or evidence of clinical or pathological transformation at the time of FL diagnosis. Transformation was defined as refractory/recurrent disease with either a) biopsy confirmed subtype of FLIIIb, DLBCL or higher grade B-cell lymphoma; or b) clinical indication of transformation (sudden rise in LDH, rapid discordant localized nodal growth, new involvement of unusual extranodal sites, new B symptoms or hypercalcemia). Risk of transformation was analyzed via time to transformation using a death as a competing risk. Time to transformation was defined as the date of initial FL diagnosis to date of transformation. Overall survival was defined as the date of initial diagnosis to date of death or last known follow-up for patients still alive. Results: There were 631 newly diagnosed grade I-IIIa FL patients with a median age at enrollment of 60 years (range 23–93). 54% were male. The most common types of initial therapy were observation (33%), rituximab (R) monotherapy (12%), alkylator based chemotherapy +/− R (22%), and anthracycline based chemotherapy +/− R (20%). At a median follow-up of 60 months (range 11–110), 79 patients had died, 311 patients had an event (death, progression, or retreatment), and 60 patients (9.5%) had transformed. Transformation was biopsy proven in 48 of the 60 patients (80%). The overall transformation rate at 5 years (TX5) was 10.7% (95% CI: 8.3%–13.8%) (Figure 1). Time to transformation was associated with a FLIPI score of 3–5 (HR=2.37, 95% CI 1.28–4.39, p=0.006), but was not significantly associated with other standard clinical characteristics. Risk of transformation was different in the common initial treatment groups with the highest rate in patients who were initially observed (TX5=14.4%) and lowest rate in patients who initially received R monotherapy (TX5=3.2%)(p=0.058). Outcome after transformation was inferior to MER subjects with de-novo diagnosed DLBCL (p<0.0001). The median overall survival from date of transformation was 44 months (95% CI: 22-NA). Survival after transformation was superior in patients who transformed greater than 18 months after FL diagnosis compared to patients who transformed earlier (5 yr OS =70% vs 20%) (p=7 ×10−5), and for those initially observed (median unreached) versus those patients who were initially treated with alkylator or anthracycline based chemotherapy (median survival of 11 months)( p=0.016). Conclusions: Follicular transformation rates in this modern large prospective observational study are similar to risk of death without transformation and slightly lower at 5 years than most previous reports. Post-transformation prognosis is substantially better than described in older series. These observed differences may be a function of the prospective nature of the study design, modern management strategies, or patient selection factors. Initial management strategies may influence the risk of transformation. Marked survival differences following early vs. late transformation suggest that these may be different biologic events. Disclosures: Link: Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy. Johnston:Novartis: Consultancy.

Abstract Abstract 1525 Background: Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL) is a more indolent form of Hodgkin Lymphoma that is usually associated with favorable outcomes. However, a number of reports have shown a tendency of transformation to more aggressive types of lymphoma, typically diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Long-term data on the incidence and outcomes of transformed NLPHL is lacking in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate incidence, risk factors and outcomes of DLBCL transformation in NLPHL in a cohort of patients followed at a single institution. Methods: The actively maintained Mayo Clinic Lymphoma Database includes all consenting consecutive patients with lymphoma seen at Mayo Clinic Rochester. This was used to retrospectively identify patients with NLPHL. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Pathology was reviewed by a hematopathologist and all transformations were histologically confirmed by WHO criteria. The clinical characteristics, therapy and outcomes of patients with NLPHL and DLBCL transformation were analyzed. The chi-square test was used to compare variables. Risk of progression was calculated using a person-year approach. Survival and freedom from transformation were estimated and compared using the Kaplan Meier method and log rank tests, respectively. Results: Between 1970 and 2010, 222 consecutive adult patients with NLPHL were identified. The median follow-up was 20 years. Of these, 17 (7.7%) developed a transformation to DLBCL during the course of the disease (Figure 1). The median time to transformation was 35 (6–248) months. Of these 17 patients, 13 (76.5%) were male, 11 (64.7%) had stage I/II and 6 (35.3%) had stage III/IV NLPHL. Transformation was the first relapse in most patients (12 patients, 70.6%) while five patients (29.4%) developed one or more relapses of NLPHL before transformation. Prior therapies for NLPHL were as follows: radiation therapy in 5 (29.4%), chemotherapy in 5 (29.4%) and combined chemotherapy and radiation in 6 (35.3%) patients. The median age at transformation was 45 years (30–87). Most patients (10 patients, 58.8%) presented with signs (palpable lymph nodes) or “B” symptoms. Eight patients (47.1%) had stage III/IV disease at the time of transformation. The most commonly used regimens for treatment of DLBCL were R-CHOP or CHOP (9 patients, 52.9%). Platinum based therapy was administered in 4 (23.5%) patients. Five patients (29.4%) required more than one line of therapy, and autologous stem cell transplant was utilized in two (11.7%) patients. Based on the observed 17 transformations during 2304 patient-years of follow-up, the rate of transformation was 0.74 per 100 patient-years. The five-year overall survival (OS) of patients with transformed disease (calculated from time of transformation) was 76.4%. The most common cause of death was lymphoma (75%). Following treatment for transformation, 5 patients (29.4%) relapsed. The OS in transformed patients was independent of prior therapies, and transformation did not adversely affect overall survival in our cohort (median survival of in 129 months in transformed versus 120 in non-transformed patients, P=0.33). In a univariate analysis of prior therapies, use of radiation therapy was associated with a significant delay in time to transformation (P= 0.0035) (Table 1, figure 2). Conclusions: The risk of transformation in NLPHL is 0.74% per year in this large single institution case series of NLPHL, and appears to be lower than that observed in follicular and other types of low grade lymphoma. The outcomes of patients with transformation were significantly better than reported in other types of transformed lymphoma and did not adversely affect OS. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.