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Thomas, Deborah A.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2656-343X

Mayo Clinic

Washington University in St. Louis

Citations 12

Systematic Review With Meta-analysis: Safety and Effectiveness of Combining Biologics and Small Molecules in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Alayo, Quazim A. , Fenster, Marc, Glassner, Kerri , Llano, Ernesto M. , Clark‐Snustad, Kindra , Kwapisz, Lukasz , Yarur, Andrés , Cohen, Benjamin L, Ciorba, Matthew A. , Thomas, Deborah A. , Lee, Scott D. , Loftus, Edward V. , Fudman, David , Abraham, Bincy , Deepak, Parakkal , Colombel, J F. , Deepak, Parakkal , Loftus, Edward V , Yarur, Andres J , Altayar, Osama , Patel, Anish A , Cohen, Benjamin L, Colombel, Jean‐Frédéric

Crohn's & Colitis 360 | February 9, 2022 | Volume: 4 | Issue: 1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/crocol/otac002 Get It

Abstract Background Combining biologics and small molecules could potentially overcome the plateau of drug efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and effectiveness of dual biologic therapy (DBT), or small molecule combined with a biologic therapy (SBT) in IBD patients. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Clinical trials.gov until November 3, 2020, including studies with 2 or more IBD patients on DBT or SBT. Main outcome was safety assessed as pooled rates of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) for each combination. Effectiveness was reported as pooled rates of clinical, endoscopic, and/or radiographic response and remission. The certainty of evidence was rated according to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Results Of the 3688 publications identified, 13 studies (1 clinical trial, 12 observational studies) involving 266 patients on 7 different combinations were included. Median number of prior biologics ranged from 0 to 4, and median duration of follow-up was 16–68 weeks. Most common DBT and SBT were vedolizumab (VDZ) with anti-tumor necrosis factor (aTNF, n = 56) or tofacitinib (Tofa, n = 57), respectively. Pooled rates of SAE for these were 9.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–21.4) for VDZ-aTNF and 1.0% (95% CI, 0.0–7.6) for Tofa-VDZ. The overall certainty of evidence was very low due to the observational nature of the studies, and very serious imprecision and inconsistency. Conclusions DBT or SBT appears to be generally safe and may be effective in IBD patients, but the evidence is very uncertain.
Functional assessment of performance status in patients with myelofibrosis (MF): Utility and feasibility of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT)
Kantarjian, H., Tefferi, Ayalew , Pardanani, Animesh , Erickson‐Viitanen, Susan, Thomas, Deborah A. , Mesa, Ruben A. , Cheville, Andrea , Levy, R., Cortes, Jörge E. , Borthakur, Gautam , Verstovšek, Srđan

Journal of Clinical Oncology | August 25, 2020 | Volume: 27 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 7083-7083

10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.7083 Get It

7083 Background: Patients with Myelofibrosis (MF) suffer from significant fatigue, constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly (Mesa et. al. Cancer 2007) not improved by current therapy. The 6MWT measures functional status in cardio-pulmonary clinical trials. We undertook a prospective feasibility study of the 6MWT in MF patients for use in therapeutic clinical trials. Methods: MF patients (able to walk, normal vitals, not on a JAK2 inhibitor) were eligible. Baseline features and the MF symptom assessment form (MFSAF: Mesa et. al. Blood 2008) was administered. The 6MWT was administered in standardized fashion (American Thoracic Society: observed laps of a 30 - 35 meter long course, indoors, level, without encouragement), and then repeated for further validation. Results: Safety of the 6MWT: Fifty five MF patients were enrolled with only 2 patients (3%) stopping the 6MWT early secondary to fatigue. There were no adverse events attributable to undergoing the 6MWT in test subjects. Results of the 6MWT: Current results of our ongoing study demonstrate compared to age matched healthy volunteer controls, males with MF walk approximately 90 meters less and females with MF walk approximately 60 meters less (Table). Correlation of 6MWT Results to Patient Reported Symptoms (MFSAF): Results from the MFSAF demonstrated the fatigue (as assessed by the brief fatigue inventory (Medoza et. al. Cancer 1999) embedded in the MFSAF) showed patients with a higher BFI (i.e., more fatigued) had more impairment in the 6MWT than those with low BFI scores. Symptomatic burden as assessed by the MFSAF were typical for MF, correlation of individual symptom severity with 6MWT will require a larger trial for adequate power. Conclusions: The 6MWT can be safely performed in un-selected MF patients, and demonstrates a functional deficit compared to published controls. Validation of the ability of the 6MWT to measure functional improvements in MF patients as a response to novel therapy trials is planned. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Phase II Study of Dasatinib (SPRYCEL™) in Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Acute and Chronic Myeloid Diseases, Including Systemic Mastocytosis.
Tefferi, Ayalew , Jorge, Cortes, O’Brien, Susan , Garcia‐Manero, Guillermo , Pardanani, Animesh , Faderl, Stefan, Thomas, Deborah A. , Verstovšek, Srđan , Jorge, Cortes, Akin, Cem , Kantarjian, Hagop M.

Blood | April 18, 2020 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 3551-3551

10.1182/blood.v110.11.3551.3551 Get It

Abstract Dasatinib is approved as a second line therapy (Rx) for Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, as it targets Bcr/Abl tyrosine kinase. Due to its activity against other kinases, like KIT and PDGFR, we conducted a Phase II study of dasatinib in patients with Ph-negative acute and chronic myeloid diseases. Sixty-eight patients were treated at the starting dose of 70mg PO BID (9 patients with SM received 140mg as a single dose daily); 4 weeks=1 cycle. All patients were assessed for response and toxicity (no Grade 4 toxicity was observed). The results by disease type are detailed. Systemic mastocytosis: 33 patients were treated (18 indolent, 9 aggressive, 6 with associated hematologic malignancy); median age 57 years (29–74); 14 were males, all PDGFRA−; # prior Rx 1 (0–4), 16 not previously treated; median # cycles 4 (1–20). Two achieved CR: one SM-MF (JAK2 V617F+, complex cytogenetics) and one SM-HES; both c-KIT mutation negative, low tryptase, anemic, failed erythropoietin, and had abnormal WBC differential. SM-MF patient progressed to AML after 8 months on Rx and died, and SM-HES is still in CR after 18+ months. Nine patients had improvement in symptoms related to SM, lasting from 3–18+ months. Nineteen Grade 3 toxicities were observed; dose was reduced to −1 level in 15, and to −2 level in 5 patients. Acute myeloid leukemia: 9 patients were treated; median age 70 years (51–91); 7 were males, 4 had abnormal cytogenetics; # prior Rx 2 (0–3); median # cycles 1 (1–18). CR was observed in an 80y old male with trisomy 8, previously treated with 3+7 chemotherapy with short CR. He relapsed on dasatinib Rx after 60 weeks. Eight patients had no response (4 stopped Rx within first month). Six Grade 3 toxicities were observed. Myelodysplastic syndrome/chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: 6 patients were treated (3+3); median age 68 years (51–75); 4 were males, 1 with abnormal cytogenetics; # prior Rx 1.5 (0–5); median # cycles 1 (1–2). No responses were observed (2 stopped Rx within first month); one Grade 3 toxicity was observed. Hypereosinophilic syndrome/chronic eosinophilic leukemia: 8 patients were treated (5+3); median age 58 years (23–75); 5 were males, 3 had abnormal cytogenetics, all PDGFRA-; # prior Rx 1.5 (0–3); median # cycles 3 (1–17). One female patient with HES achieved CR (previously Rx with gleevec without response). She relapsed after 58 weeks while off Rx due to toxicity. Other patients did not respond (1 stopped Rx within first month); 5 Grade 3 toxicities were observed. Polycythemia vera: one patient was treated; 50yr old female, with no prior Rx, had no response after 3 months of dasatinib Rx. Chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis: 11 patients were treated; median age 63 years (47–77); 10 were males, 2 had abnormal cytogenetics; # prior Rx 2 (0–7); median # cycles 6 (1–9). No responses were observed (1 stopped Rx within first month); 4 Grade 3 toxicities were observed. Conclusion: Dasatinib is active in systemic mastocytosis (overall response rate 33%). Updated clinical and molecular results will be presented.
The JAK Inhibitor, INCB018424, Demonstrates Durable and Marked Clinical Responses in Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) and Post-Polycythemia/Essential Thrombocythemia Myelofibrosis (Post PV/ETMF).
Pardanani, Animesh , Thomas, Deborah A. , Redman, J R, Erickson-Viitanen, Sue, Vaddi, Kris , Bradley, Edward C., Fridman, Jordan S., Tefferi, Ayalew , Verstovšek, Srđan , Kantarjian, Hagop M. , Cortes, Jörge E. , Mesa, Ruben A. , Hogan, William J. , Levy, Richard

Blood | April 18, 2020 | Volume: 112 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1762-1762

10.1182/blood.v112.11.1762.1762 Get It

Abstract Background : Myelofibrosis (MF) is characterized by progressive bone marrow dysfunction, extramedullary hematopoiesis, massive splenomegaly, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, severe constitutional symptoms, cachexia and premature death. INCB018424 is a potent, selective inhibitor of JAK 1 and 2 which has demonstrated impressive clinical activity in the early portion of a phase 1/2 study in patients with PMF and Post-PV/ET MF. Methods : Following the initial dose escalation phase with a BID schedule (N=11), both twice daily (10 mg BID to 25 mg BID, N=56) and once daily (25 mg QD to 200 mg QD, N= 37) dose regimens were explored. Endpoints included spleen size assessed by manual palpation, constitutional symptoms assessed using the Modified Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form (MFSAF) and JAK2 allele burden. Exercise capacity is being assessed using the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and body mass and composition are being assessed using standard methods. Safety was assessed by collection of adverse events and monitoring of laboratory data. Results : Over 100 patients are currently enrolled in the study, with a mean exposure to drug of > 5 months. Twenty percent of patients have received INCB018424 for > 9 months. INCB018424 is associated with a rapid reduction of splenomegaly in over 93% of patients from a mean baseline spleen size >20 cm, with 50% or greater reduction being observed in 35% of patients dosed with 10 mg BID or 50 mg QD, and 59% of patients dosed with 25mg BID regimens. These declines nearly always occur within the first month of therapy, with further, slower decreases often observed thereafter. In responding patients, spleen size reduction persists for the duration of therapy (currently up to one year follow-up). Constitutional symptoms are reported with high frequency in the study population as assessed by the MFSAF: night sweats, pruritis and fatigue were reported by >60%, >45% and >90% of patients respectively. Improvements in self-assessed symptom scores (mean % improvement of 40% to 60%) occurred by the first assessment at week 2. Activity limitations are also reported by a high proportion of MF patients; 70% of respondents reported impaired ability to exercise or get around, with a mean score >5 on the 11-point MFSAF scale; INCB018424 therapy was associated with rapid (within 2 weeks) and marked (40% or more) improvement in self-assessed score. There was a dose-dependent weight gain, most pronounced in patients with the lowest body mass index (BMI) values at baseline. Profound reductions in inflammatory cytokines were observed by the first evaluation at week 2 in virtually all patients, and were maintained during therapy. INCB018424 is generally well tolerated with the primary toxicity being dose-dependent grade 3 or 4 reversible thrombocytopenia which occurred in 0%, 18% and 32% of patients dosed with 10 mg BID, 50 mg QD or 25 mg BID. Conclusions : INCB18424 shows unprecedented and durable clinical efficacy in reducing spleen size and improving constitutional symptoms in patients with MF. Results from proactive dose modification regimens, assessments of exercise capacity, MRI-based spleen volume assessment and body composition determination will be presented.
INCB018424, an Oral, Selective JAK2 Inhibitor, Shows Significant Clinical Activity in a Phase I/II Study in Patients with Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) and Post Polycythemia Vera/Essential Thrombocythemia Myelofibrosis (Post-PV/ET MF).
Pardanani, Animesh , Thomas, Deborah A. , Redman, J R, Staschen, Carl‐Michael, Fridman, Jordan S., Vaddi, Kris , Tefferi, Ayalew , Verstovšek, Srđan , Kantarjian, Hagop M. , Cortes, Jörge E. , Mesa, Ruben A.

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 558-558

10.1182/blood.v110.11.558.558 Get It

Abstract Background: A mutation in the Janus tyrosine kinase 2 gene (JAK2 V617F) has been recognized in Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative disorders, including PV (∼95% of patients), ET (∼50%) and PMF (∼50%). INCB018424 is a potent and orally bioavailable selective JAK2 inhibitor with >80-fold selectivity against a broad panel of kinases, including JAK3. INCB018424 potently inhibits JAK2 V617F mediated signaling and malignant cell survival in vitro and in vivo in mice. Preclinical safety studies with INCB018424 demonstrated an excellent safety profile with no off-target toxicities. Methods: A phase I/II trial of INCB018424 given orally BID is being conducted in patients with PMF and Post-PV/ET MF. Both JAK2 V617F and JAK2 wild type patients are eligible. PK and PD data are being collected. Responses are being evaluated using the International Working Group (IWG) consensus criteria for treatment response in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia, for the IWG for Myelofibrosis Research and Treatment (IWG-MRT) (Tefferi et al., Blood, 108, 1497–1503, 2006). Results: The initial dose of 25 mg PO BID resulted in a rapid and marked reduction in splenomegaly. All 3 patients in the first cohort of patients achieved a reduction in spleen size that is consistent with a clinical improvement response provided it is sustained for 8 weeks; spleen sizes of 25, 22, and 7 cm below the left costal margin have decreased to 8, 10, and 0 cm in the first month of therapy. At two months follow-up, the patient with a baseline spleen size of 22 cm is now down to 2 cm. All 3 patients also noted significant symptomatic improvement. The second cohort of 3 patients started therapy at an increased dose (50 mg PO BID) and at one week follow-up, the initial two patients (one JAK2 wild type, one JAK2 V617F) had decreases in spleen size from 22 cm to 17 cm and from 22 cm to 16 cm, respectively. No dose-limiting toxicities or other significant adverse events occurred in any patients to date. PK/PD analyses demonstrated that administration of INCB018424 resulted in plasma drug concentrations sufficient to markedly inhibit JAK2, as shown by suppression of phosphorylated STAT3 (a substrate of JAK2) in whole blood cells in all 3 patients in the first cohort. The 3 patients in the first cohort were all JAK2 V617F mutation positive: percentages of JAK2 V617F positive whole blood cells before therapy were 79%, 49% and 91%, and after one month of therapy, they were 59%, 48% and 78%, respectively. Conclusions: Initial results show marked reduction in splenomegaly and symptomatic improvement, without significant toxicity. The percentage of blood cells with JAK2 V617F mutation appears to be decreasing in patients on therapy. Updated results on current and future patients will be presented at the meeting.
Validation of the Serial Use of the Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form (MF-SAF) for Measuring Symptomatic Improvement: Performance in 86 Myelofibrosis Patients On INCB018424 Clinical Trial.
Tefferi, Ayalew , Vaddi, Kris , Erickson‐Viitanen, Susan, Thomas, Deborah A. , Pardanani, Animesh , Mesa, Ruben A. , Kantarjian, Hagop M. , Levy, Richard, Cortes, Jörge E. , Borthakur, Gautam , Estrov, Zeev E. , Verstovšek, Srđan

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 3917-3917

10.1182/blood.v114.22.3917.3917 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3917 Poster Board III-853 Background Patients with Myelofibrosis (MF) suffer from significant fatigue, constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly (Mesa et. al. Cancer 2007) not improved by current therapy. The MF-SAF is a 19 item self administered instrument specific to MF associated symptoms previously validated for use at a single time point (Mesa et. al. Leukemia Research 2009). We sought to assess the performance characteristics of the MF-SAF when administered sequentially in the context of a prospective clinical trial. Methods Sequential MF patients enrolled in the prospective, uncontrolled Phase II, trial were given a 15 item modified MF-SAF to complete at enrollment, and after 15 days, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months and every 3 months thereafter. The MF-SAF was scored as previously published on a 0 (absent) to 10 (maximal) scale. Cross validation of serial change in MF-SAF scores was undertaken by comparison to objective measurements made as part of the therapeutic drug trial. Results Patients Eighty six MF patients were enrolled and had 2 or more MF-SAF instruments completed to allow for sequential analysis. Patients were of a median age (65 years), gender distribution (35 % females), and disease subtype (53 % PMF) typical for a clinical trial in MF. Baseline MF-SAF Responses: Baseline assessment of the most frequent MF abnormalities reported by patients completing the MF-SAF (see Table 1) confirmed the wide prevalence of MF associated symptoms, and their significant severity. General fatigue was the most frequent symptom cited (91%), while cough was the least frequently observed symptom (44%). 95% of patients had at least 2 symptoms present on the MF-SAF. Serial MF-SAF Changes in Response to Therapy Therapy with INCB018424 resulted in a significant and rapid reduction in MF associated symptoms with 46% to 85% of patients experiencing improvement in a given symptom. The greatest improvements in MFSAF score improvements were reported by patients experiencing abdominal discomfort, night sweats, pruritus and fever (see Table 1), and corresponded to significant improvements in the individual MF symptom scales as well as the patient's overall assessment of quality of life (QOL). Correlation of MF-SAF to Objective Changes during INCB018424 Therapy Objective measurements obtained on the INCB018424 trial included MRI measurements of splenic reduction, the six minute walk test (6MWT) for inactivity, and serial weights. Reduction in spleen size (by ≥ 35% by volume or ≥ 50% by palpable length) corresponded to improvement in MF-SAF scores of abdominal discomfort and fatigue (50% of patients, median score decrease of -1.2, and -1.8, respectively). Improvement in the 6MWT by > 50 meters was associated with a 2-fold greater improvement in inactivity score on the MF-SAF compared to subjects who improved 6MWT performance by <50 meters. Finally, improvements in weight loss and fever were corroborated by objective measurements made at physician visits on the trial. Conclusions The MF-SAF is a brief, easily self administered, MF specific instrument which was successfully administered sequentially in the conduct of a large Phase II clinical trial. The significant symptomatic improvements reported by patients in the open label trial of INCB018424 corresponded to both improvements in symptom specific scores on the MF-SAF and objective measurements. Further validation of the MF-SAF will be possible by inclusion in upcoming randomized placebo controlled trials in MF patients. Parallel trials performed in MF patients should consider use of this instrument to allow for comparisons. Disclosures: Levy: Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Vaddi:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Erickson-Viitanen:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Verstovsek:Incyte: Research Funding.
Phase II Study of Lenalidomide and Prednisone for Patients with Myelofibrosis.
Quintás-Cardama, Alfonso, Tefferi, Ayalew , Thomas, Deborah A. , Faderl, Stefan, Garcia‐Manero, Guillermo , Bell, Neda, Byrne, Catriona , Quintás‐Cardama, Alfonso , Cortes, Jörge E. , Ravandi, Farhad , Borthakur, Gautam , Kantarjian, Hagop M. , Verstovšek, Srđan

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 3545-3545

10.1182/blood.v110.11.3545.3545 Get It

Abstract Prompted by the activity of lenalidomide (Revlimid®) in pts with chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIMF), we sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of lenalidomide and prednisone in a phase II study for pts with CIMF. The rationale for this combination is that the anti-angiogenic and anti-TNFa effects of lenalidomide may be potentiated by the effects of prednisone to reduce marrow fibrosis and improve hematopoiesis in CIMF. Initial therapy consisted of lenalidomide 10 mg/d (dose level [DL] 0) on days 1–21 of a 28–day cycle for 6 cycles, in combination with prednisone 30 mg/d orally during cycle 1, 15 mg/d orally during cycle 2, and 15 mg/d every other day during cycle 3. The lenalidomide dose could be reduced to 5 mg/d (DL -1) or to 5 mg/d every other day (DL -2), or increased to 15 mg/d (DL +1) or 20 mg/d (DL +2) depending upon toxicity or lack of response, respectively. A total of 40 pts (23 male, 17 female) have been enrolled. The median age was 62 years (range, 41–86), time from CIMF diagnosis to the study treatment 10 months (range, 0–269), WBC count 87x109/L (range, 1.1–89), hemoglobin 9.8 g/dL (range, 7.8–17.3), platelets 137x109/L (range, 8–1183). Pts had received a median of 1 prior therapy (range 0–4): hydroxyurea (HU; n=14), anagrelide (AG; n=4), azacitidine (n=6), steroids (n=5), thalidomide (n=4), and interferon (n=3). Ten (25%) pts had not received any prior therapy. JAK2 V617F mutation was detected in 18 (50%) of 36 tested pts and 20 (50%) of 40 had abnormal cytogenetics. A total of 260 cycles have been administered. All 40 pts are evaluable for response and toxicity. Responses have been observed in 12 (30%) pts, including complete response (CR) in 2 (normal blood counts and <5% bone marrow blasts, off HU, AG, growth factors, and no transfusions); partial response (PR) in 7 (at least 2 of the following: Hb increase by ≥2 g/dL, 50% increase in platelets, decrease of bone marrow blasts or organomegaly by ≥50%, normalization of WBC count without blasts, or reduction in bone marrow fibrosis; off HU, AG, growth factors, and transfusion independence); and hematologic improvement (HI) in 3 (at least 2 of the following: decrease by ≥25% of pretreatment leukocytosis, splenomegaly, or marrow blasts, or increase of Hb by ≥1g/dl without growth factor or transfusion support or platelets by ≥25%; off HU, AG, growth factors). Median time to response was 12 weeks (range, 2–32). Responses have been sustained for a median of 15 wks (range, 5–36) and are ongoing in all 12 responders. Overall, 21 (53%) pts experienced grade 3–4 toxicity, being the most frequent neutropenia, anemia, musculoskeletal pain, and fatigue. Twenty-four (60%) pts have required dose reduction to DL -1, of which 5 (12.5%) further reduced to DL -2. One (2.5%) pt dose-escalated to DL +1, while 15 (25%) remained at DL 0. Twenty-one (53%) pts discontinued lenalidomide due to: lack of response (n=8), pt’s decision (n=7), grade 3–4 toxicity (n=5), and poor compliance (n=1). No deaths or transformation to acute myeloid leukemia occurred. In summary, the combination of lenalidomide and prednisone is an active and generally well-tolerated regimen for pts with CIMF. Longer follow-up is warranted to evaluate the durability of ongoing responses. Updated results will be presented at the meeting.
Phase II Study of CEP701, an Orally Available JAK2 Inhibitor, in Patients with Primary Myelofibrosis and Post Polycythemia Vera/Essential Thrombocythemia Myelofibrosis.
Tefferi, Ayalew , Thomas, Deborah A. , Ravandi‐Kashani, Farhad, Garcia‐Manero, Guillermo , Verstovšek, Srđan , Kornblau, Steven M. , Cortes, Jörge E. , Kantarjian, Hagop M.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 3543-3543

10.1182/blood.v110.11.3543.3543 Get It

Polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) are myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) associated with activating mutations of Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2) gene. The most common mutation, JAK2 V617F, has been reported in ∼97% of patients with PV, ∼50% with ET, and ∼50% with PMF. The resultant JAK2 protein is continuously autophosporylated and therefore always active. It is believed that this mutated tyrosine kinase contributes to the existence and progression of MPDs. CEP701 is an orally available potent low nanomolar inhibitor of wild type and mutated JAK2 tyrosine kinase in enzymatic and cellular assays. Significant inhibition (growth stasis) was observed following CEP-701 subcutaneous administration to V617F-mutated JAK2-dependent HEL.92 xenografts grown in immunocompromised mice. These results indicate that CEP-701 is an attractive candidate for clinical evaluation in patients with MPD carrying a mutated, constitutively activated JAK2. CEP701 is also a potent inhibitor of FLT3 and is being evaluated as FLT3 inhibitor in Phase II/III studies in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, at the starting dose of 80mg PO BID. We designed a Phase II study of CEP701, at the dose of 80 mg PO BID, in patients with PMF and post PV/ET MF, who harbor JAK2 V617F mutation. Eleven patients have been treated so far, seven males, median age 56 years (range, 38–69), median 3 prior therapies (range 0–6); 7 with abnormal cytogenetics; 8 with enlarged spleen (2 had splenectomy); 4 with enlarged liver; 5 transfusion dependent. Five patients have been followed for at least 1 month and have had stable disease. Response will be evaluated using International Working Group for MF Consensus Response Criteria. JAK2 V617F allele burden is being measured monthly. Except for Grade 2 nausea in one patient, no toxicities have been noted so far. Updated results will be presented at the meeting.
Long-Term Follow up and Optimized Dosing Regimen of INCB018424 in Patients with Myelofibrosis: Durable Clinical, Functional and Symptomatic Responses with Improved Hematological Safety.
Pardanani, Animesh , Thomas, Deborah A. , Bradley, Edward C., Erickson‐Viitanen, Susan, Vaddi, Kris , Tefferi, Ayalew , Verstovšek, Srđan , Kantarjian, Hagop M. , Mesa, Ruben A. , Cortes, Jörge E. , Estrov, Zeev E. , Levy, Richard

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 756-756

10.1182/blood.v114.22.756.756 Get It

Abstract Abstract 756 Background: Myelofibrosis (MF) is the most serious of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) for which there is no approved therapy. Exaggerated JAK2 signaling, either by gain-of-function mutations (eg, JAK2V617F) or high circulating levels of JAK1/2 activating cytokines (eg, interleukin [IL]-6), is believed to play a key role in MPN pathogenesis. INCB018424 (424), a selective oral inhibitor of JAK1/2, has demonstrated clinical benefits including reduction of splenomegaly and improvement of symptoms in a Phase I/II trial in MF patients. Thrombocytopenia was identified as the dose limiting toxicity occurring in 30% of patients at 25mg BID. Methods: Patients with primary, post-PV or post-ET MF were enrolled in the study. Following the characterization of multiple dosing regimens, an individually optimized dose regimen strategy was developed, based on available efficacy and safety data. In a subset of patients, spleen volume change was measured by MRI at 1, 3 and 6 months of treatment in order to establish an objective measure of spleen response. The impact of 424 on MF associated symptoms was assessed using a validated instrument, MFSAF (Mesa et al., Leukemia Research 2009). As a surrogate marker of functional benefit, exercise capacity was assessed with a standardized 6-minute walk test (6MWT) at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months of therapy. Results: 155 patients were enrolled in the study, with median duration of treatment of 1+ years and the duration of drug exposure of >150 patient years (76 patients received >1 year of therapy). Clinical responses have been maintained over the entire duration of treatment and most patients remain on therapy (115 of 155 patients; 74%). Progression to AML occurred in 3 patients, which is below the expected frequency based on published data (Barosi et al., Blood 2007). SAEs related to 424 occurred in 12 patients, and are generally related to bone marrow suppression or return of or exacerbation of signs and symptoms of MF when therapy is discontinued. Further optimization of the dosing regimen utilized baseline platelet count to determine the starting dose (10 or 15mg BID) and allowed dose titration after 1 and 2 months of therapy; most patients were optimized to 15 or 20mg BID. This approach significantly reduced the incidence of thrombocytopenia (<5%, N=35), while providing equivalent efficacy to higher dose regimens. With an optimized dosing regimen, spleen volume reduction was evident as early as 1 month, and durable over 6 months, of therapy (33 % median decrease after 6 months, N=23). Eleven of 23 (48%) of patients achieved ≥ 35% reduction (equivalent to IWG clinical improvement criteria of 50% reduction by palpation) from baseline in spleen volume at month 6. MF patients have impaired exercise capacity at baseline (decreased 6MWT performance by 60-90 meters vs. age-matched controls). Treatment with 424 resulted in improved 6MWT performance, with median increase from baseline of 33, 58 and 70 meters after 1,3 or 6 months of therapy, respectively. Rapid and durable reduction of a total symptom score based on key symptoms (fatigue, abdominal discomfort/pain, bone/muscle pain, night sweats and pruritus) was noted (51 % and 58% of patients achieving 50% reduction in the total score following 1 and 6 months of treatment, respectively). Improvement in symptoms coincided with a rapid and sustained reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1b, IL-1ra, IL-6 and TNFa, without tachyphylaxis to therapy. Finally, spleen response was associated with greater improvements in total symptom score, exercise capacity, and reduced fatigue (see Table). Conclusion: An optimized dosing regimen of INCB018424 resulted in sustained clinical, symptomatic and functional benefits in MF patients with an improved hematological safety profile compared to a 25 mg BID regimen. Safety and efficacy of 424 in MF patients is further supported by the follow-up data of >1 yr of 424 therapy. Disclosures: Verstovsek: Incyte: Research Funding. Bradley:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Erickson-Viitanen:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Vaddi:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Levy:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership.
Phase II Study of Dasatinib in Philadelphia Chromosome–Negative Acute and Chronic Myeloid Diseases, Including Systemic Mastocytosis
Verstovšek, Srđan , Tefferi, Ayalew , Cortes, Jörge E. , O’Brien, Susan , Garcia‐Manero, Guillermo , Pardanani, Animesh , Akin, Cem , Faderl, Stefan, Manshouri, Taghi , Thomas, Deborah A. , Kantarjian, Hagop M. , Cortes, Jorge , Verstovsek, Srdan , Akin, Cem , Kantarjian, Hagop

Clinical Cancer Research | June 16, 2008 | Volume: 14 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 3906-3915

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-0366 Get It

Abstract Purpose: Molecular characterization of Philadelphia chromosome–negative (Ph−) chronic myeloproliferative disorders, such as systemic mastocytosis (SM), has provided a clear rationale for investigating novel targeted therapies. The tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor dasatinib is 325-fold more potent against Bcr-Abl TK than imatinib in vitro, significantly inhibiting wild-type KIT and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β TKs, and is active against cells carrying the mutant KIT-D816V gene. Experimental Design: In this phase 2, open-label study, the efficacy of dasatinib (140 mg/d) was investigated in 67 patients with various Ph− myeloid disorders, including SM (n = 33; 28 KIT-D816V positive). Results: The overall response rate to dasatinib in patients with SM was 33%. Only two patients, one with SM-myelofibrosis and one with SM-chronic eosinophilic leukemia, achieved complete response (elimination of mastocytosis) lasting for 5 and 16 months, respectively. Both patients were negative for KIT-D816V mutation, had low tryptase levels, abnormal WBC counts, and anemia, and had failed prior therapy with erythropoietin. Additional nine SM patients had symptomatic response, lasting 3 to 18+ months. Complete responses were achieved in two other patients (acute myeloid leukemia and hypereosinophilic syndrome). No responses were observed among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and primary myelofibrosis. The majority of adverse events were grade 1/2. Conclusion: These data show that dasatinib therapy may benefit a selected group of SM patients, primarily by improving their symptoms, but it does not eliminate the disease in the patients with KIT-D816V mutation.