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Litzow, Mark R.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9816-6302

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 731

Phase I Trial of the Oral Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Inhibitor Veliparib (ABT-888, V) Combined Wtih Topoecan (T) and Carboplatin (C) for Adults with Relapsed and Refractory Acute Leukemias,
Pratz, Keith W. , Litzow, Mark R. , Ji, Jiuping , Chen, Alice P. , Karp, Judith E. , Kaufmann, Scott H. , Rudek, Michelle A.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3634-3634

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3634.3634 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3634 PARP is activated in response to DNA single strand (SS) breaks and is pivotal to the base excisional repair pathway for chemotherapy-damaged DNA. The orally bioavailable PARP inhibitor V delays DNA repair and potentiates the cytotoxicity of multiple classes of chemotherapy drugs including topoisomerase I inhibitors and platinating agents in leukemia cell lines. A previous clinical trial of T+C yielded promising results in adults with refractory acute leukemia at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of T 1.6 mg/m2/d + C 150 mg/m2/d by intravenous continuous infusion (IVCI) × 120 hrs. We are conducting a Phase I dose-escalation trial of V given orally twice daily Days 1–8 with T+C given by 120 hr IVCI Days 3–7. Deaths due to myocardial infarct and splenic infarcts with ascites occurred in one pt each when C 150 mg/m2 was added to V 10 mg BID and T 1.3 mg/m2, resulting in adjustment of the dose escalation schema for C and T.Dose levelVeliparib Oral Daily Days 1–8Topotecan Continuous IV Days 3–7Carboplatin Continuous IV Days 3–7Clinical Responses/#Pts1A10 mg p.o. BID1.0 mg/m2/day—1/3(CRi)1B10 mg p.o. BID1.3 mg/m2/day—1/3(CR)2A10 mg p.o. BID1.3 mg/m2/day150 mg/m2 IV0/42C10 mg p.o. BID1.0 mg/m2 IV120 mg/m2 IV2/6(CRi, PR)2D10 mg p.o BID1.2 mg/m2 IV120 mg/m2 IV1/6(PR)2E10 mg p.o. BID1.2 mg/m2 IV150 mg/m2 IV2/6(CR, CRi)3C20 mg p.o. BID1.0 mg/m2 IV120 mg/m2 IV0/63D20 mg p.o BID1.2 mg/m2 IV120 mg/m2 IV2/6(CR, PR)3E20 mg p.o. BID1.2 mg/m2 IV150 mg/m2 IV2/6(CR, CR)440 mg p.o. BID1.2 mg/m2 IV150 mg/m2 IV2/6(CR, CR)5§80 mg p.o. BID1.2 mg/m2 IV150 mg/m2 IV2/4(CR, CRi) Of 56 pts treated at doses of V 10–80 mg orally BID Days1–8 and T 1.0–1.2 mg/m2/d + C 120–150 mg/m2/d for 120 hrs IVCI Days 3–7, 25 (45%) have experienced > grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity, 6(11%) have had grade 4 toxicity and 1 (4%) died from sepsis with multi-organ failure. Overall response rate is 27% (8CR, 4 CRi, 3 PR), with 7 in relapsed AML, 7 in refractory AML and 1 refractory ALL. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in pt plasma, marrow supernatant, and marrow blasts demonstrated that V is detectable in marrow supernatant and cells, does not accumulate with multiple dose administrations in plasma but does in marrow, and is not altered by T or C administration. Nuclear staining for phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX) demonstrated that V 10 mg BID increased DNA damage by > 2-fold in 11/22 (50%) on Day 1 and 13/18 (72 %) on Day 4 after 24 hrs of T+C. A PAR ELISA demonstrated that V suppresses PAR levels to <50% of pretreatment values in 30/41 (73%) blood and 3/4 patients at V 40mg per day dose level had greater than 80% suppression of PAR. The MTD has not been reached and dose escalation is ongoing. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Increased Incidence of Therapy Related Myeloid Neoplasia (t-MN) After Initial Therapy for CLL with Fludarabine-Cyclophosphamide (FC) Vs Fludarabine (F): Long-Term Follow-up of US Intergroup Study E2997
Grever, Michael R. , Bennett, John M. , Dewald, Gordon W., Paietta, Elisabeth , Litzow, Mark R. , Rowe, Jacob M. , Lucas, David , Kitada, Shinichi, Jelinek, Diane F., Byrd, John C. , Reed, John C. , Hussein, Mohamad A., Appelbaum, Frederick R. , Moore, Dennis F., Tallman, Martin S. , Smith, Mitchell R. , Neuberg, Donna , Flinn, Ian W. , Gribben, John G. , Larson, Richard A.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 924-924

10.1182/blood.v116.21.924.924 Get It

Abstract Abstract 924 Background: Therapy-related myeloid neoplasia (t-MN), including myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia, has been reported at a higher frequency with chlorambucil + fludarabine as compared to fludarabine alone, but has not been rigorously studied in the context of cyclophosphamide as an alkylator agent. The intergroup prospective randomized Phase 3 trial, E2997, compared FC with F alone as initial therapy for patients (pt) with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). FC therapy led to higher complete and overall response rates and longer progression-free survival at the initial analysis (Flinn et al JCO 2007). One rationale for combining F with C is that F can inhibit repair of DNA damage induced by C. FC did cause more myelosuppression that could lead to more long-term effects on myeloid hematopoietic function, including t-MN. Methods: E2997 enrolled 278 pts, 141 on FC and 137 on F. These cases were assessed for t-MN by required reporting of these events. Baseline genetic and molecular features of CLL were available through a companion lab correlative trial for 235 pts, 122 on FC and 113 on F. Results: With median follow-up of 6.4 yrs, there have been 13 (4.7%) reported cases of t-MN, 9 after FC and 4 after F. By cumulative incidence methodology, adjusting for the competing risk of death, the rates of t-MN at 7 yr are 8.2% after FC and 4.6% after F (p=0.18 by the Gray test). Median age at study entry of the t-MN pts was 60 (range 45–80) yrs vs 61 (range 33–86) yrs among those not reported to have t-MN. Median time from initial therapy to diagnosis of t-MN was 5 (range 0.7–8) yrs and did not differ between FC and F. Ten of 13 affected pts received 6 chemotherapy cycles. Additional therapy prior to occurrence of t-MN was given to only 2 of 9 FC pts, in contrast to 3 of 4 F pts. Thus, t-MN occurred in only 1 pt treated with F and no further therapy vs 7 who received FC and no further therapy. Ten of 12 pts with available cytogenetics at diagnosis of t-MN had an abnormality of chromosome 5 and/or 7, common to alkylating agent-induced t-MN, usually (n=8) with complex karyotype. Of the 9 pts with t-MN after FC, all 7 with available CLL data had lower risk IgVH mutated disease, in contrast to 1 of 4 with t-MN after F and 44% in the entire cohort. Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that a higher incidence of t-MN has occurred after FC than after F. t-MN after FC occurred most often without additional therapy and in IgVH mutated CLL which is associated with more favorable outcome. The increased incidence of t-MN after FC in this study, usually in the absence of additional treatment, suggests that FC is more leukemogenic than F. This finding emphasizes a need for longer follow-up of toxicity and survival before concluding that FC is preferable to F as the chemotherapy backbone for initial therapy of both low and high risk CLL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Results of a Prospective Multicenter Phase II Study of Initial Treatment with Methotrexate In LGL Leukemia (ECOG Protocol E5998)
Loughran, Thomas P. , Yao, Xiaopan, Bennett, John M. , Litzow, Mark R. , Tallman, Martin S. , Evens, Andrew M.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 702-702

10.1182/blood.v116.21.702.702 Get It

Abstract Abstract 702 Background: Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is characterized by clonal expansion of cytotoxic T cells. Prominent clinical features include neutropenia, anemia, and rheumatoid arthritis. The terminal effector memory phenotype (CD3+/CD8+/CD57+/CD45RA+/CD62L-) of leukemic LGL suggest a pivotal chronic antigen driven immune response. LGL survival is then promoted by PDGF and IL-15 (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105:16308, 2008), resulting in global dysregulation of apoptosis and resistance to normal pathways of activation-induced death (Blood 112:770, 2008). These pathogenic features explain why treatment of LGL leukemia is based on immunosuppression therapy. However, no standard therapy has been established due to the absence of large prospective trials. Methods: Eligibility criteria included increased number of LGL (CD3+CD57+ cells > 400/ul or CD8+ cells >650/ul) plus evidence of clonal rearrangement of T cell receptor gene. Treatment indications included the following categories: a) severe neutropenia (ANC < 500/ul); b) neutropenia associated with recurrent infections; c) symptomatic anemia; and, d) transfusion-dependent anemia. Initial Treatment: (Step 1) consisted of methotrexate (MTX) at 10 mg/m2 po in divided doses once weekly. Prednisone was given at 1 mg/kg po × 30 days and then tapered off in the subsequent 24 days. Patients not responding to MTX received cyclophosphamide (CY) at 100 mg po daily with the same prednisone schedule (Step 2). Treatment response was assessed after four months of therapy as: complete remission (CR): normal CBC (ANC ≥ 1,500/ul, lymphocyte count <4,000/ul, hemoglobin ≥ 11 g/dl, and platelet count > 100,000/ul. In addition, LGL counts needed to be within normal range. Partial response (PR) was defined as improvement in hematologic parameters in the absence of CR: 1) ANC > 500, as long as this represented 50% increase (category a); 2) improvement in ANC ≥ 50% over baseline (category b); 3) increase in hemoglobin by ≥ 1 g/dl for at least four months duration (category c); and, 4) decrease in monthly transfusion requirement of > 50% for at least four months (category d). Progressive disease (PD) was defined as worsening of hematologic parameters in patients previously achieving PR/CR. No response (NR) was defined as lack of CR/PR. Results: Response data are shown for Step 1 (Table 1) and for Step 2 (Table 2). Overall response rate (CR/PR) for MTX was 37%. In patients failing MTX, the overall response to CY was 64%. There were two infectious deaths during Step 1 therapy. Conclusion: Data documenting efficacy of immunosuppressive therapies commonly utilized in LGL leukemia (MTX, CY, Cyclosporine) are limited to 300 patients published primarily as small retrospective studies. Such data show an overall response rate to MTX of 58% (56/96 patients). Here in the only large prospective trial we observed an overall response rate of 37%. Overall response rate of 64% for CY was not statistically different than MTX. However, given that CY response rate was observed in MTX failures, future studies should consider evaluation of CY as initial therapy. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Immunosuppressive therapies for LGL leukemia including Methotrexate and Cyclophosphamide.
An Evaluation of Molecular Response in a Phase 2 Open-Label, Multicenter Confirmatory Study in Patients (pts) with Relapsed/Refractory B-Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (r/r ALL) Receiving Treatment with the BiTE® Antibody Construct Blinatumomab
Goekbuget, Nicola, Brüggemann, Monika , Stein, Anthony S. , Bargou, Ralf C. , Dombret, Hervé , Heffner, Leonard T., Rigal‐Huguet, Françoise , Litzow, Mark R. , Jia, Catherine, Maniar, Tapan, Huber, Birgit, Forman, Stephen J. , Topp, Max S. , Kantarjian, Hagop M. , Fielding, Adele K. , O’Brien, Susan , Zugmaier, Gerhard , Huber, Birgit, Nagorsen, Dirk

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3704-3704

10.1182/blood.v124.21.3704.3704 Get It

Abstract Background: Blinatumomab is an investigational bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE®) antibody construct designed to direct cytotoxic T cells to CD19-expressing B cells. In a study in minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive ALL, 80% of pts achieved MRD-negative status after receiving one treatment cycle of blinatumomab (Topp MS, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29:2493-8). For pts with newly diagnosed ALL, persistence of MRD after first-line treatment predicts disease recurrence. However, only limited data are available about the relationship between MRD and outcome in adult pts with r/r ALL. Therefore, the aim of this secondary analysis was to evaluate MRD responses and their relationships to other efficacy indices in adult pts with r/r ALL receiving blinatumomab in this phase 2 study. Methods: Eligibility criteria included adult pts ≥18 years, with Philadelphia chromosome negative B-cell r/r ALL who were primary refractory or refractory to first salvage, had their first relapse within 12 months of first remission or allogeneic hematologic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), or received second or later salvage. Blinatumomab was dosed via continuous IV infusion at 28 μg/d (cycle 1 only: 9 μg/d on days 1-7, 28 μg/d on days 8-28) for up to five cycles (one cycle: 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off). The primary endpoint was complete remission (CR: ≤5% blasts with platelets >100,000/µL, absolute neutrophil count >1000/µL) or CR with partial hematologic recovery (CRh*: platelets >50,000/µL, absolute neutrophil count >500/µL) within the first two treatment cycles. MRD in bone marrow was assessed at a central laboratory using allele-specific real-time quantitative PCR. Two MRD-based exploratory endpoints were analyzed: MRD response (no PCR amplification at a minimum sensitivity of 10-4 or <10-4 leukemic cells by PCR) and complete MRD response (no PCR amplification at a minimum sensitivity of 10-4) within the first two treatment cycles. Results: Of 189 treated pts (median [range] age = 39 [18–79] years), 81 (43%) pts had a CR (n = 63, 33%) or a CRh* (n = 18, 10%) during the first two treatment cycles. In the subgroup of pts with a CR/CRh* and evaluable MRD data (n = 73), 60 (82%) pts had an MRD response. Of those, 51 (70%) pts had a complete MRD response. The majority of those who achieved a CR/CRh* also achieved a complete MRD response regardless of the number of prior lines of salvage therapy (Table 1). Of all treated pts, 64 (34%) pts had prior HSCT. In pts who achieved CR/CRh*, the rate of MRD response was 81% in pts without and 85% in pts with prior HSCT. In pts who achieved CR/CRh*, the median (95% CI) duration of overall survival was 11.4 (8.5, not estimable) months for those with a MRD response and 6.7 (2.0, not estimable) months for those with no MRD response. The median (95% CI) duration of relapse-free survival was 6.9 (5.5, 10.1) months in patients with a MRD response and 2.3 (1.2, not estimable) months in patients with no MRD response. The HSCT realization rate did not differ significantly between pts with CR/CRh* and a MRD response and those with CR/CRh* and no MRD response (31% and 43%, respectively). Seventeen pts classified as nonresponders per protocol had ≤5% blasts and no evidence of disease, but recovery of peripheral counts did not meet criteria for CRh*. Ten of these 17 pts had evaluable MRD assessments; 50% (5/10) had MRD response and 20% (2/10) had complete MRD response. The clinical significance of this finding remains open. Grade ≥3 adverse events regardless of causality and occurring in >10% of all treated pts during treatment until 30 days after treatment were febrile neutropenia (25%), neutropenia (16%), and anemia (14%). Grade 3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was reported in three (1.6%) patients. Three (1.6%) patients had grade 4 neurologic events, all resolved. Twenty-one (11%) patients had grade 3 neurologic events, 17 were resolved, with 4 events unresolved at death or unknown. Conclusion: In this largest study to date of adult pts with r/r ALL with PCR-based central assessment of MRD, pts who achieved CR/CRh* during single-agent treatment with blinatumomab had high MRD response rates. The exploratory analyses suggested that within pts with a CR/CRh*, those who did not achieve MRD responses tended to have shorter durations of overall and relapse-free survival. These results are consistent with prior reports highlighting the importance of achieving an MRD response in first-line therapy. Disclosures Goekbuget: Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: This presentation will discuss the off-label use of blinatumomab, as this agent is not approved for use by the FDA, EMA or any other regulatory authorities. Kantarjian:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Brüggemann:Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Stein:Amgen Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Bargou:Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria. Dombret:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Heffner:Amgen Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Biotest: Research Funding; Dana Farber CI: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Idera: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding; Talon Therapeutics: Research Funding. Rigal-Huguet:Amgen, Inc.: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy. Litzow:Amgen Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding. Zugmaier:Amgen Reseach (Munich) GmbH: Employment; Amgen Inc.: Equity Ownership. Jia:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Maniar:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huber:Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH: Employment; Amgen Inc.: Equity Ownership. Nagorsen:Amgen Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Related to blinatumomab Patents & Royalties. Topp:Amgen Inc.: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Additional Analyses of a Randomized Phase II Study of Azacitidine Combined with Lenalidomide or with Vorinostat Vs. Azacitidine Monotherapy in Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML): North American Intergroup
Odenike, Olatoyosi , Stone, Richard M. , Gore, Steven D. , Litzow, Mark R. , Buckstein, Rena , Fang, Min , Roulston, Diane, Bloomfield, Clara D. , Zhang, Yanming , Velasco, Mario R. , Gaur, Rakesh , Attar, Eyal C. , Appelbaum, Frederick R. , Sekeres, Mikkael A. , Othus, Megan , List, Alan F. , Atallah, Ehab , Erba, Harry Paul

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 908-908

10.1182/blood.v126.23.908.908 Get It

Abstract Background: The few therapies available to treat higher-risk MDS and CMML have limited impact on outcome. We previously reported initial results of S1117, which compared overall response rates (ORRs) of azacitidine (AZA) monotherapy to AZA combined with the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat (VOR), or the immunomodulator lenalidomide (LEN)( ASH 2014 LBA-5). We now report updated response data and overall survival (OS), subgroup analyses, impact of cytogenetics, and effect of treatment center volume/centers of excellence on outcome. Methods: This randomized, Phase II study (ClinTrials.gov # NCT01522976) enrolled higher-risk MDS (International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) Int-2 or High and/or bone marrow blasts ≥5%) and CMML adult patients (pts) with <20% blasts from 3/12-6/14 to receive AZA (75 mg/m2/d on d1-7 of a 28d cycle), AZA + LEN (10 mg/d on d1-21), or AZA + VOR (300 mg BID on d3-9). Pts continued treatment until treatment failure, defined as disease progression, relapse, significant or unresolved toxicity, or lack of response. Dose reductions occurred for grade ≥3 adverse events (per NCI CTCAE) or delayed count recovery. Cytogenetic risk groups were defined per IPSS-R. The primary endpoint was improvement in ORR, by intention to treat and reviewed centrally, of one of the combination arms vs. AZA per 2006 International Working Group MDS response criteria (complete response (CR) + partial response (PR) + hematologic improvement (HI)). OS was from study entry. MDS Centers of Excellence (MCE) were defined per MDS Foundation; center volume was defined as low (1-4 pts enrolled) or high (5-17 pts). Results: Of 277 pts, 92 received AZA, 93 AZA+LEN, and 92 AZA+VOR. Baseline characteristics, previously reported, were similar across arms. Pts received a median of 22 weeks of therapy and were followed for a median of 10 months (range: 0-30). Non-protocol defined dose modification and protocol discontinuation due to toxicity occurred more frequently in combination arms vs. AZA (p=.0014 and p=.018, respectively). Responses are now assessable in all pts (Table 1). ORR was statistically similar for combination arms vs. AZA, with a trend for longer response duration (p=.083) for combinations. Within HI, AZA+LEN pts had higher HI-n than AZA pts (16% vs. 5%, p=.031). ORR for CMML pts was significantly higher for LEN+AZA vs. AZA (63% vs. 29%, p=.04), with a trend for longer response duration for combinations (p=.06); no differences in ORR were seen for therapy-related MDS, IPSS subgroups, or transfusion-dependent pts. Allogeneic transplantation rates were similar. Median OS (Figure) for AZA:AZA+LEN:AZA+VOR was 15:18 (p=.38):17 (p=.17) months; p=.19 for combination arms vs. AZA. Median OS after failure was 7:9 (p=.6):9 (p=.05) months; p=.15 for combination arms after failure vs. AZA. For pts on therapy >6 months, there was a trend (p=.08) for higher ORR for AZA+LEN vs. AZA, though response duration was similar; median OS was 18:21 (p=.44 vs. AZA):21 months (p=.45 vs. AZA). Cytogenetic risk category distribution and ORR was similar across arms. OS (compared to Very Good/Good) was worse for Poor (HR 2.07, p=.022) and Very poor (HR 4.41, p<.001), without significant modification by treatment arm (Table 2). Compared to pts without identified cytogenetic abnormalities (abn), ORR across arms was better for pts with Chr 5 abn (OR 2.38, p=.004); OS was better for normal (HR .42, p<.001) and worse for Chr 5 abn (HR 3.1, p<.001), -7 (HR 2.69, p<.001), and 17p (HR 2.61, p<.001). While small numbers prevented definitive conclusions for treatment arm effect, combinations trended towards improving OS in Normal and Chr 5 abn only. The outcome of all pts and pts on discrete study arms treated at MCE (n=75) or high volume (n=138) sites were similar to non-MCE or low-volume sites for ORR, non-protocol defined dose modifications, dose adjustment in first 4 cycles, time to off-protocol (HR 1.2, p=.21 and HR .94, p=.64), and OS (HR .81, p=.3 and HR .77, p=.12). Conclusions: In higher-risk MDS pts, ORR and OS was similar for AZA monotherapy compared to combination arms, while for CMML pts, ORR was significantly higher with AZA+LEN. For cytogenetic subgroups, OS was worse for Chr 5 abn, -7, and 17p, and may be improved by combinations in normal or Chr 5 abn. MCE or treatment at a high volume site did not impact these effects or outcomes. Figure 1. Responses Figure 1. Responses Figure 2. Cytogenetics Figure 2. Cytogenetics Figure 3. Figure 3. Disclosures Sekeres: Celgene Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. List:Celgene Corporation: Honoraria, Research Funding. Odenike:Sunesis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Stone:Merck: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy. Gore:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Buckstein:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Fang:Affymetrix: Research Funding. Attar:Agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Erba:Ariad: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Sunesis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Jannsen (J&J): Other: Data Safety and Monitoring Committees ; Ariad: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; GlycoMimetics: Other: Data Safety and Monitoring Committees; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; Sunesis: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; GlycoMimetics: Other: Data Safety and Monitoring Committees; Jannsen (J&J): Other: Data Safety and Monitoring Committees.
An Expanded Multicenter Phase I/II Study of CYT387, a JAK- 1/2 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Myelofibrosis,
Pardanani, Animesh , Wadleigh, Martha , Sirhan, Shireen , Litzow, Mark R. , Begna, Kebede H. , Smith, Gregg, Bavisotto, Linda M. , Kowalski, Mark , Tefferi, Ayalew , Gotlib, Jason , Gupta, Vikas , Roberts, Andrew W. , Hogan, William J.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3849-3849

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3849.3849 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3849 Background: CYT387 is a potent JAK-1/2 inhibitor. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and preliminary safety and efficacy of once daily dosing of CYT387 were determined in a single center Phase I/II study. Previously reported results from the first 60 subjects enrolled in this study determined a MTD of 300 mg QD and demonstrated improvements in splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms as well as in RBC transfusion requirements. The study was expanded into a multicenter study with planned accrual of 165 subjects at 6 study sites and a twice daily dosing arm was added. The preliminary safety and efficacy results from this expanded multicenter study will be presented. Methods: Subjects with high or intermediate-risk primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and post-polycythemia vera (post-PV) or post-essential thrombocythemia (ET) myelofibrosis were enrolled. In the core expansion study, oral CYT387 was administered either once daily at 150 mg or 300 mg or twice daily at 150 mg for 9 months. Patients who maintained at least stable disease were permitted to continue CYT387 treatment beyond 9 months in an extension phase of the study. Responses were assessed by International Working Group (IWG) Criteria. Results: At present, 163 subjects have been enrolled across the 6 study sites. The diagnoses of enrolled subjects include 64% PMF, 14% post-ET MF and 22% post-PV MF; 67% of the patients were JAK2V617F positive. Starting doses of CYT387 in the dose escalation, confirmation and expansion phases of the study are shown in Table 1. The median duration (range) of treatment was 6.6 months (0.25 to 20.4 months). Patient characteristics were as follows: median age 68 years, 58% male, 87% were spleen evaluable at baseline per IWG criteria (median spleen length was 18 cm by palpation). Sixty three percent (63%) of subjects were anemia evaluable at baseline per IWG criteria; 46% were transfusion dependent. Previous JAK inhibitor and IMiD therapy was reported for 11% and 8% of enrolled subjects, respectively. Reductions in spleen size, improvements in constitutional symptoms and the achievement of transfusion independence were observed in subjects in the expanded multicenter study. CYT387 was well tolerated. Based on currently available data, 73% of subjects reported treatment-related adverse events, with the majority reported as Grade 1. The most common Grade 3–4 treatment related adverse events included thrombocytopenia (16%), and hyperlipasemia (3%). New onset treatment-related Grade 3–4 anemia remains rare (<1%). Grade 1 toxicities included peripheral sensory neuropathy whose incidence and natural history is currently being studied. Twenty-five of 163 subjects (15%) have discontinued from the 9 month core study giving a retention rate of 85%. Conclusions: When examined in an expanded, multicenter study, CYT387 continues to show substantial clinical activity in myelofibrosis, with improvements in splenomegaly, constitutional symptoms and anemia. It appears to be well tolerated when administered in either a once or twice daily dosing regimen. CYT387 continues to demonstrate an ability to induce durable anemia responses in a subset of subjects. Detailed analyses of safety and efficacy will be available at the time of the meeting. Disclosures: Gupta: Incyte: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Smith:YM Biosciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Bavisotto:YM Biosciences: Consultancy. Kowalski:YM Biosciences: Employment, Equity Ownership.
Pomalidomide Therapy for Myelofibrosis: Analysis of Results From Three Consecutive Clinical Trials
Begna, Kebede H. , Pardanani, Animesh , Litzow, Mark R. , Tefferi, Ayalew , Mesa, Ruben A. , Hogan, William J.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1759-1759

10.1182/blood.v118.21.1759.1759 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1759 Background: Pomalidomide is a second generation IMiDsÒ immunomodulatory drug that has been shown to be active in the treatment of myelofibrosis (MF)-associated anemia (J Clin Oncol 2009; 27: 4563; Leukemia 2011;25: 301). In the current sponsor-independent analysis, we report long-term follow up data on patients from the Mayo Clinic who had participated in three consecutive clinical trials using single agent pomalidomide for MF. Methods: From May 2007 to January 2010, 94 patients with MF (including primary and post-polycythemia/essential thrombocythemia) were enrolled in three consecutive phase I and II clinical trials involving pomalidomide with or without prednisone. Eight two patients who received only single agent pomalidomide constitute the study population for the current study. Follow up information was updated in July, 2011. Results: Among the 82 study patients, 19 were included in a phase I dose escalation study (2.5-3.5 mg/day), 58 in a phase II low-dose single agent pomalidomide study (0.5 mg/day), and 5 in a phase II randomized study (2 mg/day). Median age was 67 years and 63 (77 %) patients were red blood cell transfusion dependent at study entry. Forty-five (55%), 24 (29%), 7 (9%), and 2 (2%) patients remained on pomalidomide therapy for at least 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively (Table 1). The overall anemia response rate per IWG-MRT criteria was 27% (22/82). Response occurred in the first 6 months in 21 (96%) of the 22 responders. The median time for response was 2.3 months (range, 1–10). The median response duration was 16.5 months (2–40). The anemia response rate in patients with spleen size palpable at less than 10 cm below the costal margin was 44 % (17/39) vs. 10 % (4/39) in those whose spleen was palpable at or above 10 cm (p=0.002). The anemia response rate was twice as likely in JAK2 mutated versus non-mutated cases (30% vs 15% p=0.2). Anemia response rate was also higher in patients with at least 50% increase in absolute basophil count during the first month of therapy: 39% (19/49) vs 6% (2/32) p=0.001). The anemia response rate was not significantly affected by karyotype, transfusion need or leukocyte count. Among the anemia responders (n=22), 3 (14%) relapsed in the first 12 months; relapse was more likely in the presence of baseline leukocytosis (p=0.006). Among the 24 patients who took pomalidomide for at lease 12 months, grade 1 sensory neuropathy developed in 4 (16%) patients. Conclusion: Anemia response to pomalidomide therapy in myelofibrosis often occurs in the first 6 months of treatment and is more likely to occur in the presence of JAK2V617F and absence of marked splenomegaly. Long-term treatment with pomalidomide might be associated with sensory peripheral neuropathy in a subset of treated patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Young Adults Presenting with Extramedullary Acute Myeloid Leukemia Have A Unique Sensitivity to High Doses of Anthracyclines: Subset Analysis of ECOG 1900,
Fernández, Hugo F. , Sun, Zhuoxin , Litzow, Mark R. , Luger, Selina M. , Paietta, Elisabeth , Racevskis, Janis, Dewald, Gordon W., Bennett, John M. , Rowe, Jacob M. , Tallman, Martin S. , Ketterling, Rhett P. , Lazarus, Hillard M.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3619-3619

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3619.3619 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3619 Extramedullary (EM) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is generally associated with a poor prognosis. We evaluated the baseline characteristics, response and survival characteristics in a subset of patients age ≤ 60 years with de novo AML and EM manifestations at presentation, treated on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group E1900 protocol: daunorubicin 45 or 90 mg /m2 x3 days in conjunction with cytarabine 100 mg/m2 × 7 days followed by risk-stratified consolidation. (Fernandez et al New Engl J Med 2009) Methods: Patient baseline characteristics were compared using Fisher's exact test if they were categories and Wilcoxon rank sum tests if they were continuous. Logistic regression models were used for complete remission (CR) rates and Cox regression models were used for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The univariate models included indication of whether patient had extramedullary disease involvement, adjusted by induction treatment. The multivariate models were further adjusted for age, gender, cytogenetic risk, ECOG PS, WBC, platelets, marrow blast, hemoglobin, peripheral blasts, and secondary AML. All P values were based on 2-sided tests. Results: 58 (8.9%) of 651 patients in the study presented with evidence of EM at diagnosis. Patients with EM disease were younger and presented with higher peripheral WBC counts and circulating blasts than those without. Immunophenotyping did not demonstrate a difference in baseline CD56 expression (p=0.77). Sites of EM involvement included gingival hypertrophy (n= 33), skin (n= 7), central nervous system (n= 6), lymphadenopathy (n=6), mediastinum (n=2) and other (n=6). 3 patients had multiple sites. Cytogenetic risk in the EM subgroup was favorable (8.6%), indeterminate (inadequate/missing) (34.5%), intermediate (37.9%) and unfavorable (19%) and did not differ statistically from those without EM disease. The complete remission (CR) rates were similar for patients with EM disease compared to those patient's without, regardless of the anthracycline dose (univariate model p= 0.93; multivariate model p=0.88. DFS (patients in CR) and OS of patients with EM disease was not significantly different in the univariate (p= 0.99, p=0.49) or multivariate models (p= 0.92, p=0.37), respectively. On multivariate modeling patients with EM AML who received the standard-dose of daunorubicin had a shorter OS (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.91, p=0.006). OS was not improved in EM patients treated with high-dose daunorubicin (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.14, p=0.12) (Table). There was a significant difference in OS for patients with EM treated with the 90 mg/m2 dose of daunorubicin compared to patients with EM treated with the 45 mg/m2 dose (multivariate model: HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.76, p=0.01). Conclusion: Younger patients with de novo EM AML are sensitive to higher doses of anthracycline in induction therapy and should be treated in a similar fashion as patients without EM involvement. For both groups the higher doses of anthracycline are recommended as CR rates, DFS and OS are improved. Further evaluation of immunophenotypic and molecular/ genetic characteristics should be undertaken in this subset of patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Inability to Tolerate Standard Therapy Is a Major Reason for Poor Outcome In Older Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Results From the International MRC/ECOG Trial
Sive, Jonathan , Litzow, Mark R. , Luger, Selina M. , Marks, David I. , McMillan, Andrew , Richards, Susan , Rowe, Jacob M. , Tallman, Martin S. , Goldstone, Anthony H., Buck, Georgina , Fielding, Adele K. , Lazarus, Hillard M. , Richards, Susan M

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 493-493

10.1182/blood.v116.21.493.493 Get It

Abstract Abstract 493 The International MRC UKALL XII/ECOG E2993 trial for adults with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) recruited 1,914 patients to the main part of the trial from 1995 up to its closure in 2006, of whom 100 were over the age of 55 years (median 57, range 55–65). Beginning in 2003 (MRC) or 2004 (ECOG), patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+ve) disease were entered into an Imatinib sub-study. We report here baseline characteristics, treatment course and outcomes, and discuss implications for future management strategies. Direct comparison of the 100 patients over 55 yrs with 1,814 under 55 yrs showed that the groups are comparable for gender, immunophenotype and white cell count but there is an indication that more elderly patients had Ph+ve disease (28% aged ≥55 vs 17% aged <55 of those entered before the start of the Imatinib trial; p=0.02). All patients in this trial received a 2 stage induction regimen, consisting of Daunorubicin, Vincristine, Asparaginase and Steroid followed by Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine, 6-Mercaptopurine and Methotrexate. CNS prophylaxis with IT Methotrexate and Cytarabine was given during both phases. There was a randomisation to autograft or chemotherapy, but only a small number of patients in this age group were randomised (13 autograft and 13 consolidation chemotherapy). Outcomes Complete remission (CR) rate, event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were all worse in the over 55 age group, and even after achieving CR, the 5-year OS rate was reduced. There were more infections in phase I induction (67% vs 45%, p<0.0001) and more deaths during induction chemotherapy (18% vs 4% p<0.0001). Excluding those who died in induction, 47% had drug dose reductions in phase I or phase II vs 27% <55 yrs (P=0.0006). Of these, Asparaginase was the most common in those aged ≥55 years, usually due to hepatotoxicity. Age p-value <55 vs ≥55 <55 ≥55 Number 1814 100 CR No v Yes p<0.0001 No 131 (7%) 27 (27%) No (died in induction) 70 (4%) 18 (18%) No (but survived induction) 61 (3%) 9 (9%) Yes 1641 (90%) 70 (70%) Unknown 42 (2%) 3 (3%) Deaths 1112/1814 (61%) 78/100 (78%) Relapses 750/1683 (45%) 36/73 (49%) Overall survival at 5 years (95% CI) 41% (38–43%) 21% (12–29%) p<0.0001 Event free survival at 5 years (95% CI) 37% (34–39%) 19% (10–27%) p<0.0001 Relapse free survival at 5 years (95% CI) 50% (48–53%) 38% (25–52%) p=0.08 Overall survival at 5 years (95% CI) in those who achieved CR 44% (41–46%) 30% (18–41%) p=0.03 In those patients aged ≥55 years, baseline factors causing a significantly worse 5-yr EFS were Ph-positivity (0% vs 23%, p=0.005), unfavourable vs standard cytogenetic risk (7% vs 26%, p=0.02) and a presenting WCC >50 × 109/l (0% vs 25% for WCC between 10 and 49.9 × 109/l and 23% for WCC <10 × 109/l, p=0.003). Infection during induction chemotherapy predicted for worse EFS; this was especially significant in those who had infection in both phases of induction (6% vs 38%, p=0.007). In those patients who received chemotherapy and were not transplanted, the differences in outcome were smaller: 5-yr OS 25% in ≥55 years vs 38% in <55 years (p=0.06), 5-yr EFS 22% vs 32% (p>0.1). Conclusion Older adults fared significantly worse than younger adults both in terms of achieving an initial CR and long-term survival. This difference cannot be explained solely by a difference in disease characteristics, and the marked increase in infection and deaths during induction reflect the inability of many older patients to tolerate the intensive level of treatment. This is also supported by the large numbers of drug omissions or dose reductions seen. Our data show that this inability to tolerate induction chemotherapy is a major contributor to the poor outcomes seen in this age group. The less marked differences between age groups when transplant patients are excluded, indicates the significant mortality associated with these procedures in older patients. Alternative approaches to consider in this group include less intensive induction with a steroid and vinca alkaloid combination, in conjunction with targeted therapies (eg Rituximab in B-lineage CD20+ disease, Imatinib Mesylate in Ph+ disease). Even amongst those patients who do achieve CR however, the long-term outcome is worse. Reduced intensity allografts may play a role in carefully selected patients in this age group, and the emerging use of MRD monitoring may also assist in selecting patients for more or less intensive approaches. Disclosures: McMillan: EUSA: Honoraria. Goldstone: Roche: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.
A Phase 1 Study to Assess the Absolute Bioavailability and Safety of An Oral Solution of Decitabine In Subjects with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS),
Mistry, Bipin, Jones, Mark M., Kubiak, Peter, Garcia‐Manero, Guillermo , Litzow, Mark R. , Rifkin, Robert M. , Tarassoff, Peter G., Jones, Mark M, Mesa, Ruben A. , Cortes, Jörge E.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3801-3801

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3801.3801 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3801 Purpose: Decitabine is a deoxycytidine nucleoside derivative inhibitor of DNA-methyltransferases indicated for treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) including previously treated and untreated, de novo and secondary MDS of all French-American-British subtypes. The aim of this study was to determine the absolute bioavailability and safety of a single oral dose of decitabine. Methods: This is an open-label, Phase 1, dose-escalation absolute bioavailability trial in which decitabine was administered orally on Cycle 1 Day 1, and followed by a 1-hour IV infusion of the currently approved regimen (20 mg/m2) on Cycle 1 Days 2–5. Serial blood samples for decitabine pharmacokinetic (PK) assessment were collected up to 6 h post-dosing during Cycle 1 on Days 1 and 2. Three subjects were recruited at each oral dose level of 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg. Subjects were evaluated for adverse events (AEs). Results: Study results are summarized in Table 1. Sixteen subjects were screened and 12 were enrolled. Nine subjects had de novo MDS and 3 had secondary MDS (IPSS score Int-2 = 6, Int-1 = 5, Low = 1). Following oral dose, Cmax was reached within 0.50 h (tmax) and after Cmax the plasma profile showed biphasic decline with terminal half-life ranging between 0.36 to 0.93 hr. Increase in oral dose did not result in proportional increase in Cmax and AUC. The PK parameters following oral doses showed very high variability. Based on comparison of dose normalized exposure, the absolute bioavailability ranged between 3.9 to 14.1% and increased proportionally with dose. The non-dose normalized bioavailabilities were calculated to find a dose at which mean oral bioavailability reaches ≥80% of the current IV regimen of 20 mg/m2. The non-dose normalized bioavailability ranged between 11.7 and 80.5% with highest oral bioavailability observed at 240 mg dose. The most common SAEs were pneumonia (n=4) and neutropenic fever (n=4). Five patients (41.7%) experienced diarrhea and nausea (all grades). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the absolute bioavailability ranged between 3.9 and 14.1%. Oral decitabine was generally well tolerated at doses between 30–240 mg in MDS subjects and exhibited a safety profile similar to the profile following intravenous administration. The bioavailability and safety data may allow for further testing in the phase 2 setting. Disclosures: Mistry: Eisai Inc.: Employment. Jones:Eisai Inc.: Employment. Kubiak:Eisai Inc.: Employment. Garcia-Manero:Eisai Inc.: Research Funding. Litzow:Eisai Inc.: Research Funding. Mesa:Eisai Inc.: Research Funding. Tarassoff:Eisai Inc.: Employment. Cortes:Eisai Inc.: Research Funding.