Aulakh, Sonikpreet

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain malignancy in adults. Standard of care (SOC) for suspected GBM begins with maximal safe resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and temozolomide, and maintenance temozolomide. Imvax has developed the Goldspire™ platform to create IGV-001, an autologous biologic-device combination product for the treatment of newly diagnosed GBM (ndGBM). IGV-001 consists of autologous GBM tumor cells and an antisense oligonucleotide against IGF-1R mRNA (IMV-001), irradiated and administered via biodiffusion chambers implanted in the abdomen. Together, these components stimulate immunogenic cell death and antigen release. IGV-001 was well tolerated and multiple efficacy signals were observed in a Phase 1b study in patients with ndGBM, including significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS), radiographic evidence of tumor response, and changes in immune response biomarkers. A Phase 2b randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study has been initiated to assess the safety and efficacy of IGV-001 in patients with ndGBM (NCT04485949). After surgical resection, patients will be treated with IGV-001 or placebo followed by SOC. 25 US sites have been selected with a target enrollment of 93 patients (2:1 randomization) and the study is open to enrollment. Key inclusion criteria are 18 to 70 years of age, Karnofsky performance status score ≥ 70, diagnosis of GBM based on the treating neurosurgeon's best clinical judgement, confirmed measurable disease pre-operatively, tumor located in the supratentorial compartment, and adequate bone marrow and organ function. Key exclusion criteria include bihemispheric disease, multicentric disease, or treatment with Tumor Treating Fields prior to documented progression. The primary outcome is PFS, defined as the time from randomization to first progression, as determined by blinded central radiology review, or death. Secondary outcomes include overall survival, defined as the time from randomization to death due to any cause, and safety.

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary malignant brain tumor with poor prognosis. Surgical resection followed by chemoradiotherapy (temozolomide [TMZ] + radiation) results in a median survival of only 12-15 months. Recently, immunotherapy with targeted antibodies, therapeutic vaccination and adoptive cell therapy offers a promising option for treating GBM. Herein we observed that CD38, a catalytic receptor and regulator of NAD homeostasis, is expressed on GBM cells and their microenvironment in primary patient-derived GBM tissues. Blacher et al have shown that blocking CD38 enzymatic functions results in reduced GBM cell growth. This evidence prompted us to investigate the antitumor and immune engaging effects of a clinical grade anti CD38 therapeutic monoclonal antibody (Daratumumab/DARA) in preclinical models of GBM. We demonstrated that DARA significantly enhanced the direct apoptotic effect of TMZ and induced ADCC/CDC of GBM cells, irrespective of the presence of microglia. In an in vitro 3D simulated GBM + T cell coculture system, DARA induced activation (CD69/GITR upregulation/decreased PD1) and enhanced proliferation of CD8+ T cells/cTL activity against GBM cells. DARA also resulted in increased IFNγ and decreased IL-10; suggesting an improved antitumor cytokine milieu and ensued in downregulated inflammatory cytokine associated JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Finally, we tested TMZ+DARA in a human GBM xenograft in vivo model and noted significantly prolonged survival of mice [TMZ+DARA vs. vehicle: 98.13±1.88 vs. 63.63±3.77 days, p<0.001]. Altogether, these observations led us to investigate the clinical activity of DARA+ TMZ in GBM patients in a phase I/II clinical trial.

Abstract Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is considered a disease of antigen-naive CD5+CD23+CD19+κ/λ+ B-lymphocytes, in which the tumor microenvironment is highly immunosuppressive. Among several human B cell subsets, B10 [CD24hiCD27+CD38hi]/B regulatory cells (Bregs) are functionally discernable in patients with aggressive CLL as they support and regulate immunological tolerance via production of IL-10 and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). In an ex vivo setting, we noted CD38hi CLL Bregs to promote transformation and expansion of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Tregs; an effect that was abrogated in the presence of IL10/TGF-β neutralizing antibodies. In patients with CLL, Bregs also prohibit the expansion of cytotoxic T cells (CD8+T cells; Tc), natural killer (NK) cells and other pro-inflammatory lymphocytes (CD4+ helper T cells; Th1 and Th17). We noted that patients with CLL had a significantly higher % of Tregs (11.8±2.0) compared to healthy donors (1.9±0.3) and similar to Bregs, a substantial proportion of CLL Tregs had high CD38 expression (MFI=616.8±36.2). We demonstrated that an anti-CD38 therapeutic antibody was able to eliminate CD38+ Bregs and Tregs from CLL patients by immune effector mechanisms (ADCC, CDC, ADCP) as well as direct mitochondrial/FcγR-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, in a PDX model of CLL, mice treated with anti-CD38 therapy had decreased % Bregs and Tregs but increased Th17 and CD8+ T-cells (vs. vehicle; p<0.05). These observations carry implications beyond CLL for any Breg/Treg-dependent cancer or disease (i.e. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome), wherein CD38-targeted therapy could potentially rescue/improve an immune tolerant microenvironment by eradication of Bregs.

Abstract Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is characterized by malignant CD30+ Reed-Sternberg (HRS) B-cells surrounded by an ineffective infiltrate of inflammatory immune cells. T-helper and T-regulatory cells presumably provide survival signals for HRS cells; rescuing them from immune-surveillance by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, which are also functionally anergic. Clinically, ≈10–30% of HL patients resulted in relapse after front line therapy; highlighting the need for development of new treatments. We investigated a novel bispecific CD16axCD30 antibody, AFM13 (Affimed Therapeutics, AG), which engages NK cells and recruits them towards CD30+ tumor cells. Safety of single-agent AFM13 has been demonstrated in a phase I clinical study, however, disease remission was observed in only 23% of patients. We hypothesized that combining AFM13 with another agent whose safety profile is already been established in HL and also activates NK cells (lenalidomide) could potentially increase anti-tumor efficacy of AFM13. We observed increased expression of CD107a, CD69, CD25 and IFNγ (activation markers) in NK cells isolated from HL patients (HL-NK), that were stimulated ex vivo with IL- 15 + lenalidomide. Pre-treatment with IL-2/IL-15 antibody has been shown to activate and restore T/NK cell cytolytic function. In line with this, IL-15+lenalidomide-stimulated HL-NK cells showed functional restoration by inducing specific lysis of human CD30+ lymphoma cells (30.55±1.49%) in a co-culture assay. While, AFM13 is being investigated in combination with anti-PD1 antibody therapy (NCT02665650), our preclinical data provides the rationale for an AFM13 + Len combination regimen for HL and potentially other CD30+ malignancies.

Abstract Background: Concern exists that the clinical trial populations differ from respective cancer populations in terms of their age distribution affecting the generalizability of the results, especially the underrepresented minorities. We hypothesized that the clinical trials that do not report race are likely to suffer from a higher degree of age disparity as well and the issue should be addressed in conjunction with each other. Methods: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug approvals from 7/2007-6/2019 were reviewed to identify oncology approvals, and trials with age details were selected. The primary outcome was the weighted mean difference in age between the clinical trial population and realworld population for various cancers. The secondary outcomes were the prevalence of race reporting and association of age and race reporting with each other. Group comparisons for proportions were performed using the χ2 test while continuous variables were compared using multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) test or students t-test as appropriate. P values < .05 were considered significant. Results: Of the 261 trials, the race was reported in 223 (85.4%) of the trials while 38 trials (14.6%) had no mention of race. Race reporting improved minimally over time – 29 (85.3%) in 2007-2010 vs. 49 (80.3%) in 2011-2014 vs. 145 (85.4%) during 2015-2019 (p-value=0.41). No significant association between type of cancer and race reporting was noted – 147 (86.5%) of solid cancer trials vs. 76 (83.5%) of hematological cancer trials reported race (p-value=0.52). Age discrepancy between the clinical trial population and the real-world population was present for several cancer types. The discrepancy was higher for studies that did not report race, mean difference - 8.8 years 4 (95% CI -12.6 to -5.0 years) vs. studies that did report the race, mean difference -5.1 years, (95% CI -6.4 to -3.7 years), p-value=0.04. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that a significant number of clinical trials leading to cancer drug approvals suffer from racial and age disparity when compared to real-world populations and that the two factors may be interrelated. We recommend continued efforts to recruit diverse populations. In the meantime, reporting these characteristics for these crucial trials should be mandated. Citation Format: Thejus Jayakrishnan, Sonikpreet Aulakh, Mizba Baksh, Kianna Nguyen, Meghna Ailawadhi, Ayesha Samreen, Ricardo Parrondo, Taimur Sher, Vivek Roy, Rami Manochakian, Aneel Paulus, Asher Chanan-Khan, Sikander Ailawadhi. Disparity in race and age reporting in landmark cancer clinical trials: Underrepresentation of the traditionally underserved U.S. population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-104.

Background: Concern exists that the clinical trial populations differ from respective cancer populations in terms of their age distribution affecting the generalizability of the results, especially in underrepresented minorities. We hypothesized that the clinical trials that do not report race are likely to suffer from a higher degree of age disparity. Methods: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug approvals from July 2007 to June 2019 were reviewed to identify oncology approvals, and trials with age details were selected. The outcomes studied were the weighted mean difference in age between the clinical trial population and real-world population for various cancers, the prevalence of race reporting and association of age and race reporting with each other. Results: Of the 261 trials, race was reported in 223 (85.4%) of the trials, while 38 trials (14.6%) had no mention of race. Race reporting improved minimally over time: 29 (85.3%) in 2007–2010 vs. 49 (80.3%) in 2011–2014 vs. 145 (85.4%) during the period 2015–2019 (p-value = 0.41). Age discrepancy between the clinical trial population and the real-world population was higher for studies that did not report race (mean difference −8.8 years (95% CI −12.6 to −5.0 years)) vs. studies that did report it (mean difference −5.1 years, (95% CI −6.4 to −3.7 years), p-value = 0.04). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that a significant number of clinical trials leading to cancer drug approvals suffer from racial and age disparity when compared to real-world populations, and that the two factors may be interrelated. We recommend continued efforts to recruit diverse populations.

Abstract Background: SCT is a standard therapeutic approach for patients with MM and has contributed to improved outcomes. While SCT utilization in MM has increased for all racial-ethnic subgroups over time, population-based studies have repeatedly shown that racial minorities are less likely to receive it. We explored factors that determine SCT utilization among patients within a given race to understand intra-racial disparities and how to address them in order to maximize the use of this imperative treatment among eligible patients. Methods: The 2016 National Cancer Database (NCDB) for MM with patients diagnosed between 2004-2013 was studied. Cases without information on the selected patient or facility characteristics evaluated in this analysis, including SCT use, race, median income, insurance status or facility type of initial MM diagnosis and/or treatment were excluded. The association between utilization of SCT as part of initial therapy of MM and socio-demographic factors was studied stratifying patients into mutually exclusive racial-ethnic subgroups non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB), Hispanics, non-Hispanic Asians (NHA) and others using multivariate GEE logistic regression analysis (clustered on facility ID). Interactions between race and patient/facility characteristics and SCT utilization were tested using similar methods but including all races. Results: Of the 123480 unique MM patients in NCDB diagnosed between 2004-2013, 111799 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 15021 patients (13.4%) received SCT as part of initial MM therapy. Of those who received SCT, 77.5% were NHW (14.4% of all NHW), 15.1% NHB (10.3% of all NHB), 5.2% Hispanics (13.2% of all Hispanics), 2% NHA (15.5% of all NHA) and <1% others. There was no difference by gender but significantly reduced odds of receiving SCT were noted for every 10-year increase in age at diagnosis for all racial subgroups. NHA were the only subgroup not to have a significant year-wise increase over time in odds of receiving SCT between 2004-2013. A significant increase in SCT utilization was seen with increasing median income (quartiles; 2008-2012 data), for NHW and Hispanics but not for NHB and NHA, while increased education (% population with high-school degree; 2008-2012 data) was associated with a significant increase in SCT use for NHW and NHB, but not among Hispanics or NHA. An increase in great circle distance (GCD) from the treating facility as well as a lower Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index (CCI) was associated with significantly increased odds of receiving SCT for all racial groups. Insurancepayer status significantly affected odds of receiving SCT among all races with those having private insurance to be most likely to receive SCT among NHW, NHB and Hispanics while those with "other government" insurance payer type being most likely among NHA. Among treating facility characteristics, patients of all races were more likely to receive SCT if treated at an academic/researchfacility (including NCI-designated centers) or centers with highest quartile of patientvolume seen. For analysis by geographicalregion, NHW and NHA had the highest odds of receiving SCT in mountain region but there was no impact of geography on SCT for NHB or Hispanics. Odds ratio (OR) of receiving SCT as part of initial MM therapy by socio-demographic and facility characteristics for patients of individual racial subgroups are shown in Table 1. A significant interaction between odds of receiving SCT and various racial subgroups was noted for patient age at diagnosis (p<.001, decreased odds among NHW and NHA), GCD from treating facility (p=0.013, increased odds among NHB and NHA), CCI (p=0.043, decreased odds among NHA) and treatment facility volumes (p=0.046, increased odds among NHA and Hispanics). Conclusions: In the largest analysis exploring socio-demographic factors affecting SCT utilization in MM we note a significant disparity within races for who gets SCT as a part of initial MM management and who does not. While some of these factors are non-modifiable, others including access to healthcare, income, insurance and literacy levels, proximity to treatment center, treating facility type as well as volumes are modifiable and appear to be barriers to SCT among in some races, while not in others. These must be addressed to minimize disparities within racial subgroups, especially the minorities and realize maximal benefit of SCT for MM. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria. Sher: LAM Therapeutics, Inc: Research Funding.

Abstract Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are characterized by monoclonal expansion of CD5+CD23+CD27+CD19+κ/λ+ B lymphocytes and are clinically noted to have profound immune suppression. In these patients, it has been recently shown that a subset of B cells possesses regulatory functions and secretes high levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10). Our investigation identified that CLL cells with a CD19+CD24+CD38hi immunophenotype (B regulatory cell [Breg]–like CLL cells) produce high amounts of IL-10 and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and are capable of transforming naive T helper cells into CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) in an IL-10/TGF-β-dependent manner. A strong correlation between the percentage of CD38+ CLL cells and Tregs was observed. CD38hi Tregs comprised more than 50% of Tregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with CLL. Anti-CD38 targeting agents resulted in lethality of both Breg-like CLL and Treg cells via apoptosis. Ex vivo, use of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy was associated with a reduction in IL-10 and CLL patient-derived Tregs, but an increase in interferon-γ and proliferation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells with an activated phenotype, which showed an improved ability to lyse patient-autologous CLL cells. Finally, effects of anti-CD38 mAb therapy were validated in a CLL–patient-derived xenograft model in vivo, which showed decreased percentage of Bregs, Tregs, and PD1+CD38hiCD8+ T cells, but increased Th17 and CD8+ T cells (vs vehicle). Altogether, our results demonstrate that targeting CD38 in CLL can modulate the tumor microenvironment; skewing T-cell populations from an immunosuppressive to immune-reactive milieu, thus promoting immune reconstitution for enhanced anti-CLL response.

Abstract Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the invasion of malignant plasma cells into the bone marrow. While first line treatment options result in significant clinical benefit to patients, spatiotemporal clonal evolution results in disease relapse and mortality. Advances in genomics have armed clinicians with unprecedented insight into the molecular architecture of MM cells, however, the clinical benefit derived by genomics-guided intervention has been limited. We present a novel computational biology modelling (CBM) tool, which takes into account the combined effect of individual mutations, gene copy number abnormalities and large scale chromosomal changes in order to predict the salient molecular pathways utilized by the MM cell for survival. By reverse-engineering MM cell architecture in silico, the CBM tool is able to predict drug response and resistance mechanisms. Thus, our aim was to determine the accuracy of the CBM tool in predicting treatment response of relapsed/refractory MM patients for future management of their disease, in a more individualized manner. Methods: Cytogenetics and somatic mutations (by targeted NGS) for 15 MM patients were input into the CBM model to predict responses to different therapeutic combinations. All patients were relapsed to prior treatment. CBM uses PubMed and other online resources to generate patient-specific protein network maps of activated and inactivated disease pathways. We simulated the specific combinations of the drugs per patient and measured the quantitative drug effect on a composite MM disease inhibition score (i.e., cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis and paraproteins). The actual clinical outcome of the treatments was compared with predicted outcomes. Results: Fifteen patients were analysed using CBM for prediction of treatment response after NGS was performed. 13/15 were clinically evaluable, of which 1 was a responder and 12 were non-responder. 6/13 patients were treated on clinical trial and 7/13 were on drug combinations per physician decision. CBM correctly predicted 1 responder and 11 non-responder with a PPV of 50%, NPV 100%, specificity 91.67%, sensitivity 100%. The accuracy of CBM prediction was 92.30%. CBM also predicted the response of prior drug therapies for its non-response at relapse. For prior drug treatment options, 14 patients were evaluable. All the 14 patients were clinically non-responders and CBM correctly predicted for 13 patients with NPV 100%, Specificity 92.85% and overall accuracy of 92.85%. The majority of patients did not respond to therapies recommended at relapse. As an example, the operative molecular pathways from 2 patients who did not respond to combination treatment, either pre-NGS or post-NGS profiling, are shown in Fig. 1 and Table 1. CBM identified amplification (AMP) of chromosome (chr) 1 (WNT3A, IL6R, CKS1B, MCL1, PIK3C2B, USF1), chr 3 (HES1, PIK3CA, CTNNB1, WNT7A, FANCD2), chr 5 (IL6ST, IRF1, GLRX, SKP2), chr 7 (CDK5, EZH2, IL6, CAV1, ABCB1), chr 9 (NOTCH1, HSPA5, FANCC, FANCG), chr 15 (DLL4, FANCI, ALDH1A2), chr 19 (ERCC1, ERCC2, USF2); deletion(DEL) of chr 13 (CUL4A) , chr 16 (AXIN1, CDH1) and TP53 mutation in different combinations, which confer resistance to therapies at relapse. Conclusions: The CBM technology represents a potential means to identify therapeutic options for MM patients based on the patients individual tumor-genome profile and which can also be deployed for uncovering drug resistance mechanisms. This tool may aid clinicians in decision making for recommending the most appropriate therapy based on standard of care agents or clinical trials; thus improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary costs or drug-related toxicities. Disclosures Singh: Cellworks Research India Private Limited: Employment. Sauban:Cellworks Research India Private Limited: Employment. Husain:Cellworks Research India Private Limited: Employment. Kumar:Cellworks Research India Private Limited: Employment. Kumari:Cellworks Research India Private Limited: Employment. Tyagi:Cellworks Research India Private Limited: Employment. Abbasi:Cell Works Group Inc.: Employment. Vali:Cell Works Group Inc.: Employment. Ailawadhi:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy.