Citations

Abstract Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death characterized by the cleavage of the gasdermin (GSDM) family proteins that form pores in the plasma membrane, cell rupture, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we performed immunohistochemistry for cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD), gasdermin E (GSDME) N-terminus, and gasdermin C (GSDMC) in 2 different cohorts of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and analyzed the impact of GSDM expression on prognosis and immunity. The results showed frequent cleaved GSDMD (N-terminal) expression. Only cytoplasmic GSDMD N-terminal expression correlated with significantly better patient survival in the 2 cohorts. In contrast, GSDME was mainly expressed in the vascular endothelium, and correlated with significantly adverse prognostic effect. Correlating with the multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry results, we found that cytoplasmic GSDMD N-terminal expression was associated with increased CD38+ (activated) M1 macrophages in both cohorts, cognate interactions between live DLBCL cells and activated M1 macrophages (and T cells), and lower PD-1/PD-L1 expression in the analyzed cases. In contrast, T-cell pyroptosis, lymphoma cell-resistance to cell death, and phagocytosis by M2 macrophages were observed in tissues with predominantly nuclear GSDMD N-terminal expression. Bulk gene expression profiling and deconvolution analysis revealed associations of cytoplasmic GSDMD N-terminal expression with downregulation of “Don’t eat me”–signaling genes, upregulation of many RNA genes, decreased frequency of “inflammatory” lymphoma microenvironment subtype, increased frequencies of prognostically favorable cell states and ecotypes, and decreased frequency of T-cell exhaustion state. In summary, this study showed distinct cellular and subcellular patterns of 3 GSDM proteins and their associated immune response phenotypes and prognostic effects, with implications for novel therapeutic strategies for B-cell lymphoma.

Abstract Background: Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death characterized by cleavage of gasdermin (GSDM) family proteins that form pores in the plasma membrane, cell rupture, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Its pro-inflammatory potential has garnered significant research attention in recent years but has not been studied in lymphoma. Patients and Methods: We performed immunohistochemistry for cleaved GSDMD (n-terminal) in two large cohorts of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with multiplex fluorescent IHC (mfIHC) data, and analyzed for prognostic and immune impact. Results: Cleaved GSDMD was frequently expressed in DLBCL, and only the cytoplasmic (versus nuclear) form of expression correlated with significantly better patient survival in two DLBCL cohorts. To understand the expression at the single-cell level, we examined mfIHC results, which revealed that GSDMD+cells were tumor or immune cells, and varied in Ki-67, BCL2, and MYC expression. Cases with cytoplasmic cleaved GSDMD expression had higher mean and median levels of CD38+ (activated) M1 macrophages in two cohorts and lower PD-1/PD-L1 expression, as well as phenotypes of cognate interactions between live activated M1 macrophages, DLBCL cells, and T cells in spatially resolved immune landscape by mfIHC. In contrast, phagocytosis of pyroptotic lymphoma cells by M2 macrophages and cell death of T cells were observed in cases with predominantly nuclear form of cleaved GSDMD expression. Bulk gene expression profiling analysis identified a large proportion of RNA genes upregulated in DLBCLs with cytoplasmic cleaved GSDMD expression, and deconvolution analysis found decreased frequency of the “Inflammatory” lymphoma microenvironment (LME) subtype, increased frequency of cell states and ecotypes with favorable prognostic associations, and decreased frequency of T cell exhaustion states. Summary: Analysis of pyroptosis-inducing cleaved GSDMD (n-terminal) expression in a large number of DLBCL patients revealed dinstinctive cytoplasmic and nuclear expression patterns in live and pyroptotic cells associated with different prognostic and immune effects. Cytoplasmic cleaved GSDMD expression is a marker of cognate interactions between live cells (e.g., activated M1 macrophages) associated with adaptive responses and favorable prognostic effects, whereas nuclear cleaved GSDMD expression is associated with immunosuppressive mechanisms, including T cell death and phagocytosis by M2 macrophages.

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic immune-mediated fibroinflammatory disease whose pathomechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we identified gene variants in familial IgG4-RD and determined their functional consequences. All 3 affected members of the family shared variants of the transcription factor IKAROS, encoded by IKZF1 , and the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBR4. The IKAROS variant increased binding to the FYN promoter, resulting in higher transcription of FYN in T cells. The UBR4 variant prevented the lysosomal degradation of the phosphatase CD45. In the presence of elevated FYN, CD45 functioned as a positive regulatory loop, lowering the threshold for T cell activation. Consequently, T cells from the affected family members were hyperresponsive to stimulation. When transduced with a low-avidity, autoreactive T cell receptor, their T cells responded to the autoantigenic peptide. In parallel, high expression of FYN in T cells biased their differentiation toward Th2 polarization by stabilizing the transcription factor JunB. This bias was consistent with the frequent atopic manifestations in patients with IgG4-RD, including the affected family members in the present study. Building on the functional consequences of these 2 variants, we propose a disease model that is not only instructive for IgG4-RD but also for atopic diseases and autoimmune diseases associated with an IKZF1 risk haplotype.

8514 Background: MLN9708 is an investigational, orally bioavailable, potent, reversible, specific inhibitor of the 20S proteasome that has demonstrated antitumor activity in in vivo models of MM. We report safety, activity and pharmacokinetics (PK) of weekly oral MLN9708 in a phase 1 trial in patients (pts) with relapsed and/or refractory MM after full enrollment (NCT00963820). Methods: Pts received MLN9708 (days 1, 8, 15; 28-day cycles) at 0.24–3.95 mg/m2 (dose-escalation phase) and at the MTD, 2.97 mg/m2, in relapsed and refractory (RR), bortezomib (btz)-relapsed, PI-naïve, and prior carfilzomib (CZ) expansion cohorts. Adverse events (AEs) were graded by NCI-CTCAE v3.0. Response was assessed by IMWG uniform criteria. Results: 60 pts (33 male, median age 64 yrs [40–79]) were enrolled, 32 in the dose-escalation phase and 31 to the expansion cohorts (11 RR, 10 btz-relapsed, 6 PI-naïve, 4 CZ; 2 RR and 1 btz-relapsed pts included from MTD dose-escalation cohort). Median time from MM diagnosis was 4.9 yrs (1.5–18.8). Median number of prior regimens was 6 (2–18), including btz, lenalidomide, thalidomide, and CZ in 83%, 95%, 52%, and 13%, respectively; 76% were refractory to last therapy (17% btz-refractory). At data cut-off (Nov 29, 2012) pts had received a median of 2 cycles (1–11); 5 pts remained on treatment. All-grade/grade ≥3 drug-related AEs were seen in 83%/52% of pts; common drug-related grade ≥3 AEs were thrombocytopenia (33%), diarrhea, neutropenia (17%), decreased appetite, fatigue, and lymphopenia (8%). 6 pts (10%) had drug-related PN (no grade ≥3). 5 pts discontinued due to drug-related AEs; 1 pt died on study due to an unrelated AE. By investigator assessment in 41 evaluable pts, responses included1 VGPR, 5 PR, 1 MR, and 15 with SD. MLN9708 was rapidly absorbed, with a terminal half-life of 4–12 days (supporting weekly dosing) and a proportional increase in plasma AUC with dose (0.8–3.95 mg/m2). PK data were similar across expansion cohorts. Conclusions: Current data suggest weekly oral MLN9708 is generally well tolerated with infrequent PN, and shows activity in this heavily pretreated population with prior exposure to immunomodulatory drugs and btz. Clinical trial information: NCT00963820.

8033 Background: MLN9708 is an oral, reversible 20S proteasome inhibitor. The feasibility of combining a proteasome inhibitor with an immunomodulatory drug and a steroid in previously untreated MM has been demonstrated with the RVD regimen. This is the first study of MLN9708 in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (NCT01217957). Here we report the phase (Ph) 1 MTD and preliminary Ph 2 results. Methods: Pts with previously untreated MM, aged ≥18 yrs with measurable disease received oral MLN9708 (phase 1: 1.68–3.95 mg/m2) days 1, 8, and 15, lenalidomide 25 mg days 1–21, and dexamethasone 40 mg days 1, 8, 15, and 22, for up to twelve 28-day cycles. Primary objectives were determination of safety, MTD, and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) (Ph 1), and CR+VGPR rate (Ph 2). Results: At data cut-off (Dec 1, 2011), 29 pts had been enrolled (15 Ph 1, 14 Ph 2). Median age was 64 yrs (range 40–82); 69% ISS stage II/III. In Ph 1, the MLN9708 MTD was determined as 2.97 mg/m2 and the RP2D as 2.23 mg/m2; for Ph 2, the RP2D was converted to a 4.0 mg fixed dose based on population PK results. Ph 1 pts have received a median of 6 treatment cycles (range 1–11), 8 received ≥6 cycles; 6 stopped to receive ASCT, 7 are ongoing. Ph 2 pts received a median of 1 (range 1–2), all are ongoing. Grade ≥3 hematologic toxicity was reversible and included anemia (n=2) and thrombocytopenia (n=1). Grade ≥3 nonhematologic toxicity included erythematous rash, syncope, and vomiting (2 pts each). All-grade drug-related peripheral neuropathy was seen in 6 pts (21%), including grade 2 with pain in 2 (both Ph 1 at doses above the MTD). Two pts discontinued due to AE; there were 5 pts who had serious drug-related AE (all Ph 1). Of 19 response-evaluable pts (Ph 1 + Ph 2), all achieved ≥PR, including 5 CR (1 sCR), 4 VGPR, and 10 PR; all remain in response with duration of confirmed response of up to 9.5 months. Of 4 response-evaluable Ph 2 pts, 1 has achieved VGPR and 3 PR to date. Conclusions: Oral MLN9708 plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone appears well tolerated with manageable toxicity. These data show antitumor activity at the RP2D in pts with previously untreated MM, with ≥PR in all pts to date.

8034 Background: Phase 1 studies are evaluating IV and oral dosing of the reversible proteasome inhibitor MLN9708 in multiple tumor types. We report the safety, MTD, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics, and preliminary responses with weekly oral MLN9708 in pts with relapsed/refractory MM (NCT00963820). Methods: Pts aged ≥18 yrs received MLN9708 on d 1, 8, and 15 of 28-d cycles. In the dose-escalation phase, pts required ≥2 prior therapies (including bortezomib, thalidomide/lenalidomide, and corticosteroids). At the MTD, pts were to be enrolled to relapsed and refractory (RR), bortezomib-relapsed (VR), proteasome inhibitor (PI) naïve, and carfilzomib (CZ) expansion cohorts. Results: 36 pts have been enrolled to date (data cut-off: Dec 1, 2011), 32 in the dose-escalation phase (0.24–3.95 mg/m2) and 8 to expansion cohorts (2 RR, 5 VR, 1 PI naïve; RR and VR cohorts each include 2 pts from MTD dose-escalation cohort). Median age was 64.5 yrs (range 40–79), 53% were male, and median number of prior lines of therapy was 3.5 (range 1-13), including 92%, 92%, 56%, and 8% who had prior bortezomib, lenalidomide, thalidomide, and carfilzomib, respectively. Pts have received a median of 2 cycles (range 1–11); 5 pts remain on treatment. Among 24 DLT-evaluable pts, 3 DLTs were seen: 2 at 3.95 mg/m2 (1 grade 3 rash, 1 grade 3 GI AEs) and 1 at 2.97 mg/m2 (grade 3 GI AEs). The MTD was determined as 2.97 mg/m2. Overall, 69% of pts had drug-related AEs, and 28% had related grade ≥3 AEs, including thrombocytopenia (17%), diarrhea (11%), nausea, neutropenia, and fatigue (each 8%). Only 3 (8%) pts had drug-related peripheral neuropathy (PN; no grade ≥3). 2 pts discontinued due to AEs. In 18 response-evaluable pts, 1 had a VGPR at 3.95 mg/m2, 1 had a PR at 2.97 mg/m2, and 8 have achieved SD durable for up to 9.5 mos. PK analyses showed linear plasma PK (0.8–3.95 mg/m2), Tmax of 0.5-2 hr, and terminal half-life of 7 d for MLN2238 (biologically active hydrolysis product). There was a trend for a dose-dependent increase in whole blood 20S proteasome inhibition. Conclusions: Current data suggest weekly oral MLN9708 is generally well tolerated with infrequent PN, and shows early signs of antitumor activity.

Abstract Abstract 332 Background: The high response rates seen with the bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRD/RVD) regimen (Kumar S, et al. Blood 2012; Richardson PG, et al. Blood 2010) highlight the feasibility of combining a proteasome inhibitor with an immunomodulatory agent and a steroid in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma (MM). MLN9708 is an investigational, oral, reversible proteasome inhibitor with promising anti-MM effects and favorable toxicity profile with low rates of peripheral neuropathy (PN). Here we report phase (Ph) 1 and preliminary Ph 2 results of the first study of MLN9708 in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with previously untreated MM (NCT01217957). Methods: Patients aged ≥18 yrs with measurable disease, ECOG performance status 0–2, and no grade ≥2 PN, received oral MLN9708 (days 1, 8, and 15) plus lenalidomide 25 mg (days 1–21) and dexamethasone 40 mg (days 1, 8, 15, 22) for up to twelve 28-day cycles, then maintenance therapy with MLN9708 (same schedule) every 28 days until progression. Patients could undergo stem cell collection after 3 cycles and discontinue for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) after 6 cycles. In Ph 1, dose escalation (1.68–3.95 mg/m2) proceeded using a standard 3+3 design, based on cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). Ph 1 primary objectives were determination of safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and recommended Ph 2 dose (RP2D); the Ph 2 primary objective was CR+VGPR rate. Secondary and exploratory objectives included characterization of MLN9708 pharmacokinetics (PK) and measurement of minimal residual disease using multiparameter flow cytometry. Responses were assessed by IMWG criteria. Adverse events (AEs) were graded by NCI-CTCAE v4.02. Results: From 22 November 2010 (Ph 1) and 14 October 2011 (Ph 2) to data cut-off (June 27, 2012), 65 patients (36 male) have been enrolled, 15 in Ph 1 and 50 in Ph 2. Median age was 66 yrs (range 34–86); 43% and 13% had ISS stage II and III. Patients have received a median of 5 cycles (range 1–15) – 6 cycles (range 1–15) in Ph 1 and 5 cycles (range 1–8) in Ph 2. 42 (65%) patients remain on treatment, 4 (27%) in Ph 1 and 38 (76%) in Ph 2. At 10 August 2012, 22 patients have discontinued: 16 to receive ASCT, 4 due to AEs (3 drug-related, 1 not drug-related GI bleed), 2 for other reasons (1 disease progression, 1 due to investigator decision). Of those who have undergone stem cell mobilization, a median yield of 9.1 × 106 CD34+ cells/L was reported. MLN9708 MTD was established as 2.97 mg/m2 and RP2D was selected as 2.23 mg/m2; RP2D converts to a 4.0 mg fixed dose based on population PK results. At 27 June, all-grade AEs related to any regimen drug and seen in ≥25% of patients were fatigue (32%), nausea (31%), and vomiting (25%). Grade 3 any-drug-related AEs were reported in 26 (40%) patients, including erythematous rash, nausea and vomiting (5% each). Grade 4 any-drug-related AEs were end-stage renal disease (related to progressing MM) and deep vein thrombosis in 1 patient each. One patient experienced grade 3 PN at the RP2D. At 10 August, 3 patients discontinued due to drug-related AEs – 1 in Ph 2 who stopped due to grade 1 resting tremor, grade 2 occasional memory loss (neurologic work-up was negative), and grade 2 peripheral sensory neuropathy, 1 patient in Ph 2 due to drug-related RSV pneumonia who subsequently died on study due to this AE, and 1 patient in Ph 1 with syncope (a DLT). Among all 65 patients (at 10 August), median patient follow-up was 3.88 months (Ph 1: 9.03 months, Ph 2: 3.68 months). The overall response rate (ORR; ≥PR, confirmed/unconfirmed) was 88% (100% in Ph 1 and 84% in Ph 2); this includes 40% ≥VGPR (53% in Ph 1 and 36% in Ph 2) and 18% CR (33% in Ph 1 and 14% in Ph 2). Median cycle number is limited, but 50 patients have received ≥4 cycles: ORR was 96%, with 44% ≥VGPR and 26% CR. Analyses by cytogenetic status will be presented at the meeting. At data cut-off, 50 of 52 responders remained in response, with responses durable for up to 13.2+ months. Median time to first response was 0.92 months (range 0.89–6.44). Conclusions: The combination of weekly oral MLN9708 plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone appears generally well tolerated, with one grade 3 PN at the RP2D. Preliminary data show antitumor activity at the RP2D in patients with previously untreated MM, and at data cut-off, 96% of patients had achieved ≥PR, including a ≥VGPR rate of 44% and a CR rate of 26%, with responses consistent with those reported with VRD/RVD. Disclosures: Kumar: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. Off Label Use: A study of the investigational agent MLN9708 in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma. Niesvizky:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Lonial:Onyx: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Meyers Squibb: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Stewart:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Hari:Celgene: Consultancy. Vescio:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Speakers Bureau. Berg:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Lin:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Di Bacco:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Gupta:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Hui:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Richardson:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Janssen-Cilag: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abstract Abstract 816 Background: Proteasome inhibition is a very effective therapeutic strategy in multiple myeloma (MM). The investigational agent MLN9708 is an oral, specific, reversible inhibitor of the 20S proteasome that has shown antitumor activity in solid tumor and hematologic malignancy xenograft models. Phase 1 trials are evaluating both intravenous and oral formulations using different dosing schedules in a variety of tumor types. Here we report the findings from the dose-escalation portion of a phase 1 trial of once-weekly, orally administered MLN9708 in patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM (NCT00963820). Methods: The primary objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the safety/tolerability of MLN9708. Secondary objectives included determination of response rate, and characterization of the pharmacokinetics (PK, of MLN2238, the biologically active hydrolysis product) and pharmacodynamics (PD, 20S proteasome inhibition in blood) of once-weekly oral MLN9708. Patients with MM who had received ≥2 prior therapies, which must have included bortezomib, thalidomide or lenalidomide, and corticosteroids, were eligible. Treatment consisted of MLN9708 administered orally on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Dose-escalation proceeded from 0.24 mg/m2 using a standard 3+3 schema based on dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) occurring in cycle 1. Adverse events (AEs) were graded by NCI-CTCAE v3. Response was assessed by modified EBMT/IMWG criteria. Blood samples were collected after dosing on days 1 and 15 of cycle 1 for PK and PD analyses; parameters were calculated using noncompartmental methods (WinNonlin software v5.3). Results: A total of 28 patients have been enrolled to date (data cut-off: June 29, 2011), including 3 each at dose levels of 0.24, 0.48, 0.80, and 1.20, 4 at 1.68, 3 at 2.23, 4 at 2.97, and 5 at 3.95 mg/m2. The median age was 63.5 years (range 40–76); 54% were male. The median number of prior regimens was 5 (range 2–15), and median time from diagnosis was 4.6 years. Nineteen (68%) patients had prior stem cell transplant, and 16 (59%) were refractory to their last prior therapy, including 7 (26%) to bortezomib and 11 (41%) to lenalidomide or thalidomide. The MTD has not been reached; the current cohort is receiving 3.95 mg/m2. No DLTs have been observed among 21 DLT-evaluable patients. Patients have received a median of 2 treatment cycles (range 1–11; mean 2.8). Four patients remain on treatment; discontinuation was mainly due to progressive disease (71%). All 28 patients are evaluable for toxicity; 26 (93%) experienced at least one AE, including 22 (79%) who experienced at least one drug-related AE. Drug-related AEs occurring in >20% of patients included fatigue (39%), thrombocytopenia (36%), nausea (32%), and diarrhea (29%). Two (7%) patients had drug-related peripheral neuropathy (PN, both grade 2); both had grade 1 PN at baseline. Ten (36%) patients experienced grade ≥3 AEs, 4 (14%) had AEs resulting in MLN9708 dose reductions, and 3 (11%) discontinued due to AEs. No on-study deaths have occurred. In 16 response-evaluable patients, one partial response has been seen, in a patient treated at 2.97 mg/m2 (who had three prior lines of therapy, thalidomide–dexamethasone, lenalidomide–dexamethasone –perifosine, and bortezomib–dexamethasone, to which the patient responded and relapsed); duration of response is 3.7 months, and the patient remains in response at cycle 8. A further five patients had a best response of stable disease, durable for up to 9.5 months. PK analyses showed that MLN9708 was rapidly absorbed, with MLN2238 Tmax of 0.5–2.0 hours and a terminal half-life after multiple dosing of approximately 7 days based on limited data (n=5). MLN2238 exposure appeared to increase proportionally with increasing MLN9708 dose over the range 0.8–2.97 mg/m2. Maximal 20S proteasome inhibition in blood was immediate and dose-dependent. Conclusions: Current data suggest that MLN9708 on a once-weekly schedule is generally well tolerated and has early signs of anti-tumor activity in this heavily pre-treated population with prior exposure to lenalidomide/thalidomide and bortezomib. To date, toxicity has been manageable, and no significant neuropathy signal has been observed. Updated data will be presented, with the MTD anticipated to be reached. Data from an analysis of candidate biomarkers of responsiveness to treatment with MLN9708 will also be presented. Disclosures: Kumar: Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Use of the investigational agent MLN9708, an oral proteasome inhibitor, in the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Bensinger:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Array: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding. Reeder:Celgene: Institutional research funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Institutional research funding; Novartis: Institutional research funding. Zimmerman:Novartis: Expert witness; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Berenson:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Medtronic: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Merck: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding. Berg:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Liu:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Gupta:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Di Bacco:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Hui:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Niesvizky:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.

Background Ixazomib is the first orally administered PI studied in the clinic. The feasibility of combining ixazomib weekly and lenalidomide-dexamethasone (Rd) in the first all-oral PI- and immunomodulatory drug-containing triplet regimen was evaluated in a phase 1/2 trial of 65 pts with newly diagnosed MM. Results indicated a 90% ORR (62% ≥VGPR) using ixazomib 4 mg (recommended phase 2/3 dose), with a manageable safety profile, including 14% gr ≥3 skin/subcutaneous tissue disorders and limited (4% gr 3) peripheral neuropathy (PN) (Kumar et al, Lancet Oncol 2014). These data provided the rationale for phase 3 investigation of IRd vs placebo-Rd in pts with RRMM in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, international, multicenter study. Methods Adults with RRMM after 1-3 prior lines of therapy who were not refractory to prior lenalidomide or PI-based therapy were randomized 1:1 to receive ixazomib 4 mg or matching placebo weekly on d 1, 8, and 15, plus lenalidomide 25 mg PO on d 1-21 (dose reduced for renal impairment per local label/practice) and dexamethasone 40 mg PO on d 1, 8, 15, and 22, in 28-d cycles. Randomization was stratified by number of prior therapies (1 vs 2/3), PI exposure (naïve vs exposed), and ISS disease stage (I/II vs III). Cycles were repeated until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoint was PFS as assessed by an independent review committee blinded to treatment, per IMWG criteria. Key secondary endpoints were OS and OS in high-risk pts with del(17). Sample size was determined to provide 80% power for the OS endpoint and adequate power to test PFS. Three interim analyses (IAs) and a final analysis were planned to test PFS and OS; here, we report data from the first IA, the final analysis for PFS. Results 722 pts were randomized (360 IRd; 362 Rd). Baseline characteristics were balanced between groups; overall median age was 66 yrs (30-91), 70% were PI-exposed, 88% were ISS stage I/II, 59% had received 1 prior therapy, and 77%/11%/11% were relapsed/refractory/relapsed and refractory, with 6% primary refractory. Based primarily (97%) on central laboratory evaluation, 19% had high-risk cytogenetics by FISH (del(17), t(4;14), or t(14;16)), including 10% del(17). Prior therapies included 69% bortezomib, 45% thalidomide, and 12% lenalidomide. The study met the primary endpoint at the first IA (median follow-up 14.8 vs 14.6 mos with IRd vs Rd), demonstrating a 35% improvement in PFS with IRd vs Rd (HR 0.742; p=0.012; Table). In pts with high-risk cytogenetics, the PFS HR was 0.543 with IRd vs Rd (HR 0.596 in pts with del(17)), with a median PFS similar to the overall IRd group, indicating ixazomib may overcome the negative impact of cytogenetic alterations. OS data were not yet mature. Key response data are shown in the Table. Pts received a median of 13 (1-26) vs 12 (1-25) cycles of IRd vs Rd; 55% and 52% of pts remained on treatment. With IRd vs Rd, 68% vs 61% of pts had gr ≥3 AEs (driven by thrombocytopenia), 40% vs 44% had serious AEs, 13% vs 11% discontinued all study drugs due to AEs, and 3% vs 5% died on treatment. AEs observed with IRd were consistent with reported safety profiles for the individual agents. Common gr ≥3 AEs were neutropenia (19% vs 16%), anemia (9% vs 13%), thrombocytopenia (13% vs 5%), and pneumonia (6% vs 8%). Gastrointestinal events included 42% vs 36% diarrhea (6% vs 2% gr 3), 26% vs 21% nausea (2% vs 0% gr 3), and 22% vs 11% vomiting (1% vs <1% gr 3). PN rates were 28% vs 21% (2% vs 2% gr 3), 35% vs 21% had rash events (4% vs 1% gr 3), 4% vs 6% had renal failure (2% vs 3% gr ≥3), and 4% vs 3% had heart failure (2% vs 2% gr ≥3). Conclusion At this first prespecified IA, addition of ixazomib to Rd in pts with RRMM increased median PFS to 20.6 from 14.7 mos without a substantial increase in overall toxicity, including cardiac and PN toxicity. Benefit with IRd was also noted in pts with high-risk cytogenetics, including those with del(17), in whom median PFS was similar to all IRd-treated pts indicating that ixazomib may have a favorable impact on the adverse prognosis associated with genetic mutations. If approved, this all-oral combination of IRd may become a new standard of care in this setting. Table. Key efficacy data IRd Rd HR / OR Median PFS, mos 20.6 14.7 HR 0.742; 95% CI: 0.587-0.939; p=0.012 Confirmed ORR, % 78.3 71.5 OR 1.44; p=0.035 CR 11.7 6.6 OR 1.87; p=0.019 ≥VGPR 48.1 39.0 OR 1.45; p=0.014 Median time to first response (ITT analysis), mos 1.1 1.9 Median duration of response (≥PR), mos 20.5 15.0 Disclosures Moreau: Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Off Label Use: Investigational proteasome inhibitor ixazomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Masszi:Janssen-Cilag: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Bahlis:Johnson & Johnson: Speakers Bureau; Johnson & Johnson: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Sandhu:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria. Ganly:Novartis: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; Medipics: Equity Ownership. Baker:Janssen-Cilag New Zealand: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Stoppa:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Simpson:Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria. Gimsing:Amgen: Honoraria. Palumbo:Celgene, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genmab, Janssen-Cilag, Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis, Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria. Garderet:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy. Cavo:Janssen-Cilag, Celgene, Amgen, BMS: Honoraria. Kumar:AbbVie: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Celgene, Millenium, Sanofi, Skyline, BMS, Onyx, Noxxon,: Other: Consultant, no compensation,; Skyline, Noxxon: Honoraria; Millenium/Takeda: Research Funding. Touzeau:AbbVie: Research Funding. Laubach:Novartis: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding. Lin:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Berg:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. DiBacco:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Hui:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Richardson:Gentium S.p.A.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 479 Background: MLN9708 is an investigational, oral, potent, reversible, and specific 20S proteasome inhibitor, which immediately hydrolyzes to MLN2238, the biologically active dipeptidyl leucine boronic acid. In preclinical studies, MLN2238 has shown faster proteasome dissociation and greater tissue penetration than bortezomib. Current phase 1 data indicate that oral administration of single-agent MLN9708 was generally well tolerated, with no grade ≥3 peripheral neuropathy, and showed signs of antitumor activity in some patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM. Bortezomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone demonstrated a 100% partial response or better (≥PR) rate in patients with previously untreated MM, providing the rationale for evaluating oral MLN9708 in place of bortezomib in this combination. Here we report phase 1 data from the first combination study of MLN9708 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01217957). Methods: Primary phase 1 objectives were to determine the safety, tolerability, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of weekly MLN9708 in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone; secondary objectives included characterization of the pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) profile of MLN9708, assessment of PK interaction and response. Adults aged ≥18 years with ECOG performance status of 0 to 2, and adequate renal, hepatic, and hematologic function were eligible. Patients with grade ≥2 peripheral neuropathy or prior/concurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism were excluded. Patients received oral MLN9708 weekly on days 1, 8, and 15, lenalidomide 25 mg on days 1–21, and dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22, for up to twelve 28-day cycles. Patients received thromboprophylaxis with aspirin or low molecular weight heparin. Transplant-eligible patients could undergo stem cell transplant after six cycles. MLN9708 dose escalation, from a starting dose of 1.68 mg/m2, followed a 3+3 scheme based on the occurrence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in cycle 1. Adverse events (AEs) were evaluated according to NCI-CTCAE v4.0. Response was assessed according to modified EBMT criteria. Results: At data cut-off (June 29, 2011), 10 patients have been enrolled and treated: three each at 1.68, 2.23, and 2.97 mg/m2 and one at 3.95 mg/m2; median age was 66 years (range 59–77). Patients completed a median of 3 cycles (range 1–6), with three having received 6 cycles; treatment is ongoing in six patients. A DLT of grade 3 fainting was observed in a patient treated at 3.95 mg/m2. The MTD has not yet been reached; the current cohort is receiving 3.95 mg/m2. Drug-related AEs included rash in four patients (two maculopapular, two erythematous); vomiting and fatigue in three patients each; and diarrhea, constipation, and nausea in two patients each. Grade 1 treatment-related peripheral neuropathy was reported in one patient. Serious AEs were seen in four patients: one at 3.95 mg/m2 (DLT of grade 3 fainting), one at 2.23 mg/m2 (grade 3 DVT) unrelated to MLN9708, and two unrelated at 1.68 mg/m2 (grade 3 hypotension; grade 3 gastrointestinal hemorrhage resulting in discontinuation). Two patients required lenalidomide dose reductions to 15 mg due to erythematous rash; no dose reductions were required for MLN9708 or dexamethasone. There were no on-study deaths. Of nine response-evaluable patients, all nine achieved ≥PR, including three very good PR (VGPR) and one complete response. Time to response was rapid; all responders achieved a ≥50% decrease in M-protein in cycle 1, and best response was reached by the end of cycle 4. No patient has progressed to date. One patient with confirmed VGPR discontinued at cycle 6 to undergo stem cell transplant. Conclusions: MLN9708 administered weekly in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone appears to be generally well tolerated in previously untreated MM patients at the MLN9708 dose levels studied, with evidence of antitumor activity in the dose-escalation cohorts. Evaluation continues to determine the MTD of MLN9708 in this combination. Updated results, PK data, assessment of PK interaction, and PD data will be presented. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Use of the investigational agent MLN9708 for the treatment of previously untreated multiple myeloma. Richardson:Johnson & Johnson: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lonial:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy. Niesvizky:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Research Funding. Hui:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Berg:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Gupta:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Liu:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Di Bacco:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Kumar:Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding.