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1479 citation(s) found for "Ma, Khan".

Phase I-II Trial of Oral Cyclophosphamide, Prednisone and Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) (CPR) for the Treatment of Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma.
Reece, Donna , Khan, Arooj , Dean, Saima, Anglin, Peter, Chen, Christine , Kukreti, Vishal , Trudel, Suzanne , Masih‐Khan, Esther , Mıkhael, Joseph

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1874-1874

10.1182/blood.v114.22.1874.1874 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1874 Poster Board I-899 Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) and dexamethasone is an effective regimen in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) patients (pts), with an overall response rate of 60.6% and median time to progression (TTP) of 13.4 months (Dimopoulos MA, et al, Leukemia 2009 Jul 23 [Epub ahead of print]). Oral cyclophosphamide and prednisone is an older regimen with excellent patient tolerance, and we sought to enhance the efficacy of lenalidomide by adding oral cyclophosphamide and prednisone in this phase I-II trial. The CPR regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide on days 1, 8 and 15; lenalidomide on days 1–21; and prednisone 100 mg every other day in a 28 day cycle. ASA 81 mg/day was given to all pts as DVT prophylaxis. Three dose levels were evaluated using a 3 by 3 dose escalation design. Between 11/2007–07/2009, 31 pts with relapsed/refractory MM who had not previously received lenalidomide were entered onto study. Median age was 61 (40–78) years and 61% were male. Immunoglobulin subtype was IgG in 19 pts (61%), IgA in 8 pts (26%) and light chain only in 4 pts (13%). Median number of prior regimens was 2 (1–5) and 28 pts had undergone previous ASCT, including double transplants in 6 pts. Prior therapy included thalidomide in 9 (29%) and bortezomib in 15 (48%). FISH cytogenetics were available in 13 pts; one had 13q deletion but none had t(4;14) or p53 deletion. At the time of protocol entry, median β 2-microglobulin level was 246 (92–767) nm/L, albumin 39 (34–48) g/L, creatinine 83 (50–126) μmol/L, platelet count 230 (75–337) × 109/L and ANC 2.5 (1.1–6.1) x 109/L. Protocol treatment is summarized in Table 1. Dose limiting toxicity was not observed during cycle 1 at any dose level. Grade 3–4 toxicities included thrombocytopenia in 5 pts (16%) and neutropenia in 9 pts (29%). These were managed with dose reduction and/or growth factor support. Four episodes of febrile neutropenia occurred. Other grade 3–4 non-hematologic toxicities included abdominal pain/bacteremia in 1 pt in cohort 1; hypokalemia in 1 pt in cohort 2; and DVT in 2 pts, dizziness in 2 pts and fatigue in 1 pt in cohort 3. Using the International uniform response criteria (Durie BG, et al, Leukemia 2006; 20:1467–1473), the best response was documented at a median of 6 (1–5) cycles and included the following: dose level 1 (1 CR, 2 PR); dose level 2 (1 VGPR, 2 PR); dose level 3 (5 CR, 9 VGPR, 9 PR, 1 MR and 1 stable disease). At a median follow-up (F/U) of 12 (8–21) months, 20 pts remain on study, 2 have withdrawn and 9 pts have progressed at a median of 9 (4–13) months; only 1 one has died (due to MM). We conclude: 1) the combination of full doses of the agents in CPR can be given in a 28 day cycle with minimal toxicity; 2) the overall response rate (CR + VGPR + PR) in 31 pts to date is 93%; 3) at a median F/U of 1 year, only 9 pts (29%) have progressed; 4) longer follow-up is required to assess the TTP and survival of the CPR regimen. Disclosures: Reece: Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide in combination with drugs other than dexamethasone. Anglin:Celgene: Honoraria. Chen:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Kukreti:Celgene: Honoraria. Mikhael:Celgene: Honoraria. Trudel:Celgene: Honoraria.
Inhibition Of The Deubiquitinating Enzymes UCHL5 and USP14 Is Lethal To Waldenströms Macroglobulinemia Cells
Chitta, Kasyapa S., Kuranz, Maja, Ansell, Stephen M. , Novak, Anne J. , Martin, Peter , Furman, Richard R. , Coleman, Morton , Linder, Stig , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Paulus, Aneel , Akhtar, Sharoon , Roy, Vivek

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1823-1823

10.1182/blood.v122.21.1823.1823 Get It

Abstract Background Waldenströms macroglobulinemia (WM) is a lymphoplasmacytic subtype of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma in which specific molecular changes lead to unrestricted cell proliferation and overproduction of immunoglobulin-M. These processes require exquisite coordination between growth promoting transcription factors (NFkB) and cell homeostatic systems. The bioavailability of various transcription factors and cell cycle proteins is primarily regulated by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Moreover, the proteolytic machinery ensures proper elimination of unwanted or misfolded proteins, which when disrupted leads to protein accumulation and apoptotic cell death. The 26S proteasome is a barrel shaped structure with a 20S catalytic core that is flanked by 19S caps on either side. 26S proteasomes are critical for WM cell survival, which is clinically evident, as up to 80% of WM patients treated with the proteasome inhibitor (PI) bortezomib have derived significant benefit. Traditional PI such as bortezomib and carfilzomib have been designed to target the B5 catalytic core within the 26S proteasome. However, proteasomes are capable of altering conformation of their proteolytic subunits in response to inflammation and stress, which can lower the effectiveness of these PI. The 19S cap is the regulatory complex and functions in unfolding and deubiquitinating the proteins before their entry into the 20S complex using constitutive deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBS). Recently, it has been demonstrated that inhibition of the DUBS, UCHL5 and USP14 results in cell death in a variety of tumor types but more so in cancer cells that rapidly divide or have a high protein turnover rate. Aim To define the anti-WM activity of the novel DUB inhibitor, b-AP15 in preclinical models of WM. Methods The WM cell lines BCWM.1, RPCI-WM1 and MWCL-1 were used for experiments in this analysis. Proteasomal activity was measured using synthetic fluorogenic peptide substrates. Apoptosis was determined by annexin-V/PI staining and mitochondrial membrane permeability (MOMP) was assessed using TMRM followed by flow cytometry. Protein profiling was done via immunoblot analysis. Results As reported by D’Arcy et al in their characterization of the b-AP15 molecule, inhibition of UCHL5 and USP14 by b-AP15 does not disrupt proteasomal activity conferred by the b-catalytic subunits. We confirmed these findings by treating WM cells with single agent bortezomib (10nM), carfilzomib (10nM), b-AP15 (100nM) or all three agents in combination to assess chymotrypsin-like, caspase-like and trypsin-like proteasomal activity using fluorogenic peptide substrates. Further, when used in combination with the other PI, PI-mediated chymotrypsin-like activity remained inhibited in the presence of b-AP15. Next, we sought to determine if b-AP15 treatment could induce WM cell death. Annexin-v staining showed that b-AP15 (500uM) induced apoptosis in all WM cell lines (28 – 60% cell death) with variable responses noted among the 3 models. Treatment with b-AP15 increased MOMP while also inducing the cleavage of caspases-9 and 3 and PARP-1 suggesting that the anti-WM activity of b-AP15 is mediated through the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. As components of the NFkB signaling cascade lie downstream to the UPS, we examined the effects of b-AP15 on this pathway. When treated with the DUB-inhibitor, nuclear translocation of NFkB was reduced in a time dependent manner. Interestingly, treatment with b-AP15 increased the phosphorylation of the mitogen activated protein kinase-p38 (p38) in all the WM cell lines tested. Treatment of WM cells with b-AP15 in presence of the p38 inhibitor, SB203580, resulted in a synergistic induction of cell death. Conclusion b-AP15 is a novel DUB inhibitor that disrupts two regulatory enzymes (UCHL5 and USP14) present in the 19S proteasomal cap. Results presented here demonstrate that b-AP15 induces apoptosis in in vitro models of WM and with in vivo analysis underway, is a potential therapeutic in WM. We would like to acknowledge the Waterfall Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Research Fund, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the International Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Foundation for their continued support. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
At-101 Induces Apoptosis Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Cells Resistant to Bortezomib.
Chitta, Kasyapa S., Miles, Kiersten Marie, Ghoshal, Pushpankur , Stein, Leighton C., Coleman, Morton , Furman, Richard R. , Craig, Hofmeister, Hayman, Suzanne R. , Lee, Kelvin P. , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Craig, Hofmeister C.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2861-2861

10.1182/blood.v114.22.2861.2861 Get It

Abstract Abstract 2861 Poster Board II-837 Bcl-2 protein family has the unique capability to balance between the cell survival and death by regulating the expression of its individual members. AT-101 is a BH3 mimetic and a potent inducer of noxa and puma, the natural ligands of BH3 family proteins. It is known to bind and inhibit the anti-apoptotic functions of Bcl-2 family members Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL and Mcl-1. In vitro it has been shown to induce apoptosis in several tumor models systems including multiple myeloma. In this report we investigated the effect of AT-101 on a model cell line, BCWM.1 (a known WM cell line, BCWM.1/WT), representing Waldenström Macroglobulinemia. This disease is characterized by the presence of lymphoplasmacytic cells in the bone marrow and the secretion of IgM monoclonal protein into the serum. Several conventional therapies are available but the disease remains incurable. Therefore there remains a need to develop new therapies for this orphan disease. Recently, bortezomib (a proteasomal inhibitor) has shown promising anti-WM activity with enhanced responses when combined with traditional therapies. But continued treatment with bortezomib result in the development of resistance in the clinic. We developed an in vitro model of bortezomib resistance from BCWM.1 (hereafter referred as BCWM.1/BR). These cells also developed cross resistance to conventional therapies used for WM such as fludarabine and doxorubicin. Biological characterization of this cell line demonstrated Bcl-2 as a potentially important therapeutic target. We therefore assessed the effect of AT-101 to identify preclinically if this could be a potential clinical strategy in future. AT-101 induced a dose and time dependent inhibition in the viability of both BCWM.1/WT as well as BCWM.1/BR cells. Cell death was observed at as low as 1uM concentration of AT-101 and at 10uM a maximum of 50-70% death was observed by 24h. While BCWM.1/WT cells showed a significant death at 12h, treatment with AT-101 induced cell death in BCWM.1/BR cells as early as 6h. These results indicate that AT-101 induced a potent and quick inhibition in viability in BCWM.1/BR cells as compared to their parental wild type cells. Investigation into the mechanism of cell death showed that AT-101 induced apoptosis in a mitochondrial dependent pathway in these cells. A comparative analysis of the signal transduction pathways operated in BCWM.1/WT and BCWM.1/BR cells showed that many of the cellular activation and survival pathways such as AKT, ERK1/2 that are present in BCWM.1 cells are inhibited in the resistant cells. Interestingly, BCWM.1/BR cells expressed a fivefold increase in the Bcl-2 protein as compared to BCWM.1/WT cells suggesting a Bcl-2 dependent survival of these cells in the absence of other cellular activation and survival signals. Increased susceptibility of BCWM.1/BR cells to AT-101 thus can be understood to be a direct consequence of an increased expression of Bcl-2 and a dependence of the resistant cells on Bcl-2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins for their survival. Results presented in this report suggest that AT-101 has a unique therapeutic potential against Waldenström Macroglobulinemia that is independent of resistance to bortezomib. These observations highlight bcl-2 as a potential target, and AT-101 as possible therapeutic avenue for WM patients. Disclosures: Chanan-Khan: Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Immunogen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau.
Infectious Complications in Advanced Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Lenalidomide (Revlimid +/- Corticosteroids).
Kukreti, Vishal , Dean, Saima, Kumar, Deepali , Trudel, Suzanne , Reece, Donna , Chen, Christine , Masih‐Khan, Esther , Mıkhael, Joseph

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2876-2876

10.1182/blood.v114.22.2876.2876 Get It

Abstract Abstract 2876 Poster Board II-852 Multiple myeloma (MM) patients (pts) are immunosuppressed given the underlying disease, previous treatments and myelosuppression seen on lenalidomide (Revlimid, Rev). We evaluated the infectious complications seen on Celgene's Expanded Access Rev program at Princess Margaret Hospital. We have treated 75 pts who had progressed after at least one prior therapy as part of a national study in Canada. At entry, pts were required to have a neutrophil count of ≥1.0 ×109/L. The median age was 61 yrs (range 35-79); 52% were males. Prior therapy included stem cell transplant in 65, thalidomide in 54 and bortezomib in 24. Number of lines of prior therapy were as follows: 24 (one), 29 (two), 16 (three), 8 (four) and one (five). Neupogen was used liberally (63%) after a patient had a dose delay on trial due to neutropenia. Patients were treated with full dose lenalidomide at entry onto clinical trial and were maintained on full dosing unless platelet counts were <30×109/L or ANC was <1.0×109/L. No other dose adjustments were made for renal dysfunction. Results: There were 32 pts (43%) who had a clinically evident infection; the majority (91%) was on prophylactic antibiotics (septra/ciprofloxacin) at the time. There were two deaths due to infection and 23 pts (72%) required hospitalization (range 2-27 days). The majority of infections occurred within the first 4 cycles of treatment (26 pts) and seemed to occur more in pts with several lines of prior therapy – 7/24 (29%) with 1 prior therapy, 14/29 (48%) with 2, 9/16 (56%) with 3 and 2/8 (25%) with 4 prior therapies. Sixteen were neutropenic of which 7 had febrile neutropenia (9%). The types of infections were: respiratory in 14 (1 with pneumocystis pneumonia), cellulitis in 4, herpes simplex and herpes zoster in 2 pts each. These included streptococcus pneumoniae (1), staphylococcus aureus (3), respiratory syncitial virus (1) and mycobacterium chelonae (1). Rev was held during the infection in 23 pts (72%). Conclusions: 1) Infections are frequent in this patient population (43%) and often lead to hospitalization (72%); respiratory infections accounted for a large majority (43%). 2) Early aggressive growth factor support and broader antibiotic prophylaxis may be of benefit especially in heavily pretreated patients. 3) Dose reduction of Rev in the context of serious infections should be further evaluated. Disclosures: Kukreti: Celgene: Honoraria. Trudel:Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Ortho Biotech: Honoraria. Chen:Celgene: Honoraria.
In Silico Modeling of Oncogenic Drivers in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia to Assess Additional Therapeutic Targets within the BCR Signaling Pathway Identifies MEK1/2 As a Target: Potential Therapeutic Role of Binimetinib
Vali, Shireen, Kumar, Ansu, Singh, Neeraj Kumar , Usmani, Shahabuddin, Abbasi, Taher, Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Paulus, Aneel , Akhtar, Sharoon , Singh, Neeraj Kumar , Grover, Himanshu

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 1279-1279

10.1182/blood.v126.23.1279.1279 Get It

Abstract Background: The observation that B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling play a critical role in the survival of malignant Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) cells is highlighted by clinical efficacy of the BTK-inhibitor, ibrutinib in WM patients. BCR signaling leads to downstream activation of several intermediary components whose activity results in increased cell proliferation. Although disruption of this axis at the proximal end (BCR) has proved successful in WM, the exact role and impact of targeting the distal intermediaries remains unknown, particularly in aggressive forms of the disease. This is important as induction of resistance to ibrutinib is clearly documented which can either be mediated through mutational changes in BTK or other members within the BCR signalosome. Using a novel simulation-based approach, we reverse-engineered the WM cell molecular architecture to uncover the role of oncogenic intermediaries distal to the BCR complex in advanced-stage WM and conducted a virtual drug-screen targeting these pathways with in vitro validation. Methods: The human WM cell line, RPCI-WM1, was used in simulation and validation experiments. RPCI-WM1 was established from a highly drug-refractory advanced disease stage patient refractory to both rituximab and bortezomib. Publically available as well as proprietary genomic and cytogenetic data was utilized for the creation of the RPCI-WM1 patient avatar, which through simulation identified the salient and prominently dysregulated cellular pathways. Importantly, illustrating these pathways highlights common convergence points on increased proliferation and viability. These convergence points were then directly and indirectly targeted by simulated testing of a library of FDA approved drugs and those impacting these dysregulated pathways were shortlisted. A standardized library of equations models all the biological reactions such as enzymatic reactions, allosteric binding and protein modulation by phosphorylation, de-phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, prenylation and others. A library of FDA approved drug agents (n~150) and those in clinical study has been developed and was simulated individually and in combination on the RPCI-WM1 (advanced stage WM patient) avatar. Results: MYD88L265P mutation, absence of CXCR4 mutations and additional chromosomal aberrations (derivatives, translocations, deletions and amplifications of chromosomes 3, 6, 9, 13, 18 and 19), which are notable features of RPCI-WM1 cells were configured and modeled in silico. The RPCI-WM1 patient avatar was predicted to have increased IRAK1/4 engagement due to MYD88 mutation and high copy number (CN) of IL18. Downregulation of DUSP1 through MYD88-mediated signaling was noted to result in high ERK activity. Increase gene copy number of both FOS and ETS1, which are downstream of ERK, were noted. Notably, FOS is a key regulator of the AP1 complex, whose activity is regulated upstream by ERK. The transcription factor, ETS1 was also predicted as over expressed and ERK-mediated phosphorylation of ETS1 regulates the activity of ETS1. The RPCI-WM1 patient avatar model also indicated high AKT due to indirect convergence of multiple aberrations. Drug screening revealed sensitivity to the MEK inhibitor, binimetinib. Although no copy number variation in MEK-ERK pathway genes were detected, per simulation, MYD88 mutation through inactivation of DUSP1 activated ERK and downstream associated survival pathways. The simulation predictions were experimentally validated. As predicted, binimetinib significantly inhibited proliferation and viability of RPCI-WM1 cells (IC50 <100nM). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the functional role and impact of MEK1/2 - an oncogenic component distal to the BCR, and whose activity can be targeted with binimetinib to elicit a lethal effect in advanced-stage WM cells. We also show the utility of a novel technology, which is capable of integrating genome-wide molecular data points to emulate the salient genomic drivers of a given tumor cell and test its sensitivity to numerous drugs in a high-throughput manner for truly personalized therapy. Disclosures Vali: Cellworks Group, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kumar:Cellworks Group, Inc.: Employment. Singh:Cellworks Group, Inc.: Employment. Usmani:3Cellworks Research India Limited: Employment. Grover:3Cellworks Research India Limited: Employment. Abbasi:Cellworks Group, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership.
Spectrum of Phenotypic Manifestations of a Novel c1339A>C, pS447R Germline GATA2 Mutation
Kochuparambil, Samith T. , Jackson, Amie E., Litzow, Mark R. , Khan, Shakila P. , Rodriguez, Vilmarie , Abraham, Roshini S. , Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Hogan, William J.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 5614-5614

10.1182/blood.v124.21.5614.5614 Get It

Abstract Background: Haploinsufficiency of GATA2 results in familial immunodeficiency and MDS/ AML. We identified a family with a novel c1339A>C, pS447R germline GATA2 mutation. Unlike most other disease-causing GATA2 mutations, this mutation occurred in the non-zinc finger domain. Methods: After due IRB approval, clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively abstracted. Results: Seven family members with the mutation are being followed at our institution. (Table 1), of whom two have MDS, one MDS/AML and one with isolated neutropenia. At the time of diagnosis 5/7(71%) pt had decreased monocyte count. 4/7(57%) patients had decreased NK cell count and/or function. Only 1/7(14%) patient had decreased CD4 count. 3/7(42%) patients had reduced B cell numbers and 5/7(71%) patients had persistent HPV warts. Other infections include invasive Absidia sinusitis, infectious mononucleosis, pertussis, and blood stream infections with S. maltophilia and S.aureus. One patient had the Emberger's syndrome presenting with lymphedema and congenital pulmonary stenosis. Pulmonary manifestation included a patient each with decreased DCLO and hyperreactive airway disease. Genitourinary manifestations included pelvic kidney/dysplastic kidney, posterior urethral valve, dermoid cyst and hydrocele. Two female patients developed primary infertility. One patient had a history of appendicular carcinoid. 4/7(57%) patients have successfully undergone allogenic stem-cell transplantation. Conclusion: Germline GATA2 mutations are associated with a high frequency of MDS/AML. We describe a family with a non-zinc finger GATA2 mutation causing MDS/AML, with a spectrum of hematological and non-hematological manifestations, once again, highlighting the heterogeneity of this syndrome and expanding the genotype-phenotype correlation in this disease. Abstract 5614. Table#Age/sexHemDAbso . MonoCount Abso. CD4 TCellNK cyto-toxicityAbso. NK CountAbso.B cell CountInfectiousDermCoag/VascularCVS/LungOthersNo.137/MAMLSeverely DecreasedNormalAbsentSeverely DecreasedAbsentAbsidia S.maltop- hilia S.aureusHPV WartsITP -Hydrocele 10 hyperparathyroidismNo.231/FMDSDecreasedNormalAbsentDecreasedNormalInfectious MonoHPV Warts-Hyper- reactive airwayInfertilityNo.317/FMDSSeverely DecreasedNormalUnknownDecreasedDecreasedHerpes stomatitisHPV Warts-Dec-DCLOPosterior urethral valveNo.49/MNeutropeniaSeverely DecreasedNormalNormalNormalNormalHSV-1HPV Warts Embergers syndrome Pul. Stenosis Congenital dysplastic Rt. Kidney Pelvic Lt. KidneyNo.531/F-DecreasedNormalDecreasedNormalNormal- -Qualitative platelet defectNoneInfertilityNo.635/F-NormalNormalDecreasedDecreasedDecreasedPertussisHPV Warts--Dermoid appendicular carcinoid No.756/F-NormalNormalNormalNormalNormalFrequent PNA---- Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Does Early Myeloid Recovery Predict Superior Survival in Children and Young Adults Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation?.
Imran, Hamayun , Khan, Shakila P. , Arndt, Carola A.S., Rodriguez, Vilmarie , Allen, Julia A., Trotz, Barbara A.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 106 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 5323-5323

10.1182/blood.v106.11.5323.5323 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Slow rate of myeloid recovery at the end of induction chemotherapy reflected by a low absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is highly predictive of relapse in children with ALL (Laughton et al, 2005). Whether rate of myeloid recovery is predictive of outcome post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children and young adults has not been studied. Objective: To explore the association between early ANC recovery and survival in children and young adults undergoing allogeneic and autologous HSCT for leukemia or lymphoma. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed for all consecutive patients (age 6 months to 21 years) undergoing first HSCT for hematologic malignancies and lymphomas at Mayo Clinic, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology from 1995 to 2004. Day 15 and day 28 ANC were calculated for all patients. The primary end point was 1-year relapse free (RFS) and overall survival (OS). To explore the association between ANC and primary outcome, patients were stratified in 2 groups: ≥ or < than median ANC and Kaplan Meier survival curves were generated for both the groups and compared with the log-rank test. Matched related donor (MRD), matched unrelated donor (MUD) and haploidentical (as one group) and autologous transplantations were analyzed separately. Results: There were a total of 50 patients. 28 received MRD, 2 MUD, 10 haploidentical and 10 autologous. The underlying malignancies were (AML n =25, Biphenotypic Leukemia n=1, ALL n =7, NHL n=3, HD n=7, JMML n=5, CML n=2, CLL n=1). No patient was lost to follow up during that time and data was available for all except (day 28 ANC) for one patient. The 1-year RFS and OS rate was the same; 81% for the MRD, 50% for MUD and haploidentical and 70% for autologous transplant populations, respectively. In patients receiving MRD transplants, higher ANC at either day 15 or day 28 post transplantation was associated with better, albeit statistically non-significant, RFS/OS rates at 1 year (86% for ≥ median (0.68) vs. 76% for < median p=0.44 and 92% for ≥ median (2.2) vs. 72% for < median p= 0.18 respectively). Opposite results were observed for MUD and Haploidentical transplantation group (33% for ANC ≥ median (0.47) at day 15 vs. 66% for < median p=0.28, 43% for ANC ≥ median (1.9) at day 28 vs. 60% for < median p=0.48). For autologous transplant group, higher ANC at day 15 was associated with better, albeit statistically non-significant, RFS/OS rates at 1 year (80% for ANC ≥ median (0.42) vs. 60% for < median p=0.60) while opposite results were observed on day 28 (60% for ANC ≥ median (0.46) vs. 75% for < median p=0.54). Conclusions: Our data generated conflicting findings of the association between ANC and RFS/OS in different patient populations undergoing HSCT. However, our results are limited by the small sample size. Further collaborative studies are needed to explore this association.
PD-1 Blockade with Pembrolizumab in Relapsed CLL Including Richter's Transformation: An Updated Report from a Phase 2 Trial (MC1485)
Call, Timothy G. , Leis, José F., He, Rong , LaPlant, Betsy, Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Asmus, Erik, Dyke, Daniel L. Van , Conte, Michael, Bowen, Deborah A., Secreto, Charla, Tian, Shulan , Micallef, Ivana N. , Yan, Huihuang , Ansell, Stephen M. , Ding, Wei , Le‐Rademacher, Jennifer , Parikh, Sameer A. , Shanafelt, Tait D. , Habermann, Thomas M. , Lin, Yi , Feldman, Andrew L. , Witzig, Thomas E. , Sinha, Sutapa , Zhang, Henan , Liu, Xin , Braggio, Esteban , Kay, Neil E. , Dong, Haidong

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4392-4392

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4392.4392 Get It

Abstract Background: CLL patients (pts) treated with novel targeted therapies continue to experience disease progression. Approximately 7-15% of relapsed CLL treated with ibrutinib or venetoclax developed Richter's syndrome (RS), an aggressive high grade lymphoma transformation. Standard chemotherapy has limited efficacy in RS. We hypothesized that checkpoint blockade would re-establish anti-tumor immune response in progressive CLL/RS and here we aim to update the clinical data and correlative analysis of MC1485: a phase 2 study of PD-1 blocking antibody pembrolizumab in relapsed/refractory CLL and RS. Methods: Relapsed/refractory CLL including RS enrolled in the CLL arm of MC1485 trial was reported here. The primary end point of this study is overall response rate (ORR). Pts with prior allogeneic stem cell transplant were excluded. Pembrolizumab 200 mg was administered intravenously every 3 weeks. NCI CTCAE v4.0 and IWCLL 2008 criteria were used for non-hematological adverse events (AE) and for CLL grade hematological AE. Tumor expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 were assessed with standard immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Percentage expressions of individual antigens were analyzed with whole-slide scanning followed by image analysis with Image-Pro software (Media Cybernetics). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on available CLL/RS tissue sections to assess copy number of chromosome 9p region that contains PD-L1 and PD-L2. Results: 25 pts including 16 CLL and 9 RS (biopsy-proven large cell lymphoma) were enrolled in CLL arm. The median age was 69 years (46-81). Twelve (48%) pts had del(17p) or monosomy 17 or TP53 mutation. The median number of prior therapies was 4 (1-10). 96%, 72% or 48% of pts had received alkylator and anti-CD20 antibody, purine analog or anthracycline. Fifteen (60%) pts had prior ibrutinib and 12 (48%) progressed clinically while receiving ibrutinib, including 6 who progressed to RS and 6 who developed progressive CLL. The median number of pembrolizumab doses that pts received was 3 (1 to 21), administered over a median treatment duration of 11 weeks (1 to 56). Drug-related AE occurred in 21 pts (88%) with the most common ones being neutropenia in 9 (37%), cough in 7 (29%) and dyspnea in 6 (25%) pts. Drug-related grade 3 or above AE occurred in 9 (38%) pts with most common ones being thrombocytopenia (5, 21%), dyspnea (2, 8%), and fatigue (2, 8%). The most common immune-related AE was liver enzyme elevation (12%, 8% G3) and was reversible with therapy interruption or steroid therapy. Based on investigator assessment using the Revised Response Criteria for Lymphomas and IWCLL 2008 criteria, one RS pt had complete response (CR, 4%), 3 RS had partial responses (PR, 12%). Among 9 RS pts, 1 CR (11%), 3 PR (33%), 3 SD (33%) and 2 PD (22%) were observed. Thus the ORR in RS was 44%. No CLL pts achieved a CR/PR, 3 had SD and 9 had progressive disease (PD). The ORR of all pts was 16%. Of the 4 RS who had CR/PR, responses occurred early after 2 cycles of therapy and median duration of therapy for CR/PR pts was 8.3 months with data cut-off by June 30th 2016 (Figure 1A). The causes for therapy discontinuation in RS were PD (3, 33%), alternate therapy (2, 22%), and thrombocytopenia due to increased marrow CLL (1, 11%). Increased marrow CLL was observed in 2 RS pts with PR to RS phase of disease assessed by PET, thus the protocol was amended to allow addition of idelalisib/ibrutinib to control the underlying marrow CLL. For RS pts who had a CR/PR or SD, variable nodal responses were observed (Figure 1B). In particular, 6 RS who had prior ibrutinib experienced CR or PR or SD with nodal responses. After a median follow-up of 10.2 (1.9 to 16.1) months, the median overall survival (OS) for all pts was 10.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4 to not reached). The 6 month OS rate for RS and CLL pts were 73% and 59%, respectively. Biomarker assessment using IHC analysis on 10 pts with available tumor/nodal tissues (6 RS and 4 CLL) showed an increased expression of PD-L1 (p = 0.02) and a trend for an increased expression of PD-1 (p = 0.1) in the group of pts with CR/ PR versus pts in the group with no clinical response. One out of 10 tested showed polysomic for chromosome 9p. Conclusion: Pembrolizumab had an acceptable safety profile in CLL and RS patients. We confirmed that pembrolizumab has substantial therapeutic activity in RS. Single-agent pembrolizumab does not appear to have clear activity in CLL. Disclosures Ding: Merck: Research Funding. Parikh:Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding. Shanafelt:GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding.
Genomic Variability in Multiple Myeloma (MM) Patients By Race: An Analysis of the Publically Available Mmrf Commpass Study Database
Paulus, Aneel , Sharma, Mayank , Paulus, Shumail M., Menghani, Richa, Frank, Ryan D. , Cooper, George , Hodge, David O. , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Paulus, Aneel , Rodriguez, Elisa M., Roy, Vivek , Fonseca, Rafaël , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Ailawadhi, Sikander

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4432-4432

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4432.4432 Get It

Abstract Background: Outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) have improved significantly over the years but disparities in outcomes exist among MM patients (pts) belonging to different racial subgroups. Previous studies have explored healthcare access and utilization disparities for pts of different races as potential causes, but genomic differences, which could alter disease biology and clinical behavior, have not been studied. We utilized the MMRF CoMMpass database, which prospectively captures clinical and molecular characteristics of MM patients to explore race-based differences at the genomic level. Methods: The publically available CoMMpass trial database (data release version IA8) was utilized. Pts with race category of White (total n=698) and non-White (total n=223, comprising 129 Blacks, 19 Asians and 45 others) were analyzed for genomics including cytogenetics (fluorescent in situ hybridization; FISH), tumor diploidy (conventional karyotyping), gene expression profiling (GEP), gene copy number variations (CNV), gene single nucleotide variations (SNV) and genomic translocations analysis focused on genes from the FoundationOne Heme panel¨ (402 genes). GEP was considered significantly different between categories for more than or equal to a 2-fold change for a given gene (p<0.05). Categorical variables for FISH probes and diploidy status were compared by Chi-square or Fischer exact test, wherever applicable. Results: GEP clustering analysis uncovered 67 genes differentially expressed between Whites vs. non-Whites (Fig 1A). Baseline cytogenetics aberrations between both race cohorts showed statistically insignificant differences. Multiple cytogenetic abnormalities were seen most commonly in both race groups (~31%) with the distribution of others (in descending order) as such: Del13 > No abnormalities > t(11;14) > 1q amplification > Del17p or p53 > t(4;14) > Del1p > t(14;16) > t(14;20). Aneuploidy status showed insignificant differences between race groups with ~34% of patients from both groups having no aneuploidy. SNV data was present for 90% of Whites and 57% of non-Whites. Overall, 84% of genes had>1 SNV (84%), 2% translocations only and 14% had neither SNVs or translocations. SNVs were classified as Non-specific Non-Synonymous coding (NNSCs), Splice-site (SS) or Tier 1 (T1, codon deletion, insertion, frame-shift, etc.). A total of 880 NNSCs SNVs were observed: 670 in Whites across 227 genes, 210 in non-Whites across 120 genes. In whites, 57% of NNSC SNVs consisted of transition-type mutations and 43% as transversions. In non-Whites, transition mutations comprised 64% of all NNSC SNVs and transversions in the remaining 36%. A total of 38 SS SNVs were observed, 30 in Whites and 8 in non-Whites observed in 25 and 6 genes, respectively. In Whites, 57% of SS SNVs were transition type and remaining 43% were transversion. In non-Whites, an equal % of SS transition and transversion mutations were noted. A total of 240 T1 SNVs were noted; 182 in Whites seen in 82 genes; 58 in non-Whites seen 6 genes. In both Whites and non-Whites, frameshifts (41% in Whites, 47% in non-Whites) and stop-gained (46% in Whites, 45% in non-Whites) SNVs were most common. A total of 17 genes with>10 distinct SNVs were identified in Whites; 5 genes in non-Whites and 4 genes commonly seen in both cohorts (Fig 1B). In Whites, 17 genes were found to have translocations (intrachromosomal TRAF3 and PIK3R2 most common); in non-Whites, 5 genes had translocations (intrachromosomal CIC and EMSY most common). CNV analysis demonstrated 21 genes that were significantly altered with either copy number gain or loss between Whites vs. non-Whites (Fig 1C). Conclusions: We present the first race-based comprehensive genomic analysis utilizing the public interface of the CoMMpass trial. We discovered genomic differences between Whites and non-Whites at several levels including GEP, SNV and CNV, but not at the level of cytogenetics, which are in fact the most commonly performed clinical genomic analysis. Correlation of these variations with MM pt outcomes would be invaluable in understanding disease biology and hopefully mitigating some of the outcome disparities by pt race. As the database grows and becomes more enriched, separate analyses for Blacks, Asians and Hispanics would be attempted. Acknowledgments: We would like to thank the MMRF, Ms. Mary Derome and Dr. Jonathan Keats for providing scientific overview and technical support. Disclosures Fonseca: Millennium, a Takeda Company: Consultancy; Millennium, a Takeda Company: Consultancy; AMGEN: Consultancy; AMGEN: Consultancy; Patent: Patents & Royalties: Prognostication of MM based on genetic categorization of FISH of the disease; Patent: Patents & Royalties: Prognostication of MM based on genetic categorization of FISH of the disease; Patent Pending: Patents & Royalties: The use of calcium isotopes as biomarkers for bone metabolisms; Patent Pending: Patents & Royalties: The use of calcium isotopes as biomarkers for bone metabolisms; Celgene: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Millennium, a Takeda Company: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; AMGEN: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Patent: Patents & Royalties: Prognostication of MM based on genetic categorization of FISH of the disease; Novartis: Consultancy; Patent Pending: Patents & Royalties: The use of calcium isotopes as biomarkers for bone metabolisms; Sanofi: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Millennium, a Takeda Company: Consultancy; AMGEN: Consultancy; Patent: Patents & Royalties: Prognostication of MM based on genetic categorization of FISH of the disease; Patent Pending: Patents & Royalties: The use of calcium isotopes as biomarkers for bone metabolisms. Ailawadhi:Takeda Oncology: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy.
Targeting Bcl-2 Enhances the Anti-Tumor Effects of Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in in Vitro and In Vivo Models of Multiple Myeloma
Paulus, Aneel , Bashir, Yamima, Paulus, Shumail M., Menghani, Richa, Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Paulus, Aneel , Akhtar, Sharoon , Roy, Vivek , Ailawadhi, Sikander

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4480-4480

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4480.4480 Get It

Abstract Introduction. In comparison toCLL, single agent clinical efficacy of venetoclax (a Bcl-2 inhibitor; Bcl-2i) in multiple myeloma (MM) has been modest (ORR of ~12%; Kumar et al ASCO 2016). Clinical experience to date unequivocally directs towards a combination strategy in MM for venetoclax. Our prior work has demonstrated that interaction between tumor and stromal cells upregulates phospho-Bcl-2 (pBcl-2, more stable than Bcl-2) which undermines activity of Bcl-2i. We also noted that this can be overcome using agents such as lenalidomide, which can impair the protective effect of stromal cells. Our goal in this investigation was to determine if the antitumor effect of lenalidomide/dexamethasone (Ld) regimen can be further optimized through leveraging the Bcl-2 targeting properties of venetoclax thereby sensitizing MM cells to enhanced lethality. Given the known effects of Ld on activating host immune effector cells, we hypothesized that immune mediated cytotoxicity (engaged by Ld) can be further enhanced through concurrent treatment with venetoclax. Data presented here provides preclinical rationale and proof-of-principle for clinical development of Bcl-2i in combination with Ld. Methodology. Malignant plasma cell cancer models (MM1.S, BCWM.1, KMS11) and stromal cell line (HS5) were used. Bcl-2 and pBcl-2 were determined by flow cytometry. Drug cytotoxicity was determined by MTS assay and/orAnnexin-V/PI staining. SCID mice were used for xenograft studies. Bcl-2 inhibitors (venetoclax; Bcl-2 specific inhibitor, AT-101; pan Bcl-2 inhibitor) as well asLd were purchased from commercial sources. Results. Tumor cell lines were treated with Bcl-2i for 24hrs and showed significant loss of viability (51 - 68%) and induction of apoptosis (~40%) in vitro. To replicate microenvironment conditions, we co-cultured tumor and stromal cells for 48hrs followed by treatment with Bcl-2i (1uM). Under these conditions, we noted a significant reduction in apoptosis (~50%) in Bcl-2i-treated cells indicating the protective effect of the stroma (Fig.1a). Under similar settings, we examined Bcl-2 species in tumor cells +/- stromal cells. The ratio of pBcl-2:Bcl-2 in tumor cells without stromal contact was 0.7, whereas, the ratio increased to 1.8 when tumor and stromal cells were cocultured suggesting increased pBcl-2 as a protective mechanism (Fig.1b,c). We then investigated the potential of Ld (1uM) +/- Bcl-2i to downregulate pBcl-2:Bcl-2 and whether this correlated with increased tumor lethality. While solo Bcl-2i treatment of tumor + stromal cells downregulated pBcl-2 and Bcl-2 (ratio 1.5), a marked reduction was noted in Ld + Bcl-2i treated tumor cells (ratio of 0.3). And this correlated with enhanced tumor cell apoptosis; analogous to that observed in tumor cells without stroma (Fig.1a and c). As these experiments indicated the triple combination to overcome protective effects of the stroma through decreasing bioavailability of pBcl-2 in vitro, we next validated these observations in a xenograft model. MM1.S cells were subcutaneously implanted in SCID mice with local tumor growth monitored by caliper measurement and systemic dissemination measured by Human-Ig lambda levels. DMSO-treated mice demonstrated tumors averaging ~410mm3 by Day 24 post-tumor implantation, whereas mice treated with Bcl-2i (35mg/kg QD, oral gavage) or Ld alone (Len 10mg/kg QD; Dex 0.5mg/kg QD, IP injection) showed tumors ~330mm3. In Ld + Bcl-2i- treated mice, tumor size was ~250mm3- significantly lower than DMSO (p<0.001) or Bcl-2i orLd group mice (p<0.054) (Fig.1d). A similar trend was seen when systemic Human-Ig-lambda was measured (Fig.1e). Notably, mice tolerated the triple combination treatment well; with no significant weight loss or other toxicities noted. Conclusions. Regulation of the Bcl-2 pathway is an important approach for controlling tumor cell proliferation; most recently validated with the approval of venetoclax for treatment of CLL. Herein we demonstrateLd as an attractive partner regimen to enhance the effects of not only Bcl-2i but also that ofLd in MM. Ongoing work is investigating the combination ofLd + venetoclax and preliminary in vitro results in venetoclax-insensitive MM cells (IC50 >5uM) show significant apoptosis induction with combination therapy (Fig.1f). Altogether our studies provide the rationale for clinical evaluation of this combination platform (Len/Dex + Bcl-2i). Disclosures Ailawadhi: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy.