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311 citation(s) found for "Lust, JA".

Pharmacokinetic (PK) and Pharmacodynamic (PD) Results of a Novel, First-in-Class Modulator of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 5A (eIF5A) in Patients (pts) with Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Malignancies: Data from a Phase 1-2 Study
Bexon, Alice, Bensinger, William, Novitzky, Nicolás , McDonald, Andrew , Gutierrez, Martin , Libby, Edward N., Heidel, Jeremy D., Thompson, John E., Barranco, Charles, Taylor, Catherine A. , Donovan, Kathleen A., Moon‐Tasson, Laurie L., Browne, Leslie J., Kurman, Michael R., Lust, John A., Dondero, Richard, Craig, Michael , Siegel, David S. , Rhee, Frits van

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2121-2121

10.1182/blood.v124.21.2121.2121 Get It

Abstract Introduction eIF5A is the only known protein to be modified by hypusination and is highly conserved across species. Hypusinated eIF5A, the predominant form in normal and cancer cells, is involved in cell survival and inflammatory pathway activation. siRNAs targeting eIF5A inhibit NF-kB activation and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Accumulation of the unhypusinated lysine form of eIF5A is associated with apoptosis. Mutants of eIF5A that cannot be hypusinated (e.g. eIF5AK50R) are pro-apoptotic in vitro and have anti-tumoral activity in vivo in multiple cancer types including melanoma and lung cancer. SNS01-T is a novel therapeutic with a dual mechanism of eIF5A modulation: inducing cell death via siRNA-mediated inhibition of hypusinated eIF5A while simultaneously causing over-expression of pro-apoptotic eIF5AK50R via a DNA plasmid with a B-cell promoter to induce tumor cell death. SNS01-T significantly inhibited tumor growth and increased survival in mouse models of myeloma (MM), mantle cell and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The phase 1-2 study of SNS01-T has completed 4 planned dosing cohorts 0.0125, 0.05, 0.2 and 0.375 mg/kg twice weekly IV for 6 weeks in pts with refractory B-cell cancers. Methods PK and PD secondary endpoints included characterization of PK by measuring pExp5A plasmid DNA and eIF5A siRNA in blood and bone marrow (BM), assessing potential immunogenicity of SNS01-T by measuring serum concentrations of antibodies against SNS01-T nanoparticles, and measuring serum concentrations of select proinflammatory cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum and plasma samples. Blood PK timepoints were 30 minutes before the first infusion and at 30 minutes, 2, 6, and 24 hours after the first infusions on Week 1, Week 3, and Week 6 and at the 4, 8, and 12 week visits after the last infusion; BM samples were collected 1 day after the final infusion. Serum and plasma PD sampling timepoints were 30 minutes before and at 2, 6, and 24 hours after the first infusion on Week 1, Week 3, and Week 6, and at 4 weeks after the final infusion. Cytokines assayed included TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-ß, IFN-g, CXCL1, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12. Results Table 1 shows data available for interpretation as of August 2014. The remaining samples are under analysis and will be presented. Abstract 2121. Table 1:Data available for interpretation (number of patients)SNS01-T DoseOverall(n=18)0.0125 mg/kg(n=6)0.05 mg/kg(n=4)0.2 mg/kg(n=4)0.375 mg/kg(n=4)Blood PK DNA and RNA156441Bone marrow PK82321Serum antibodies to SNS01-T nanoparticles186444Serum and plasma cytokines156441 Plasmid and siRNA blood levels generally peaked 30 minutes post-dosing at weeks 1, 3 and 6 of dosing. Both plasmid and siRNA exhibited rapid clearance from the blood, with levels dropping to near pre-dosing levels within 24 hours of administration. pExp5A plasmid DNA was detectable in the bone marrow of 2 pts at cohort 1, 2 at cohort 2, 1 at cohort 3 and 1 at cohort 4. eIF5A siRNA was not detectable in bone marrow. No antibodies to SNS01-T nanoparticles were detected at any timepoint at any dose level. Cytokines remained within the expected range of inter-patient variability, similar to baseline across all timepoints at the first 2 dose levels. At dose level 3, levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in particular increased at the 2 and 6 hour timepoints but had recovered to baseline levels 24-hours post dosing. This effect was more pronounced at the first infusion. Conclusions PCR analysis demonstrated the presence of both plasmid DNA and siRNA components of SNS01-T in blood at all dose levels, with a dose-dependent increase in plasmid copy number. Plasmid DNA was also detected in bone marrow collected 24 hours after the final infusion of SNS01-T. Pro-inflammatory cytokines did increase within hours of infusion but returned to baseline within 24 hours, synchronous with the clinical infusion reactions (see Abstract 70148). No evidence of an anti-SNS01-T antibody response was observed in any subject. Phase 2 trials are planned. Disclosures Bexon: Senesco: Consultancy. Craig:Senesco: PI Other. Siegel:Senesco: PI Other. Bensinger:Senesco: PI Other. Novitzky:Senesco: PI Other. McDonald:Senesco: PI Other. Gutierrez:Senesco: PI Other. Libby:Senesco: PI Other. van Rhee:Senesco: PI Other. Heidel:Senesco: Consultancy. Thompson:Senesco: Consultancy, Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Barranco:Senesco: Consultancy. Taylor:Senesco: Research Funding. Browne:Senesco: Employment. Kurman:Senesco: Consultancy. Lust:Senesco: PI Other. Dondero:Senesco: Employment.
N-Terminal Fragment of the Type-B Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) Is a Prognostic Factor for Overall Survival in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM)
Merlini, Giampaolo , Lacy, Martha Q. , Baudi, Francis K., Kumar, Shaji , Hayman, Suzanne R. , Lust, John A., Kapoor, Prashant , Zeldenrust, Steven R., Hwa, Yi L. , Kyle, Robert A. , Merlini, Giampaolo , Milani, Paolo , Gertz, Morie A. , Palladini, Giovanni , Leung, Nelson , Dingli, David , Lin, Yi , Go, Ronald S. , Rajkumar, S. Vincent , Dispenzieri, Angela

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3292-3292

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3292.3292 Get It

Abstract Background: Both MM specific and patient specific parameters place patients at risk for death. Patient frailty has been delineated primarily by age and ECOG performance score (PS) and secondarily with creatinine, eGFR, and the International Staging System (ISS), which reflect both renal function and disease burden. In an attempt to improve upon these commonly used measures, a frailty score for elderly patients that combines functional status [Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activity of Daily living scores], comorbidities [Charlson comorbidity index (CCI)] and age has been developed by the IMWG. Incorporation of these tools into a busy clinical practice is challenging due to time constraints. Therefore, the identification of frail patients with an easily applicable, rapid and objective tool remains a challenge and an unmet need. A reliable, non-invasively assessable, biochemical marker of frailty would be an ideal tool to identify patients at higher risk of death. It was our goal to determine the role of NT-proBNP, a well-established cardiovascular risk biomarker, as a marker of frailty in patients with MM and in predicting overall survival (OS). Methods: Patients were elegible for this retrospective study if they were seen at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN within 30 days of their myeloma diagnosis during the interval between 1/1/2007 and 12/31/2011. As part of the Mayo Clinic registration, all patients complete forms containing their past medical history, symptoms, and ADLs. Data from that first visit was abstracted and used to calculate a CCI. We excluded all patients with a concomitant diagnosis of light-chain AL amyloidosis. NT-proBNP concentration was measured in frozen sera collected within 30 days of diagnosis. NT-proBNP assay was run on the E170 Modular analyzer (Roche Diagnostics, Penzberg, Germany). We evaluated the prognostic role of NT-proBNP and these indices on OS using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Among the 351 consecutive patients satisfying entry criteria, median age was 65 years (range 22-95), 33% were ≥70 years, and 56% were male. Twenty-eight percent were ISS stage III, 13% had a creatinine ≥2 mg/dL, 19% had PS ≥2, and 11% had ADL score ≥2, and 30% CCI ≥2. The median value of NT-proBNP was 109 ng/L (interquartile range: 30-375 ng/L). NT-proBNP concentrations differed in the three ISS stages (median: 122 ng/L stage I, 190 ng/L stage II and 1822 ng/L stage III, P<0.0001). Median OS was 5.6 years. The best cutoff of NT-proBNP predicting OS at one year was 301 ng/L (sensitivity: 57.88%, specificity: 74.29%; AUC=0.668) and distinguished two groups with different OS (median not reached vs. 35 months, P<0.0001). Variables predictive for OS are shown in the Table and included PS, age, CCI, ISS, NT-proBNP. On multivariate analysis, ISS and NT-proBNP were independent of each other as long as age, PS and/or CCI were excluded from the model. NT-proBNP withstood these clinical variables better than did ISS (data not shown). We built two different models (table). In model 1, NT-proBNP >301 ng/L was an independent predictor of survival while age ≥70 and PS ≥2 and CCI were not significant. However, if we considered ISS stage instead of NT-proBNP in the same model, ISS stage was not significant. Conclusions: In this unselected cohort of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, NT-proBNP was a useful predictor of survival independent of age and PS. The threshold of 301 ng/L is remarkably similar to the well-established cutoff for heart failure of 300 ng/L. NT-proBNP outperformed the CCI and the ISS as risk factors. NT-proBNP is a widely available biomarker that could be added to the panel of laboratory tests of newly diagnosed MM patients and serve as a simple means of determining patient frailty in a busy clinical practice. Table. Results of univariate and multivariate analysis of various prognostic factors (NS, not significant; NI, not included). Univariate Multivariate Multivariate RR (95% CI) P Model 1 P Model 2 P PS ≥2 3.4 (2.4-4.8) <0.0001 2.5 (1.7-3.6) <0.0001 2.8 (1.9-4.0) <0.0001 Age ≥70 2.7 (1.9-3.6) <0.0001 2.1 (1.5-2.9) <0.0001 1.9 (1.3-2.7) 0.0003 CCI >=2 1.9 (1.4-2.6) <0.0001 NS NS 1.5 (1.0-2.0) 0.03 ISS stage 1.1 (1.1-1.8) 0.0004 NI NI NS NS NT-proBNP >301 ng/L 2.3 (1.7-3.2) <0.0001 1.6 (1.1-2.2) 0.007 NI NI Disclosures Merlini: Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Prothena: Honoraria; Millennium-Takeda: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Kumar:Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Millenium/Takeda: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Celgene, Millenium, Sanofi, Skyline, BMS, Onyx, Noxxon,: Other: Consultant, no compensation,; Skyline, Noxxon: Honoraria.
Pomalidomide Plus Low-Dose Dexamethasone (Pom/Dex) in Relapsed Myeloma: Long Term Follow up and Factors Predicing Outcome in 345 Patients
Lacy, Martha Q. , Kumar, Shaji , LaPlant, Betsy, Laumann, Kristina, Hayman, Suzanne R. , Lust, John A., Zeldenrust, Steven R., Stewart, Keith, Sher, Taimur , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Reeder, Craig B. , Gertz, Morie A. , Buadi, Francis K. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Dingli, David , Fonseca, Rafaël , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Roy, Vivek , Rajkumar, S. Vincent , Mıkhael, Joseph

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 201-201

10.1182/blood.v120.21.201.201 Get It

Abstract Abstract 201 Background: Pomalidomide at doses of 2 or 4 mg/d has demonstrated excellent activity in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). Between November 2007 and March 2012, we opened 6 sequential phase 2 trials and treated 345 patients with relapsed MM with pomalidomide at differing doses with weekly dexamethasone (Pom/dex). Results of 164 of these patients have been previously published. Here we describe long term follow up of these patients as well as results of an additional 181 patients with relapsed MM treated with the Pom/dex regimen. Methods: The six cohorts consisted of: Cohort 1 (N=60): relapsed MM with 1–3 prior regimens, 2 mg dose; Cohort 2 (N=34): lenalidomide (LEN) refractory, 2 mg dose; Cohort 3 (N=35): BZ)/LEN refractory, 2 mg dose; Cohort 4 (N=35): BZ/LEN refractory, 4 mg dose; Cohort 5 (N=60) LEN refractory, 1–3 prior regimens, 4 mg dose; and Cohort 6 (N=120) LEN refractory, 4 mg dose. Pomalidomide was given orally 2 mg daily or 4mg daily on days 1–28(cohorts 1–5) or 1–21 (cohort 6) of a 28-day cycle with oral dexamethasone given 40 mg daily on days 1, 8, 15 and 22. Response was assessed by the International Myeloma Working Group Uniform Response criteria. All patients received aspirin 325 mg daily for deep venous thrombosis (VTE) prophylaxis or full dose anticoagulation. Results: A total of 345 patients were enrolled across all 6 cohorts. One patient was ineligible and excluded from analysis. The median age was 64 years (32–88). The median time since diagnosis was 53 months. The median number of prior therapies was 3 (1–14). 147 (44%) had high-risk molecular markers by mSMART criteria. Prior therapies consisted of thalidomide 52%, lenalidomide 87%, bortezomib 75%, autologous stem cell transplant 70% and allogeneic transplant 3%. The median follow-up is 10.4 months (5.4–34 months). Sixty-seven percent are alive and 32% remain progression free. 46 patients are continuing to receive treatment. The most common toxicities (grade 3 or higher) were neutropenia (31%), anemia (16%), thrombocytopenia (12%), pneumonia (8%) and fatigue (8%). VTE was seen in 10 patients (3%). Outcomes are shown in Table 1. Across all 6 cohorts confirmed responses of partial response (PR) or better were seen in 34%. The response rate in all patients with mSMART high risk status was 30.6%. Responses and duration of response (DOR) in those with high risk molecular markers include: 17p– 19 of 56 (34%) DOR 8.2 months; t(4;14) 6 of 24 (25%) and DOR 4.8 months; t(14;16) 7 of 11(64%) and DOR 9.5 months; deletion 13 by cytogenetics 13 of 37 (35%) with DOR 8.2 months. In a multivariate analysis, only LDH > ULN, number of prior regimens, and prior BZ therapy were predictive of a shorter TTP and factors associated with a poor OS following initiation of pomalidomide therapy included B2M > 5.5, LDH > ULN,number of prior regimens, and prior BZ therapy. Conclusions: Pom/dex is active and well tolerated even in heavily pretreated patients and those with high risk molecular markers. Remissions are durable. Response rates and toxicity are similar between the 2 mg and 4 mg doses. Disclosures: Lacy: Celgene: Research Funding. Stewart:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Reeder:Celgene: Mayo Clinic receives funding from Celgene to support clinical trials Other, Research Funding.
Interplay Between IL-1, IL-6 and IL-17 in IL-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1Ra) Treated Multiple Myeloma Patients
Donovan, Kathleen A., Moon‐Tasson, Laurie L., Lust, John A.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1874-1874

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1874.1874 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1874 In early stage myeloma, IL-6 is a central myeloma growth factor and we have shown that abnormal production of IL-1 in the myeloma microenvironment stimulates the generation of IL-6 in a paracrine fashion. IL-1 has also been shown to be a crucial factor in the induction of IL-17 producing T-cells in vivo. IL-1Ra is a specific blocker of IL-1 activity. We have previously reported on a Phase II trial using IL-1Ra and dexamethasone, in patients with smoldering/indolent MM (SMM/IMM), showing that IL-1Ra targets the myeloma proliferative component which parallels a decrease in the C-reactive protein (CRP), a surrogate for IL-6 production. These patients are the individuals most likely to benefit from anti-cytokine therapy in an attempt to delay/prevent the development of active myeloma. Patients that had > 10% bone marrow plasma cells and/or an IgG or IgA M-spike > 3 g/dL and did not require immediate chemotherapy were eligible. All patients received 100 mg of Anakinra (IL-1Ra) SQ qd for 6 months. Patients with evidence of reduction in M-protein levels continued receiving IL-1Ra alone. Patients with stable disease at 6 months or those with a rising M-protein before 6 months received low dose dexamethasone (20 mg qweek) in addition; the dose was adjusted based on response/toxicity. Data were available on 47 patients based on intent to treat, and patients were classified as smoldering (72%) vs. indolent (28%). All 47 patients received IL-1Ra initially and 25/47 subsequently received IL-1Ra/Dex. Myeloma cell growth rate (PCLI), C-reactive protein (an in vivo marker of IL-6 levels) and IL-17 were measured in patients on trial. Seven patients had a decrease in the plasma cell labeling index (PCLI) on IL-1Ra alone which paralleled a decrease in the C-reactive protein in all cases. Three patients achieved a minor response to IL-1Ra alone and 9 patients achieved a PR/MR after addition of dexamethasone. When patients were grouped into whether they exhibited a reduction in the C-reactive protein from baseline after 6 months of therapy, the median PFS for patients without (21 patients) or with (26 patients) a greater than one-third reduction in baseline CRP was 1 year vs more than 8 years (p<.01). Analyses of biomarkers suggest that patients with elevated IL-17 levels may be less likely to respond to IL-1Ra treatment. Only 25% of the responders with a decrease in CRP had IL-17 levels > 10 pg/ml versus 60% of those without a CRP decrease. Although not statistically significant do to the small sample size, the median PFS in the IL-17 < 10 pg/ml group was 2047days vs 1367 days in the IL-17 > 10 pg/ml group. In conclusion, the above results suggest that agents such as IL-1Ra that specifically inhibit IL-1 induced paracrine IL-6 production are effective at targeting the proliferative myeloma component and warrant further investigation in combination with standard myeloma therapies. Elevated IL-17 levels may suggest that the inflammatory process is too far advanced in some individuals to respond to IL-1 blockade. Biomarkers such as CRP and IL-17 may be useful to predict those patients that are most likely to benefit from IL-1 treatment. Disclosures: Off Label Use: IL-1Ra in myeloma.
A Prospective, Randomized, Chemoprevention Trial of Celecoxib for High Risk Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance and Asymptomatic Multiple Myeloma
Horwitz, Leonard, Elson, Paul, Hussein, Mohamad A., Lust, John A., Mehta, Paulette, Habecker, Becky, Reed, Janice, Karam, Mary Ann, Dean, Robert M. , Sobecks, Ronald , Kaushal, Varsha, Kalaycio, Matt, Horwitz, Leonard J., Faiman, Beth M , Baz, Rachid , Reu, Frederic J. , Hsi, Eric D.

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 5045-5045

10.1182/blood.v120.21.5045.5045 Get It

Abstract Abstract 5045 Observation remains the standard approach to patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and asymptomatic multiple myeloma (AMM) who lack end-organ impairment characteristic of symptomatic MM. Institution of early MM therapy has not been shown to improve survival or alter the natural progression of the disease. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) inhibitors inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in drug resistant MM cell lines. 23 asymptomatic adult patients with a serum monoclonal protein >1g/dL, from Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, or University of Arkansas Medical Center between August 2005 and April 2008 were randomized to either celecoxib or placebo in a double-blind, 1:1 fashion. The primary end point was change in the monoclonal protein concentration after 6 months. Correlative biomarkers, including IL6 and IL-6R, CD4/CD8+ T-cell ratios, and beta-2 microglobulin, were examined before and after treatment. Celecoxib had no significant effect on the median monoclonal protein concentration, which went from a median of 1. 44 to 1. 65 g/dL with placebo and 2. 42 to 2. 24 g/dL with Celecoxib (p=0. 36), or on any of the analyzed correlative markers (all p-values >0. 34). One patient's monoclonal protein concentration increased on placebo, but he did not require treatment for symptomatic MM. There were no adverse events of Grade 2 or higher. Celecoxib was well tolerated in contrast to previous reports when given in higher doses and in combination with thalidomide. Although accrual was limited we conclude that celecoxib has no clinical or immunologic effect on high risk asymptomatic plasma cell disorders. This study does not support using celecoxib for preventing progression to symptomatic MM. Future studies on progression of MGUS to symptomatic MM would require more patients and a longer follow-up period. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Celecoxib for chemoprophylaxis. Hussein:Celgene: Employment. Reu:Celgene: Research Funding.
Continued Improvement in Survival in Multiple Myeloma and the Impact of Novel Agents
Kumar, Shaji , Lacy, Martha Q. , Lust, John A., Hayman, Suzanne R. , Zeldenrust, Steven R., Kapoor, Prashant , Hwa, Yi L. , Colby, Colin , Benson, Joanne T., Kyle, Robert A. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Gertz, Morie A. , Buadi, Francis K. , Dingli, David , Lin, Yi , Larson, Dirk R. , Rajkumar, S. Vincent

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3972-3972

10.1182/blood.v120.21.3972.3972 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3972 Background: The treatment paradigm for myeloma has undergone a dramatic shift in the past decade with the introduction of the novel agents and their application at every stage of the treatment. We and others had previously shown that survival of patients with myeloma had improved in the earlier half of the last decade and attributed this to a combination of novel therapies as well as increased use of stem cell transplant. It is not clear if this momentum in improving survival has been maintained. We examined the survival trends of patients with newly diagnosed myeloma seen within the past decade to examine this question. Patients and Methods: We studied 1056 patients with newly diagnosed myeloma, who were seen at Mayo Clinic between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2010; who were seen within 30 days of their diagnosis. For examination of the time trends, we grouped the time interval into two five year periods, 2001–2005 and 2006–2010. Survival was estimated using Kaplan Meier method and survival curves were compared by log rank test. Impact of various prognostic factors was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards test. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 65 (range; 22–92), and 59% were male. The median estimated follow up for the entire cohort was 4.6 years (95% CI; 4.4, 4.9) and 57% of the patients were alive at last follow up. The median overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 5.4 years (95% CI; 5, 6.3). The overall survival for patients in the 2001–2005 group was 4.6 years compared with not reached for the 2006–2010 cohort (P< 0.001). The five-year estimated OS was 48% for the earlier group compared with 66% for the latter group. The estimated 1-year survival was 90% for the recent cohort compared with 83% for the earlier cohort, suggesting improvements in the early mortality. Interestingly, the improvement was predominantly seen in the older age group (>65 years; 49%). The 5-year survival of the older patients improved significantly from 31% (2001–2005) to 56% (2006–2010) (P<0.001). In contrast, among younger patients (≤65 years of age), the 5-year survival improved only marginally from 63% (2001–2005) to 73% (2006–2010) (P=NS). One or more novel agents (Lenalidomide, thalidomide or bortezomib) were used as part of initial therapy in 631 (62% of 1021 in whom treatment data was available). The OS among of this group was 7.3 years (95% CI; 5.9, NR) compared with 3.8 years (95% CI; 3.1, 4.6). In a multivariate model that included both use of novel agent and the year group, only the novel agent use was associated with improved survival suggesting that the improvement in the survival is related to the increased use of novel agents in the initial therapy. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of conventional prognostic factors. Conclusions: The current results confirm continued improvement in the overall survival of patients, even within the last 10 year period, and highlight the impact of initial therapy with novel agents. Most importantly, we demonstrate that the improved survival has primarily benefited older patients. Our study highlights that urgent need for additional new agents to provide further survival improvement for younger patients, and in order achieve a cure for this disease. Disclosures: Kumar: Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Janssen Research & Development: Research Funding. Gertz:Binding Site: Honoraria.
Systemic Delivery of the Cancer Gene Therapy Biologic, SNS01, Has Significant Anti-Tumoral Activity in a Murine Model of Multiple Myeloma.
Taylor, Catherine A. , Lust, John A., Ye, Bin , Dondero, Richard, Galton, Bruce, Donovan, Kathleen A., Thompson, John E., Liu, Zhongda , Sun, Zhong

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2462-2462

10.1182/blood.v114.22.2462.2462 Get It

Abstract Abstract 2462 Poster Board II-439 The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) is highly conserved and the only known protein to contain the amino acid hypusine. Hypusinated eIF5A and deoxyhypusine synthase, one of the enzymes mediating eIF5A post-translational hypusination, have been identified as markers of neoplastic growth and metastasis, respectively. However, recent studies have indicated that, in its unhypusinated form, eIF5A is pro-apoptotic and thus functionally distinct from hypusine-modified eIF5A. SNS01 is a cancer gene therapy biologic targeted to the treatment of multiple myeloma. SNS01 is comprised of three components: a DNA vector containing a B-cell-specific (B29) promoter driving expression of a pro-apoptotic mutant of eIF5A (eIF5AK50R) that cannot be hypusinated; an siRNA that targets the native hypusinated eIF5A that promotes growth of cancer cells; and a synthetic polymer called polyethylenimine (PEI). RT-qPCR experiments demonstrated that treatment of the human myeloma cell line, KAS-6/1, with SNS01 results in a 90 % reduction in the expression of eIF5A mRNA (mediated by the siRNA) as well as the accumulation of ∼ 22,000 copies of the plasmid-derived eIF5AK50R mRNA per ng of total RNA. SNS01 was found to induce apoptosis in both IL-6-dependent (KAS-6/1) and IL-6-independent (U266) myeloma cell lines and was found to be more effective at inducing apoptosis than PEI nanoparticles carrying either the eIF5A siRNA or the eIF5AK50R plasmid alone. Apoptosis assays were used to optimize the ratio of DNA:siRNA in the nanoparticles and a ratio of 2:1 was found to be optimal for the induction of apoptosis in myeloma cells. The anti-tumoral activity of SNS01 was assessed in SCID mice bearing subcutaneous human multiple myeloma (KAS-6/1) tumors using twice-weekly intra-venous injections and a dose range between 0.15 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg. Control mice treated with PEI nanoparticles containing a non-expressing plasmid and a non-targeting siRNA had an average tumor volume of 284 mm3 at the time of sacrifice, whereas mice treated with 1.5 mg/kg or 0.75 mg/kg SNS01 exhibited significant tumor regression and had average tumor volumes of 13 mm3 (95 % inhibition; *p = 0.026) and 24.5 mm3 (91 % inhibition; *p = 0.03), respectively. In addition, for mice treated with 1.5 mg/kg SNS01, there was no evidence of tumors under the skin. Lower doses of SNS01 also demonstrated anti-tumoral activity with mice treated with 0.38 mg/kg and 0.15 mg/kg exhibiting a 73 % and 61 % inhibition of tumor growth, respectively. TUNEL-labeling revealed evidence of apoptotic cells in the treated tumors indicating that tumor regression occurs through the induction of apoptosis. Twice weekly dosing of SNS01 was found to be critical for effective tumor control. In a separate study, twice weekly dosing of SNS01 at 1.5 mg/kg was found to inhibit tumor growth by 88 % (p = 0.01) while once weekly dosing did not significantly reduce tumor burden. Since SNS01 is intended as a therapy for multiple myeloma, a bone marrow neoplasm, the biodistribution of PEI nanoparticles containing a GFP plasmid with the B-cell-specific B29 promoter and a fluorescently (DY547)-labeled siRNA was assessed following i.v. administration in Balb/c mice. The fluorescent siRNA was observed in the liver, lung, spleen, and bone marrow, while GFP expression was primarily observed in the bone marrow. In summary, our preclinical data indicate that systemic administration of SNS01 is an effective anti-cancer therapy in an animal model of multiple myeloma. Additionally, since PEI nanoparticles are taken up by cells of the bone marrow following systemic delivery, SNS01 may be an effective treatment option for multiple myeloma patients and is currently being evaluated for use in clinical trials. Disclosures: Taylor: Senesco Technologies Inc.: Patents & Royalties, stock options. Lust:Senesco Technologies Inc.: Research Funding. Dondero:Senesco Technologies Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Galton:Senesco Technologies Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties. Donovan:Senesco Technologies Inc.: Research Funding. Thompson:Senesco Technologies Inc.: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.
Survival After Second, Third, and Fourth Line Therapy Better Than Expected in Patients with Previously Treated AL Amyloidosis Who Were Not Transplant Candidates At Diagnosis.
Raval, Girindra , Lacy, Martha Q. , Hayman, Suzanne R. , Kumar, Shaji , Lust, John A., Zeldenrust, Steven R., Hall, Robert L., Hwa, Yi L. , Kapoor, Prashant , Kyle, Robert A. , Gertz, Morie A. , Buadi, Francis K. , Dingli, David , Lin, Yi , Witzig, Thomas E. , Leung, Nelson , Rajkumar, S. Vincent , Dispenzieri, Angela

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 946-946

10.1182/blood.v120.21.946.946 Get It

Abstract Abstract 946 Background: The emerging therapies directed at the plasma cell clone have dramatically increased overall survival (OS) for both myeloma and amyloidosis patient populations. As more treatment trials are done in patients (pts) with AL, benchmarks for outcomes among previously treated AL pts are required, especially for those pts who are not candidates for high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Inadequate information is available about the number of non-transplant pts who go on to receive second line treatment for AL amyloidosis. Methods: To ascertain the outcomes of pts who did not receive ASCT as primary therapy but who required a second line of therapy, we reviewed the experience of pts seen at Mayo Rochester between 1990 and 2010 according to an IRB approved retrospective review protocol. 1828 pts had their first Mayo visit for AL during this time period. Pts were excluded from this study for the following reasons: 571 had upfront transplant; 907 pts had received only one line of treatment for their amyloid; 91 had longstanding other associated malignancy [Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (8), lymphoma (15), CLL (6), multiple myeloma (62)]; and 93 had inadequate follow-up information. One-hundred and sixty-six pts received 2 or more lines of therapy for their AL amyloid and are the subject of these analyses. Statistical analyses were done using JMP statistical software (SAS, Carey, NC). Results: Of the 166 pts, the median age was 64 years (range 34, 84). 49% were male. Baseline organ involvement was as follows: cardiac 84/166 (50%); renal 118/166 (71); liver 23/166 (13.8%); peripheral nerves 19/166 (11.4%); and gastrointestinal 14/166(8.4%). Thirty-one percent (52/16) had both cardiac and renal involvement. Only 73 pts had cardiac biomarkers (NT pro BNP and Troponin T) done at baseline. Of these pts, 26% were stage 1, 49.3% were stage 2, and 24.6% were stage 3 according to original Mayo cardiac biomarker staging system. By inclusion criteria definition, all 166 pts received 1st and 2nd line therapies; 53 (32%) pts received 3rd line of treatment; 20 (12%) received 4th line of treatment; and 10 (6%) received 5th line of treatment. For first line therapy, the most common drugs given either singly or in combination were corticosteroid (147/166; 88.5 %), alkylator (99/166; 59.6%), IMID (34/166; 20.4 %), and bortezomib (19/166; 11.4%). The median time from diagnosis to 2nd line therapy was 10.3 months. Second line regimens received included: corticosteroid, 108/166 (65.1%); alkylator, 76/166 (45.8 %); IMID, 46/166 (27.7%); and bortezomib, 46/166 (27.8%). The median time from diagnosis to 3rd line therapy was 19.8 months. For the 53 pts who received 3rd line treatment, regimens included: corticosteroid, 41/53 (77.3%); IMIDs, 17/53 (32.1%); alkylator, 17/53 (32.1%); bortezomib, 12/53 (22.6%). The median time from diagnosis to 4th line therapy was 31.8 months. For the 20 pts receiving 4th line treatment, regimens included: corticosteroids, 15/20(75%); alkylator, 12/20 (60%), bortezomib, 7/20 (35%); and IMIDs, 4/20(20%). Eighty-three pts have died. The 1 year mortality of our study population was only 8%. The median follow-up of surviving pts was 47.6 months. Figure 1 demonstrates Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival (OS) from initiation of each successive therapy. The median OS from initiation of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd lines of treatment were 65, 49.5 and 36.7 months respectively. The median OS after the 4th line of treatment was not reached. The 4 year OS rates from initiation of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th lines of therapy were 58%, 50.8 %, 50 % and 53.4% respectively. Conclusion: Outcomes among relapsed or refractory AL pts are better than what one might expect. Multiple publications have demonstrated that the 1 year mortality of newly diagnosed AL is in the vicinity of 40%. Thereafter, the rate at which pts die dramatically decreases. Our study provides explicit data characterizing the fate of pts unfortunate enough to require additional therapy but fortunate enough to survive past the exceedingly high risk period of death that occurs within 6–12 months of diagnosis. These data provide useful information for benchmarking future trials for treatments of AL amyloidosis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Importance of Achieving Sustained Stringent Complete Response (sCR) Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma
Kapoor, Prashant , Lacy, Martha Q. , Hayman, Suzanne R. , Lust, John A., Zeldenrust, Steven R., Greipp, Philip R., Kyle, Robert A. , Kumar, Shaji , Gertz, Morie A. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Dingli, David , Buadi, Francis K. , Lin, Yi , Witzig, Thomas E. , Rajkumar, S. Vincent

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1988-1988

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1988.1988 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1988 Background With the utilization of novel agent-based combination therapies and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM), the rigorous response category of stringent complete remission (sCR) in the international uniform response criteria is increasingly becoming attainable. In addition to the standard criteria for complete remission (CR), sCR requires normalization of the free light chain ratio and disappearance of clonal cells as determined by the marrow immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry. We have previously validated the new response category of sCR created in by the International Myeloma Working Group and demonstrated that sCR represents a deeper level of response, translating into a superior OS. Herein we report the survival outcomes of patients attaining sCR or standard CR, from a 2-year landmark after ASCT in a cohort of patients with extended follow-up. Additionally, we report the outcome of patients who remained in sCR for at least 6 months (sustained-sCR) after ASCT. Patients and Methods Maximal response rates of four hundred and forty-five consecutive patients who underwent ASCT within 12 months of diagnosis of MM were determined. The population achieving varying degrees of complete remission (n=237) is the focus of this study. We performed a landmark analysis 2 years after ASCT to ensure that all the patients attaining at least CR had sufficient time to reach the response levels being studied. Patients were categorized as having sustained sCR (sus-sCR) if the duration of sCR was at least 6 months. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by the Kaplan Meier method and the survival curves were compared by log-rank test. Results The median follow-up of the entire cohort was seventy-seven months (95% CI: 73–82 months). The sCR rate after ASCT was 24% (n=109). Median time to progression (TTP) of patients attaining sCR was 50 months from ASCT, and median overall survival (OS) is not reached, in contrast to those attaining standard CR (n=37, TTP=20 months, OS=81 months) or near CR/nCR (n=91; TTP= 19 months, OS=60 months, p<0.0001 for both TTP and OS). OS of patients surviving at least 2 years from ASCT (Figure 1a) continued to remain superior for those attaining sCR (n=105, median: not reached) versus 70 months for the CR group (n=32; p=0.004). Among patients achieving sCR (n=109), OS of patients with sus-sCR (n= 75) at 6 months from ASCT is not reached (5-year OS=91%, 7-year OS=86%) versus median OS of 66 months (5-year OS=49%, 7-year OS=37%; p<0.0001) for those who had non-sustained-sCR (n=34) after ASCT (Figure 1b). Conclusion In our landmark analysis of patients with MM who survived at least 2 years from ASCT, those attaining sCR have a markedly superior outcome compared to those attaining standard CR. However, among patients attaining sCR, those with sustained sCR of 6 months or greater had the best outcome. Myeloma trials reporting response rates should identify patients achieving sCR and CR separately owing to markedly disparate outcomes of the two categories. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
IL-1 Antagonists Are More Effective at Inhibiting IL-6 Production Than Apoptosis Inducing Agents: Implications for Targeting the Myeloma Proliferative Component.
Lust, John A., Zeldenrust, Steven R., Moon‐Tasson, Laurie L., Donovan, Kathleen A.

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1831-1831

10.1182/blood.v114.22.1831.1831 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1831 Poster Board I-857 IL-1 Antagonists Are More Effective at Inhibiting IL-6 Production than Apoptosis Inducing Agents: Implications for Targeting the Myeloma Proliferative Component. John A. Lust, MD,PhD1, Steven R. Zeldenrust, MD, PhD1, Laurie L. Moon-Tasson1*, and Kathleen A. Donovan, PhD1*. 1Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States, 55905. Background Multiple myeloma patients with an elevated growth rate have a shortened duration of response and survival. IL-6 is a central myeloma growth factor and we have shown that abnormal production of IL-1beta in the myeloma microenvironment stimulates the generation of paracrine IL-6 and myeloma cell growth in vivo. Dexamethasone and IL-1Ra both have the ability to inhibit IL-1 induced IL-6 production in vitro however their ability to inhibit IL-6 production and myeloma cell growth have not been investigated in a comparative fashion. Methods In vitro, IL-1 (100, 10, 1 pg/ml) was added to stromal cell cultures in the presence or absence of IL-1Ra (1 and 0.1 μg/ml) or dexamethasone (100 and 10 μM). IL-6 levels were quantitated by ELISA. In vivo, a patient with smoldering myeloma (≥ 10% bone marrow plasma cells) received 100 mg of IL-1Ra SQ qd for 6 months, low dose dexamethasone (20 mg qweek) for 6 months, followed by the combination of IL-1Ra and dexamethasone for 6 months. The bone marrow plasma cell percentage (BMPC), serum IgG, the plasma cell labeling index (marker of myeloma cell proliferation) and the C-reactive protein (marker of IL-6 production) were monitored serially. Results The effects of IL-1Ra and dexamethasone on IL-1 induced IL-6 production by marrow stromal cells are detailed in Figure 1. The results showed that IL-1Ra at 1 μg/ml was able to inhibit IL-1 induced IL-6 production back to baseline at all IL-1 concentrations tested. The inhibitory effect was less pronounced at 0.1 μg/ml IL-1Ra but still superior to dexamethasone. Dexamethasone was less effective at IL-6 inhibition compared to IL-1Ra using 100 and 10 pg/ml of IL-1 but similar at 1 pg/ml of IL-1. Of interest, the patient treated with IL-1Ra alone, dexamethasone alone, and the combination appeared to mimic these results in vivo. Anakinra alone induced a reduction of the PCLI and CRP. Dexamethasone alone decreased the M-protein; however the PCLI and CRP values increased. The PCLI increased from 0% to 0.8% and the CRP increased from 0.18 up to 1.48 indicating increased levels of IL-6 and a more active proliferative component of the disease. Subsequently, the combination of dexamethasone and IL-1Ra led to a further decrease in the IgG and the PCLI and CRP decreased again; PCLI decreased from 0.8% to 0.2% and CRP decreased from 1.48 down to 0.40. Conclusion The above results suggest that agents such as IL-1Ra are more effective at IL-6 inhibition and targeting the proliferative myeloma component than apoptosis inducing agents such as dexamethasone. Combination therapy with IL-1 inhibitors and apoptosis inducing agents may be useful in patients with active myeloma that have an elevated PCLI at diagnosis. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.