Citations

Key Points The MAGIC algorithm probability, computed from 2 serum biomarkers, predicts mortality in all GVHD grades after 4 weeks of treatment. Dynamic changes in the MAGIC algorithm probability occur within all biomarker risk groups and can guide therapy.

Abstract Background Most glioblastomas recur near prior radiation treatment sites. Future clinical success will require achieving and optimizing an “abscopal effect,” whereby unirradiated neoplastic cells outside treatment sites are recognized and attacked by the immune system. Radiation combined with anti–programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) demonstrated modest efficacy in phase II human glioblastoma clinical trials, but the mechanism and relevance of the abscopal effect during this response remain unknown. Methods We modified an immune-competent, genetically driven mouse glioma model (forced platelet derived growth factor [PDGF] expression + phosphatase and tensin homolog loss) where a portion of the tumor burden is irradiated (PDGF) and another unirradiated luciferase-expressing tumor (PDGF + luciferase) is used as a readout of the abscopal effect following systemic anti–PD-L1 immunotherapy. We assessed relevance of tumor neoepitope during the abscopal response by inducing expression of epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) (PDGF + EGFRvIII). Statistical tests were two-sided. Results Following radiation of one lesion, anti–PD-L1 immunotherapy enhanced the abscopal response to the unirradiated lesion. In PDGF-driven gliomas without tumor neoepitope (PDGF + luciferase, n = 8), the abscopal response occurred via anti–PD-L1 driven, extracellular signal-regulated kinase–mediated, bone marrow–derived macrophage phagocytosis of adjacent unirradiated tumor cells, with modest survival implications (median survival 41 days vs radiation alone 37.5 days, P = 0.03). In PDGF-driven gliomas with tumor neoepitope (PDGF + EGFRvIII, n = 8), anti–PD-L1 enhanced abscopal response was associated with macrophage and T-cell infiltration and increased survival benefit (median survival 36 days vs radiation alone 28 days, P = 0.001). Conclusion Our results indicate that anti–PD-L1 immunotherapy enhances a radiation- induced abscopal response via canonical T-cell activation and direct macrophage activation in glioblastoma.

Background: Transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a life-threatening, irreversible condition, which can lead to heart failure (HF) and, ultimately, heart transplant or death. Despite the recent approval in United States of a TTR stabilizer (VYNDAQEL®-tafamidis meglumine;VYNDAMAX™-tafamidis) for the treatment of ATTR-CM, disease progression still occurs. This study aims to determine if treatment with AKCEA-TTR-LRx (ION-682884), an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), is safe and superior to placebo in reducing the risk of cardiovascular (CV) death or CV clinical events in patients with hereditary (hATTR-CM) or wild-type ATTR-CM (wtATTR-CM). Study Design and Methods: AKCEA-TTR-LRx (ION-682884) is a follow-on compound that incorporates the Ligand-Conjugated Antisense (LICA) technology; in this case, a triantennary N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) moiety which targets the asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPR) expressed abundantly on the hepatocyte cell surface. In comparison to inotersen, its parent compound, ION-682884 requires a lower dose and frequency of administration (27-fold smaller; 45mg SC Q4W) to achieve a similar reduction in ATTR, providing greater patient convenience. ION-682884-CS2 (EudraCT No: 2019-002835-27) is a Phase 3 global, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study assessing the efficacy and safety of AKCEA-TTR-LRx (ION-682884) in hATTR-CM or wtATTR-CM patients receiving available background standard of care (SoC) therapy. Approximately 750 patients with a history of HF due to ATTR-CM will be randomized 1:1 to receive AKCEA-TTR-LRx (ION-682884) or placebo administered by subcutaneous injection once every 4 weeks. The main inclusion criteria include confirmed diagnosis of ATTR-CM by tissue biopsy or positive PYP/DPD scan, end-diastolic interventricular septum thickness of >12mm, NT-proBNP >600 pg/mL, NYHA class I-III and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) >150 m. The main exclusion criteria include estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min/1.73m2, platelet count below the low limit of normality and urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPCR) ≥ 1000 mg/g. Patients are allowed to concomitantly receive tafamidis/tafamidis meglumine as SoC for ATTR-CM, if locally approved and available, per physician's discretion. The study consists of a 120-week Treatment Period and a 20-week Post-Treatment Evaluation Period. During each study visit, subjects will undergo laboratory tests, cardiac assessments (echocardiography), and functional evaluations. Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) will also be collected. Primary efficacy endpoint is the composite of CV mortality and frequency of CV clinical events (HF-related urgent visits requiring administration of IV diuretics and/or CV-related hospitalizations) at Week 120 study visit, analyzed by the Finkelstein-Shoenfeld method. This test is based on the principle of each patient in the study being compared with every other patient in a pairwise manner in hierarchical fashion. Secondary endpoints include the change from baseline in the 6MWD, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score, rate of CV mortality, CV clinical events, and all-cause of mortality at Week 120. Additional exploratory endpoints include a change from baseline in cardiac imaging parameters, renal function, biomarkers, and PROs questionnaires and disease scores. An interim analysis on change from baseline in 6MWD is also planned at Week 60. All deaths and CV clinical events will be adjudicated by an independent, blinded Clinical Adjudication Committee, using predefined endpoint criteria. Conclusions: Despite recent advances, there is still a need for more efficacious, safe and convenient treatment options for ATTR-CM. The ION-682884-CS2 is a large Phase 3 trial designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of AKCEA-TTR-LRx (ION-682884) compared to placebo for the treatment of ATTR-CM. Figure Disclosures Falk: Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Gertz:Ionis/Akcea: Consultancy; Alnylam: Consultancy; Proclara: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Prothena Biosciences Inc: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding; Annexon: Consultancy; Appellis: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Medscape: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Physicians Education Resource: Consultancy; Abbvie: Other: personal fees for Data Safety Monitoring board; Research to Practice: Consultancy; Teva: Speakers Bureau; Johnson and Johnson: Speakers Bureau; DAVA oncology: Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; i3Health: Other: Development of educational programs and materials; Springer Publishing: Patents & Royalties; Amyloidosis Foundation: Research Funding; International Waldenstrom Foundation: Research Funding. Benson:Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Buchele:Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Brambatti:Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Tsimikas:Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Viney:Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Tai:Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Monteiro:Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Yang:Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. O'Dea:Akcea Therapeutics: Employment. Karwatowska-Prokopczuk:Akcea Therapeutics: Employment. Schneider:Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Geary:Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Monia:Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Employment.

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Median survival is 15 months despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy is promising but GBM-mediated immunosuppression remains a barrier. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been implicated in GBM-mediated immunosuppression through expression of the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1. Data from our group has suggested this is predominantly through induction of immunosuppressive monocytes including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and non-classical monocytes (NCMs). PD-L1 expression is increased in most nucleated cells following IFN-γ exposure. We, therefore, sought to determine if IFN-γ exposure would result in super-induction of immunosuppressive GBM EVs. EVs were harvested in vitro from matched differentiated and stem-like human GBM cell lines +/- IFN-γ. IFN-γ exposure did not alter EV production or expression of common EV markers but increased PD-L1 expression in EVs from differentiated but not stem-like GBM cells. In keeping with our earlier findings, no direct inhibition of T cell proliferation by stem-like or differentiated GBM EVs was observed regardless of IFN-γ exposure or PD-L1 expression. In contrast, differentiated but not stem-like GBM cell EVs induced MDSC and NCM differentiation from normal monocytes. This was increased following IFN-γ exposure and was dependent upon PD-L1 expression. Monocytes exposed to differentiated but not stem-like GBM cell EVs inhibited T cell proliferation in a similar manner (increased with IFN-γ exposure, decreased with PD-L1 knockdown). Thus, IFN-γ exposure results in super-induction of immunosuppressive EVs from differentiated but not stem-like GBM cells that increase MDSC and NCM differentiation in normal monocytes and increase their ability to inhibit T cell proliferation. These effects are dependent upon PD-L1 up-regulation induced by IFN-γ. This may be an important mechanism GBMs utilize to suppress anti-tumor T cell responses that are typically accompanied by increased IFN-γ expression.

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor, and novel therapeutic strategies that make a substantial impact on outcomes are sorely needed. Immunotherapies have shown great promise in the treatment of a number of cancers in recent year, and a concerted effort is being made to apply these treatment paradigms to GBM. However, many GBM patients exhibit profound immunosuppression, likely limiting the efficacy of such approaches. The mechanisms of this immunosuppression are poorly understood, but tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), may play a role. We demonstrate that GBM-derived EVs induce the development of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and non-classical monocytes (NCMs). We further demonstrate that these EV-induced monocytic cells are immunosuppressive, resulting in impaired T cell proliferation upon co-culture. We found that the immunosuppressive effects of tumor-derived EVs appear to be driven by the induction of these immunosuppressive monocytes, as EV treatment of T cells did not significantly impact T cell proliferation. Further, we sought to characterize the important of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in the induction of these immunosuppressive monocyte populations. We found PD-L1 to be expressed in the EVs from GBM cell lines, and that modulation in PD-L1 expression via either constitutive overexpression or shRNA-mediated knockdown resulted in concordant changes in expression in tumor-derived EVs. We demonstrate that PD-L1 is important for the induction of NCM but not for MDSCs. Taken together, these findings point to a significant role for tumor-derived EVs in the induction of immunosuppressive monocytes in GBM, and that these cells may be a driving force of systemic immunosuppression. PD-L1 is one factor expressed in EVs that has immunomodulatory properties, but additional EV cargo likely plays a major role in the induction of immunosuppressive cells.

Abstract Background: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) is a rare, progressive, and fatal disease caused by the buildup of transthyretin-derived amyloid protein in major organs, predominantly affecting the peripheral nerves and heart. Inotersen, a second-generation antisense oligonucleotide targeting TTR mRNA, has shown efficacy and safety in patients with hATTR in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study, NEURO-TTR (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01737398; Benson NEJM 2018). Patients with hATTR amyloidosis who completed the NEURO-TTR study were eligible to receive inotersen for up to 5 years in a phase 3 open-label extension study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02175004). Methods: In NEURO-TTR, patients were randomized 2:1 to receive inotersen (300-mg weekly subcutaneous doses) or placebo. In the open-label extension, patients continued inotersen (inotersen-inotersen) or switched from placebo to inotersen (placebo-inotersen). Evaluations included modified Neuropathy Impairment Score +7 neurophysiologic tests composite score (mNIS+7; higher scores indicate worse neuropathy), Norfolk Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy questionnaire total score (Norfolk QoL-DN; higher scores indicate worse QoL), and adverse events (AEs). Cardiomyopathy (CM) was defined by a diagnosis of hATTR-CM at trial entry or by an interventricular wall thickness of 13 mm or more on transthoracic echocardiography at baseline, as ascertained by a central reader, or no known history of persistent hypertension (systolic blood pressure, ≥150 mm Hg) within 12 months before screening. Results : In the placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 NEURO-TTR study, 112/172 patients were randomized and received inotersen. At baseline, patients were predominantly white (91.9%) males (68.6%) with a mean age of 59.2 years. A total of 67.4% had stage I (ambulatory) and 32.6% had stage II (ambulatory with assistance) disease. Inotersen-treated patients who had stage II disease had a longer duration of disease from diagnosis (40.9 vs 24.8 months, respectively) and from onset (72.6 vs 63.2 months, respectively) of hATTR polyneuropathy symptoms compared with placebo-treated patients who had stage II disease, indicating more advanced disease. A higher proportion of inotersen-treated patients had CM at baseline (67% vs 55%, respectively), and more severe CM, measured by higher NT-proBNP levels and longer duration of disease from hATTR-CM symptom onset, compared with placebo-treated patients. In the phase 3 open-label extension study as of Sept 15, 2017, 134 of 135 patients enrolled received ≥1 dose of inotersen. The mean age was 60.4 years and most patients were male (69.4%). Extended dosing with inotersen up to 27 months continued to improve mNIS+7 and Norfolk QoL-DN in the open-label extension compared to placebo-treated patients at week 66 in the double-blind NEURO-TTR study; mean changes from open-label extension baseline to open-label extension week 52 in the inotersen-inotersen group were 5.1 points for mNIS+7 (vs 25.5 for placebo-treated patients in the double-blind NEURO-TTR study) and 3.9 points for Norfolk QoL-DN (vs 10.7 for placebo-treated patients in the double-blind NEURO-TTR study). Initiation of inotersen in placebo-treated patients (placebo-inotersen) resulted in improvement in mNIS+7 and Norfolk QoL-DN by week 26. Few patients discontinued treatment because of AEs (inotersen-inotersen, 9%; placebo-inotersen, 4%). The rate of treatment-related serious AEs was low in both treatment groups (2% each). There was no evidence of increased risk for grade 4 thrombocytopenia or severe renal events with increased duration of exposure. We will present 2-year follow-up results from the open-label extension study. Conclusions: Results of the open-label extension show continued benefit, measured by mNIS+7 and Norfolk QoL-DN, and confirmed that earlier initiation of treatment is important for optimal clinical outcomes. No new safety concerns were identified. Results from the longer-term follow-up for the open-label extension will further elucidate how inotersen may benefit patients with hATTR amyloidosis. Disclosures Brannagan: Alnylam: Honoraria, Other: Investigator, Speakers Bureau; Ionis: Other: Investigator. Wang:Ionis: Other: Investigator, Speakers Bureau. Coelho:Prothena: Consultancy, Honoraria; Ionis: Consultancy, Other: Investigator; Alnylam: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Investigator; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Investigator. Waddington Cruz:Ionis: Honoraria; Genzyme/Sanofi: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Polydefkis:Pfizer: Honoraria; Alnylam: Honoraria. Dyck:Ionis: Consultancy; Alnylam: Consultancy. Plante-Bordeneuve:Alnylam: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Other: reimbursement for travel and meeting; Ionis: Other: reimbursement for travel and meeting. Berk:Ionis: Honoraria, Other: Investigator; Alnylam: Honoraria, Other: Investigator; Pfizer: Other: Investigator. Barroso:Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Thaos registry, Speakers Bureau; Alnylam: Honoraria, Other: Investigator. Conceição:Alnylam: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Hughes:Ionis: Employment. Kwoh:Ionis: Employment. Jung:Ionis: Employment. Guthrie:Akcea: Employment. Pollock:Akcea: Employment. Benson:Ionis: Other: Investigator, Research Funding. Gertz:janssen: Consultancy; Teva: Consultancy; spectrum: Consultancy, Honoraria; Alnylam: Honoraria; Ionis: Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy; annexon: Consultancy; Prothena: Honoraria; Research to Practice: Consultancy; Apellis: Consultancy; celgene: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Medscape: Consultancy; Physicians Education Resource: Consultancy.

Abstract Background Melphalan, prednisone and thalidomide (MPT) is a standard therapy for NDMM recognized worldwide based on a statistically significant advantage in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) vs. MP (Facon Lancet 2007; Fayers Blood 2011; NCCN 2013). The combination of lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone (Rd) increased OS with fewer adverse events (AEs) than treatment with lenalidomide and high-dose dexamethasone in NDMM pts (ECOG E4A03) (Rajkumar Lancet Oncol 2010). The FIRST trial is a multicenter, open-label, phase III trial comparing the efficacy and safety of Rd versus MPT in transplant-ineligible NDMM pts. Methods NDMM pts either ≥ 65 years of age, or not candidates for SCT were randomized to one of three arms: Rd in 28-day cycles until disease progression (Arm A), Rd in 28-day cycles for 72 weeks (18 cycles, Arm B), or MPT in 42-day cycles for 72 weeks (12 cycles, Arm C). Assessments by International Myeloma Working Group criteria were done after each cycle. Pts with renal impairment were enrolled; however, pts on dialysis were excluded. Starting doses of lenalidomide and dexamethasone were adjusted based on renal function and age, respectively. Melphalan starting dose was adjusted based on age, absolute neutrophil count, platelet count, and renal function; and thalidomide was adjusted for age. Dose adjustments were permitted for AEs. All pts were required to receive anti-thrombotic prophylaxis. Stratification factors included age, International Stage System, and country. The primary endpoint was a comparison of PFS in Arm A vs. Arm C. Secondary endpoints included OS, overall response rate (ORR), time to response, duration of response (DOR), safety, and quality of life (QOL). A preplanned additional analysis included time from randomization to second progression event or death (PFS2). The final preplanned analysis of independently adjudicated progressive disease (PD) events in Arm A vs. Arm C conducted after 960 events of death or PD, and an interim of OS in 64% of survival events (574/896 events) are presented in this abstract. Comparisons of PFS and all secondary endpoints, including OS for all three arms, will be presented at the meeting. Results A total of 1,623 pts were randomized 1:1:1 in three arms. As of today, 121 pts continue to receive lenalidomide on study (Arm A). The median age was 73 (40.0–92.0) years; 35% pts were aged ≥ 75 years; and 41% of pts had ISS stage 3 disease. After a median follow-up of 37 months, the trial met its primary endpoint (PFS), demonstrating a 28% reduction in risk of progression or death (HR=0.72; p= 0.00006). The preplanned interim analysis of OS demonstrated a 22% reduction in risk of death in favor of Arm A vs. Arm C (HR=0.78, p=0.01685); however, the pre-specified boundary (p<0.0096) was not crossed. All other secondary endpoints consistently showed improvement in favor of Arm A vs. Arm C; ORR (PR or better) 75% vs. 62% (p < 0.00001), DOR (HR=0.63; p<0.00001), and PFS2 (HR=0.78, p=0.0051). Relevant Grade 3/4 adverse events in Arm A vs. Arm C were neutropenia (28% vs. 45%), thrombocytopenia (8% vs. 11%), febrile neutropenia (1% vs. 3%), infection (29% vs. 17%), neuropathy (5% vs. 15%), and deep-vein thrombosis (5% vs. 3%). The incidence of secondary primary malignancies (SPM) was evaluated. Hematologic malignancies were 0.4% in Arm A vs. 2.2% in Arm C; the overall incidence of solid tumors was identical (2.8%). Conclusion Continuous treatment with the all oral doublet Rd significantly improved the primary endpoint of PFS compared with the standard triplet, MPT. All secondary endpoints support the clinical benefit of continuous Rd treatment. The safety profile of Rd was manageable, with reduced hematologic SPM compared to MPT. Disclosures: Facon: Celgene: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide as treatment for NDMM. Dimopoulos:Celgene, Orthobiotech: Honoraria. Dispenzieri:Celgene, Millenium, Jansenn, Pfizer: Research Funding. Catalano:Celgene, Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Hulin:Janssen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Cavo:Celgene, Janssen, Millennium, Onyx, Brystol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Pinto:Mundipharma: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Weisel:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Ludwig:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Bahlis:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Delforge:Celgene: Honoraria. Chen:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Lundbeck: Consultancy; Johnson & Johnson: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding. Oriol:Celgen: Consultancy. White:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Binder:Celgene: Research Funding. Anderson:Acetylon, OncoPep: Equity Ownership; Celgene, Onyx, Sanofi Aventis, Gileod: Consultancy. Moreau:Celgene Corporation: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Attal:Janssen: Lectures, Lectures Other, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene Corporation: Lectures Other, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Knight:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chen:Celgene: Employment. Van Oostendorp:Celgene: Employment. Jacques:Celgene: Employment. Ervin-Haynes:Celgene: Employment, Patents & Royalties. Benboubker:Celgene: Consultancy.