Citations

Sudden death syndrome (SDS) foliar symptoms consist of foliar chlorosis, foliar necrosis, leaf marginal curling, and premature defoliation, but resistance screening has been evaluated mostly based on the overall SDS foliar severity rather than on a specific foliar symptom. This study generated an F2 population derived from crossing the susceptible variety Sloan and the resistant germplasm line PI 243518, which exhibits resistance to both foliar chlorosis and necrosis. A total of 400 F2 lines were evaluated for foliar chlorosis, foliar necrosis, and overall SDS foliar symptoms, separately. Genotyping-by-sequencing was applied to obtain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the F2 population, and linkage mapping using 135 F2 lines with 969 high-quality SNPs identified a locus on chromosome 13 for foliar necrosis and SDS foliar symptoms. The locus partially overlaps with loci previously reported for SDS on chromosome 13, which is the third time the region from 15.98 to 21.00 Mbp has been reproduced independently and therefore qualifies this locus for a new nomenclature proposed as Rfv13-02. In summary, this study generated a new biparental population that enables not only the discovery of a locus for foliar necrosis and SDS foliar symptoms on chromosome 13 but also the potential for advanced exploration of SDS foliar resistance derived from the germplasm line PI 243518.

Abstract B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway components represent promising treatment targets in multiple B-cell tumors including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). BCR signaling activates proximal pathway components such as the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and downstream effectors including PI3K/AKT and NF-κB. In recent studies, we characterized distinct SYK/PI3K/AKT-dependent viability pathways in BCR DLBCL cell lines and primary tumors with high- or low-baseline NF-κB activity and defined additional SYK/PI3K/AKT-dependent processes essential for BCR DLBCLs with low- or high-baseline NF-κB (Chen et al Cancer Cell 2013; 23:826-838). For example, SYK/PI3K/AKT-dependent cholesterol biosynthesis was identified as a feed-forward mechanism of preserving the integrity of BCRs in lipid rafts in all BCR-dependent DLBCLs. In the current study, we sought to identify biomarkers of intact BCR signaling in DLBCLs with low or high baseline NF-κB. We found highly significant transcriptional upregulation of CXCR4 in all BCR-dependent DLBCLs treated with a chemical SYK inhibitor (R406). These results were of particular interest because BCR signaling inhibits stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α chemotaxis and promotes intermobilization of the SDF-1α receptor, CXCR4. To expand on our findings, we analyzed CXCR4 transcript abundance in a large panel of cell lines including BCR-dependent/ low NF-κB (GC type) and BCR-dependent/ high NF-κB (ABC type) and BCR-independent/ OxPhos DLBCLs. CXCR4 transcript abundance was significantly and selectively upregulated in all BCR-dependent DLBCL lines assessed by qRT-PCR following chemical SYK inhibition. Consistent with the qRT-PCR results, SYK blockade also selectively upregulated cell surface CXCR4 expression in all BCR-dependent DLBCLs. Similar results were obtained following SYK knockdown with multiple independent shRNAs; CXCR4 transcript abundance was significantly and selectively upregulated in all BCR-dependent/ low NF-κB (GCB) DLBCLs and BCR-dependent/ high NF-κB (ABC) DLBCLs but was not altered in BCR-independent/ OxPhos tumors. Following SYK blockade, we also observed significant CXCR4 induction (by qRT-PCR) in multiple primary BCR-dependent DLBCLs (NF-κB low and NF-κB high) and unchanged CXCR4 levels in primary BCR-independent tumors. These data confirm that the observations regarding SYK blockade and CXCR4 induction in BCR-dependent DLBCL cell lines translated to primary tumors. Our recent studies indicate that all BCR-dependent DLBCLs exhibit SYK/PI3K/AKT signaling and modulation of FOXO1 regardless of baseline NF-κB levels. Given the recent identification of CXCR4 as a FOXO1 target, we asked whether modulation of CXCR4 in DLBCLs was via a PI3K/AKT pathway. In BCR-dependent DLBCLs with low or high baseline NF-κB, chemical PI3K inhibition (LY294002) phenocopied chemical SYK blockade (R406) with highly significant transcriptional upregulation of CXCR4. Moreover, in BCR-dependent DLBCL cell lines, enforced expression of a constitutively active form of AKT (myrAKT) abrogated CXCR4 upregulation resulting from SYK blockade. These data indicate that in BCR-dependent DLBCLs, CXCR4 is modulated by a SYK/PI3K/AKT-dependent pathway. To assess the functional significance of CXCR4 upregulation in BCR-dependent DLBCLs, we performed a transwell chemotaxis assay and evaluated migration toward a SDF-1α gradient. Following chemical SYK inhibition, all BCR-dependent DLBCLs exhibited significantly increased migration toward the CXCR4 ligand, SDF-1α, whereas the BCR-independent/ OxPhos DLBCLs were unaffected. The enhanced SDF-1α dependent migration was abrogated when the chemotaxis assay was performed in the presence of the specific CXCR4 inhibitor, AMD3100, confirming the specificity of the observed effect. Therefore, in BCR-dependent DLBCLs with low or high baseline NF-kB, SYK/PI3K inhibition is associated with significant and functionally relevant upregulation of CXCR4. For these reasons, CXCR4 may serve as a robust biomarker to assess the integrity of the BCR pathway and evaluate the efficacy of BCR inhibition in DLBCL. Disclosures: Off Label Use: R406 is not get approved, but is being evaluated in DLBCL and CLL.

Introduction: It is known that overexpression of DNA methyltransferases (e.g., DNMT1) is frequent and changes of DNA cytosine methylation (5mC) are a constant feature of cancers. DNA methylation inhibitors, such as 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (Dec), have been in clinics for patients with leukemia. It is classically believed that promoter hypomethylation coupled by reexpression of epigenetically-suppressed tumor suppressors is a core mechanism behind Dec-impaired leukemia cell growth. However, the fact that global DNA methylation profiling barely predicts Dec-response suggests a demethylation-independent mechanism of Dec-induced cell death. N6-methyladenine (m6A) has been identified recently as an abundant DNA modification in eukaryotes (Wu, Nature 2016;532:329). Importantly, m6A is extensively present in the human genome, and m6A abundance is associated with tumorigenesis (Xie, Cell 2018;71:306). Furthermore, the DNA m6A is dynamically modulated by the methyltransferases (i.e., METTL3, N6AMT1) and demethylases (i.e., ALKBH1), and changes in m6A predict gene expression (Wu, Nature 2016;532:329). Given a potential crosstalk between m6A and distinct epigenetic mechanisms (Yao, Nat. Commun 2017;8:1122), we hypothesized that the anticancer actions of Dec may partially result from changes in DNA m6A in leukemia cells. Methods: Protein expression of target genes was assessed by Western blotting. The levels of DNA cytosine methylation (5mC) and N6-methyladenine (m6A) were measured by dotblotting or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The cell viability and apoptosis were determined by the Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assays as well as the Annexin V/Propidium Iodide staining and flow cytometry. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of leukemia patients from Mayo Clinic were prepared by Ficoll-Hypaque gradient centrifugation. Results: To test our hypothesis, leukemia cells, Kasumi-1, MV4-11, K562 and KU812, were exposed to 2 µM Dec, a clinical achievable concentration, for 72 hours. As expected, Dec treatment led to a downregulation of DNMT1 and DNMT3a, a reduction of 5mC levels by dotblotting using anti-5mC antibody, a blockage of cell proliferation and a promotion of cell apoptosis. When genomic DNA was subjected to dotblotting using anti-m6A antibody, the results revealed a marked decrease of DNA m6A levels in all Dec-treated cells. Then genomic DNA from K562 and MV4-11 cells was enzymatically digested to 2'-deoxynucleosides. dA was quantified by HPLC-UV, while the amount of m6A was measured by isotope dilution HPLC-ESI-MS/MS using 15N labeled internal standard. The standard curves were generated using pure standards, from which the m6A/A ratio was calculated. In agreement with dotblotting results, Dec treatment significantly decreased DNA m6A abundance in both cell lines. Mechanistically, exposure to Dec led to a consistent increase of demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), but not METTL3 nor ALKBH1 and ALKBH5. Further, knockdown of FTO increased DNA m6A, which was further confirmed by treatment with FTO inhibitors rhein and meclofenamic acid (MA). These data indicate that FTO may be responsible for Dec-induced m6A changes in leukemia cells. To investigate the clinical implications of DNA m6A, we obtained PBMCs from AML patients (n = 10), who received Dec therapy (20 mg/m2 daily for 5 days every 4 weeks) in Mayo Clinic. These PBMCs were further cultured for 48 hours, frozen and stored in 100% ethanol before DNA extraction. The results from dotblotting using anti-5mC or anti-m6A showed that a trend of decrease in both m6A and 5mC abundance is observed, and the pattern of changes in m6A and 5mC displays a positive correlation. Finally, exposure of leukemia cells to the combination of Dec (2 µM) with FTO inhibitor MA (50 µM) induced more cell apoptosis and greater inhibition on cell proliferation as compared to single agent in vitro, supporting FTO inhibitors as new therapeutic agents in leukemia. Conclusion: Our studies suggest that the FTO-DNA m6A axis may partially mediate the therapeutic outcomes of Dec in leukemia. Our findings provide a new mechanistic paradigm for the anticancer activities of Dec, and define the m6A methylation status in leukemia cells as a new pharmacodynamic marker for their response to Dec-based therapy, pointing to a novel treatment strategy for incorporating m6A modulators to enhance the therapeutic index of Dec. Disclosures Al-Kali: Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding.

Abstract Background: Guadecitabine SC (SGI-110) is a dinucleotide next generation HMA resistant to degradation by cytidine deaminase resulting in extended in vivo exposure to its active metabolite decitabine. A Phase 1 established 60 mg/m2 QDx5 as the biologically effective dose (BED), and 90 mg/m2 QDx5 as the Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in MDS patients given in 28-day cycles (Issa et al, 2015, Lancet Oncology). Phase 2 is conducted to evaluate dose response between the BED and MTD in both untreated MDS patients, and patients previously treated with other HMAs. M ethods: Int, or HR MDS, and CMML patients who were either treatment-naïve (TN) or relapsed/refractory to other HMAs (r/r) were randomized to either 60 mg/m2 or 90 mg/m2 QDx5 every 28 days. Efficacy was evaluated by the clinical responses of CR, PR, marrow CR (mCR), and Hematological Improvement (HI) based on the International Working Group Criteria 2006, as well as transfusion-independence, and overall survival (OS). Adverse events (AEs) were graded by the CTCAE v4 criteria. Results: The study completed target enrolment with 102 patients: 53 r/r MDS, and 49 TN MDS. Fifty three patients were randomized to 60 mg/m2 and 49 patients to 90 mg/m2 QDx5 with a median follow up of 3.2 years (IQR 2.8-3.5 years). Median age was 72 and 71 years for r/r and TN MDS respectively. Most baseline patient characteristics were well balanced between the 2 treatment dose groups except that more CMML patients were randomized to the 60 mg/m2 group (28%) vs. 14% in the 90 mg/m2 group, and more patients with baseline BM blasts >5% were in the 90 mg/m2 group (67%) vs. 38% in the 60 mg/m2 group. Most patients were RBC transfusion-dependent at baseline (57%). In the r/r MDS cohort, most patients (58%) received their last HMA treatment <3 month before enrolment, and most of them received ≥6 months of prior HMA treatment (77%). Median number of treatment cycles was 5 for both r/r and TN MDS (range 1-37 in r/r MDS and 1-49 in TN MDS). In the TN MDS cohort CR was achieved in 11 (22%) of patients with no major difference between the 2 dose groups (19% in the 60 mg/m2 group vs 27% in the 90 mg/m2 group). Overall CR+mCR was achieved in 18 patients (37%) in TN MDS patients and median OS was 23.4 months. In the r/r MDS cohort, CR was achieved in 4% of patients in each of the 2 dose groups. Overall CR+mCR in the r/r MDS cohort was achieved in 17 patients (32%), with a median duration of response of 7.9 months, and median OS of 11.7 months. No significant difference in response or OS between the 2 dose groups was observed. In patients who were RBC transfusion-dependent at baseline, transfusion independence for at least 8 weeks was achieved in 42% of TN MDS, and 15% in r/r MDS patients. In the overall population of 102 TN and r/r MDS patients there were no major differences in OS based on DNMT3A or TET2 mutation status while patients with TP53 mutations had worse median OS (7.4 months) compared to those without TP53 mutations (22.6 months). Other baseline prognostic factors for worse OS were BM blasts >5%; RBC transfusion-dependence; IPSS High Risk; and ECOG Performance Status of >1. Overall incidence of Grade ≥3 AEs regardless of relationship to treatment was reported in 83 vs. 96% for 60 and 90 mg/m2 dose groups respectively. There was a slightly higher but non-significant difference in Grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia (57 vs 41.5%); neutropenia (51 vs 39.6%); febrile neutropenia (43% vs 32%); and pneumonia (32.7 vs. 26.4%) for the 90 mg/m2 compared to 60 mg/m2 dose group. Early 30, 60, and 90-day all-cause mortality was observed in 0, 3.7%, and 5.7% in the 60 mg/m2 dose group respectively; and in 2%, 4%, and 12% in the 90 mg/m2 dose group respectively. Conclusions: Guadecitabine at both dose groups is a well-tolerated novel HMA with clinical activity in the treatment of both TN and r/r Int and HR MDS, and CMML patients. In TN MDS patient CR rate of 22% and median OS of 23.4 months compare well with first generation HMA efficacy (Fenaux et al, 2009, Lancet Oncology). Activity in r/r MDS who previously failed prior HMAs is particularly promising (CR+mCR in 32% of patients with median duration of response and overall survival of almost 8 and 12 months respectively). A phase 3 trial (ASTRAL-3) of guadecitabine vs Physician Treatment Choice in r/r MDS and CMML patients previously treated with azacitidine or decitabine is actively enrolling (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02907359). Disclosures Ritchie: NS Pharma: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; ARIAD Pharmaceuticals: Speakers Bureau; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding. Savona:Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Kropf:Celegene: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy. Daver:Pfizer: Consultancy; Sunesis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Research Funding; ImmunoGen: Consultancy; ARIAD: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Otsuka: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Alexion: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Kiromic: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Research Funding; Sunesis: Research Funding. Jabbour:Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding. Yee:Celgene, Novartis, Otsuka: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Agensys, Astex, GSK, Onconova, Genentech/Roche: Research Funding. Stock:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Griffiths:Alexion Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Astex/Otsuka Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene, Inc: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis, Inc.: Research Funding; Pfizer, Inc.: Research Funding. Podoltsev:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; LAM Therapeutics: Research Funding; Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Boehringer Ingelheim: Research Funding; Daiichi Snakyo: Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding. Berdeja:Genentech: Research Funding; Bluebird: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Glenmark: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Poseida Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding. Naim:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Hao:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Azab:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Roboz:Orsenix: Consultancy; Roche/Genentech: Consultancy; Roche/Genentech: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Argenx: Consultancy; Sandoz: Consultancy; Celltrion: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Orsenix: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Sandoz: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Cellectis: Research Funding; Eisai: Consultancy; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Eisai: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Argenx: Consultancy; Celltrion: Consultancy; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Aphivena Therapeutics: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Aphivena Therapeutics: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Cellectis: Research Funding.

Abstract Background SGI-110 is second generation HMA formulated as a dinucleotide of decitabine (DAC) and deoxyguanosine delivered as a small volume, pharmaceutically stable SQ injection allowing longer half-life and more extended decitabine exposure than DAC IV infusion. SGI-110 differentiated pharmacokinetic profile resulted in potent hypomethylation and clinical responses in previously treated MDS and AML patients in the phase 1 trial (Kantarjian et al. 2012). Methods In a randomized Phase 2 study, relapsed/refractory AML, or elderly treatment naïve AML patients who were not suitable for induction chemotherapy (poor major organ function; poor cytogenetics; or secondary AML) were randomized to one of two SQ doses – the biologically effective dose (BED) of 60 mg/m2 QDx5 or 90 mg/m2 QDx5. The primary endpoint of the phase 2 study is the overall remission rate (CR, CRi, and CRp) based on the International Working Group Criteria 2003. Safety findings based on adverse events (AEs) as graded by the CTCAE v4 criteria and pharmacodynamic data on Long Interspersed Nucleotide Element (LINE-1) DNA methylation (an index of global DNA methylation) activity were also assessed and reported. Results As of June 30, 2013, sixty-seven patients (50 relapsed/refractory AML, 17 treatment naïve elderly AML) were treated and had a minimum follow up of 3 months. Patients were randomized to either 60 mg/m2 dose (32 patients) or 90 mg/m2 dose (35 patients). The median age was 66 years (range, 22–84), 69% were male, and ECOG PS of 0/1/2 was reported in 11/47/9 patients respectively. Median number of prior regimens was 2 (range, 0–10). Patients’ characteristics were well balanced between the 2 dose groups. The primary endpoint of overall remissions (CR, CRp, or CRi) was observed in 17/67 patients (25% with 95% CI, 16–37%). There were 8 complete remissions (CR, CRp, or CRi) in 50 patients with relapsed/refractory AML (16% with 95% CI, 7-29%); and 9 complete remissions (CR, CRp, or CRi) in 17 treatment-naïve elderly AML patients (53% with 95% CI, 28-77%). Five patients (4 relapsed/refractory, and one treatment-naïve elderly AML) subsequently received a stem cell transplant. There was no difference in the complete remission rate between 60 and 90 mg/m2 doses (8 remissions in 32 patients at 60 mg/m2, and 9 remissions in 35 patients at 90 mg/m2). LINE-1 DNA methylation data before and after treatment was available in 50 (75%) patients enrolled. LINE-1 demethylation ≥ 10% post treatment was observed in 83% and 78% in the 60 mg/m2 and 90 mg/m2, respectively. The median maximum LINE-1 demethylation for responders is 25% as compared to 19% for non-responders. The most common adverse events (AEs) regardless of relationship to SGI-110 ≥ Grade 3 include febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and pneumonia. The 90 mg/m2 dose showed a greater frequency of Grade 3/4 related AEs ≥ 10% (anemia, febrile neutropenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia) compared to the 60 mg/m2 dose. Conclusions SQ SGI-110 is a new HMA which is well tolerated and clinically active in the treatment of AML. Complete remissions and potent demethylation of ≥10% were equally observed at the 2 dose groups of 60 and 90 mg/m2. These data support further phase 3 investigation of this agent in the treatment of AML. Preliminary overall remission rate of 53% in treatment-naïve elderly AML seems to compare favorably with previous results reported for HMA treatment but this needs to be confirmed in a larger number of patients and randomized studies. Disclosures: Kantarjian: Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Jabbour:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Yee:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Kropf:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. O'Connell:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Stock:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Tibes:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Rizzieri:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Walsh:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Griffiths:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Roboz:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding. Savona:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Ervin:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Podoltsev:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Pemmaraju:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Daver:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Garcia-Manero:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Borthakur:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Wierda:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Ravandi:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Cortes:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Brandwein:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Odenike:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Feldman:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Chung:Astex Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Research Funding. Naim:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Choy:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Taverna:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Hao:Astex Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Employment. Dimitrov:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Azab:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Issa:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 2617 Introduction: ABT-348 is a potent, novel, adenosine triphospate competitive inhibitor of Aurora A, B and C kinases. ABT-348 is also a potent inhibitor of all members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) families. ABT-348 has demonstrated strong antitumor activity in a variety of preclinical cancer cell line models, in vitro and in vivo, including leukemias as monotherapy and in combination with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, azacitidine. Objectives: The primary objectives of this study are to determine the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of orally and IV administered ABT-348 as monotherapy or in combination with azacitidine in patients (pts) with advanced hematologic malignancies. Secondary objectives include determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and exploration of biomarkers associated with ABT-348 activity. Methods: This phase 1 dose-escalation study of ABT-348 utilizes a modified continual reassessment method in pts with advanced hematologic malignancies: acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia and myelodysplasia (MDS). Adult pts with histological or cytological confirmed disease, ECOG status 0–2, adequate hematological, renal and hepatic function and without significant hypertension or proteinuria are eligible. This study has four arms consisting of ABT-348 administered on a 28-day (D) cycle. Pts receive ABT-348 monotherapy once daily (QD, Arm A) or twice daily (BID; Arm B) on Days (D) 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle under fasting conditions. In Arm C, ABT-348 is given on the same schedule as Arm A in combination with azacitidine (75 mg/m2) administered IV or SC on Days 1 – 7 of each 28-day cycle. In Arm D, pts receive ABT-348 monotherapy on the same schedule as Arm A, but via IV administration. Samples are collected for PK and biomarker analyses. Pts are treated until progressive disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity. Adverse event (AE) severity is graded using NCI-CTCAE v4.0. Results: 39 pts (median age, 66 y [45–86]) have enrolled (Arm A, n=32; Arm B, n=4; Arm C, n=3). Of these pts, 27 had AML, 11 had MDS and 1 had CML. Pts received a median of 4 prior therapies (range, 1 – 8). Best response to last prior therapy was: complete or partial response in 3 pts, stable disease in 11 pts, PD in 24, and not determined in 1. Dose escalation is shown in the table. The first dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of grade 3 pancreatitis was observed at 640 mg in Arm A. Due to this DLT, along with a second case of grade 3 pancreatitis, further enrollment in Arm A was held and Arms B and C were opened. A DLT of grade 4 acute kidney injury was seen at 440 mg in Arm C. ABT-348-related AEs in greater than 2 pts were proteinuria (23%), nausea (21%), diarrhea (18%), hypertension (13%), vomiting (10%) and fatigue (8%). Grade 3/4 ABT-348-related AEs were hypertension (13%), pancreatitis (5%), acute kidney injury (3%) and diarrhea (3%). One patient in Arm A achieved a CRi (640 mg). Five of 32 pts in Arm A were treated for ≥4 cycles, including 2 of 7 pts at ABT-348 doses ≥ 640 mg. Based on preliminary PK analyses, Cmax and AUC of ABT-348 were approximately dose proportional in the dose range studied (10–690 mg); co-administration of azacitidine had no apparent effect on ABT-348 PK. Evidence of dual aurora/VEGF receptor kinase inhibition has been demonstrated by induction of polyploidy and PlGF, respectively. 33 pts have discontinued and 6 remain on study. Conclusions: ABT-348 has demonstrated on-target biomarker and clinical activity in pts with advanced hematologic magnancies, and was well tolerated at doses below 640 mg in Arm A. PK appears to be dose-proportional. Dose escalation is ongoing in Arms B and C (with azacitidine); an IV formulation of ABT-348 will also be evaluated. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Clofarabine in AML. Tibes:Abbott: Research Funding. Chiu:Abbott: Employment, Owns stocks Other. Xiong:Abbott: Employment, own Abbott stock Other. Qin:Abbott: Employment. Ansell:Abbott: Employment, own Abbott stock Other. Albert:Abbott: Employment, own Abbott stock Other. Tse:Abbott: Employment, own Abbott stock Other. Oliver:Abbott: Employment, own Abbott stock Other. Sajwani:Abbott: Employment, own Abbott stocks and participated in study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and reviewing approving study documents related to ABT-348 programs. Other. McKee:Abbott: Employment, own Abbott stocks Other. Ricker:Abbott: Employment, own Abbott stocks Other.

Abstract Background SGI-110 is a second generation HMA formulated as a dinucleotide of decitabine (DAC) and deoxyguanosine. The compound is delivered as a small volume, pharmaceutically stable subcutaneous (SQ) injection which allows longer half-life and more extended DAC exposure than DAC intravenous infusion. This pharmacokinetic profile offers the potential for improved biological and clinical activity and safety over currently available HMAs (Kantarjian et al. ASH, 2012). Methods A randomized Phase 1-2 first-in-human PK/PD-guided, dose-escalation study was conducted in patients with relapsed or refractory intermediate or high-risk MDS or AML. Patients were initially randomized to one of two SQ regimens - Dailyx5 or Weeklyx3, for 28-day courses. Subsequently, a Twice Weeklyx3 regimen (Monday, Thursday) was added for evaluation based on emerging LINE-1 demethylation data from the Weeklyx3 regimen. Results 93 patients (74 AML, 19 MDS) were treated in the dose escalation phase: 44, 34, and 15 patients were treated in the Dailyx5, Weeklyx3, and the Twice Weeklyx3 regimens, respectively. Across the three regimens, median age was 70 years (range, 29–86), 68% male, and 87% had ECOG PS of 0-1. The median number of prior regimens was 3 (range, 1–9) and 68% of patients had prior HMA treatment (59% AML, and 100% MDS). Of the 74 AML patients treated, 31 (42%) had secondary AML including antecedent MDS. Patients received a median of 2 courses of SGI-110 (range, 1-20). LINE-1 demethylation data at the 2 highest dose levels which were well tolerated and evaluated for all 3 regimens (60 and 90 mg/m2) are shown in the figure below. The Dailyx5 regimen demonstrated the most potent average LINE-1 demethylation, while the Twice Weeklyx3 achieved the most prolonged LINE-1 demethylation. The least potent demethylation was seen with the Weeklyx3 regimen. There was no additional demethylation at the 90 mg/m2 dose compared to 60 mg/m2in all 3 regimens. Responses were reported according to the IWG Criteria 2006 (MDS)/2003 (AML). Complete remissions were observed in 5 AML patients (2CRs, 1CRp, and 2CRi). Clinical responses (2 mCR and 3 HI-E, 1 HI-N, 1 HI-P) were observed in 6 MDS patients, all of whom had been previously treated with HMA. All AML responses and both mCR in MDS patients achieved ≥10% LINE-1 demethylation. Safety is reported based on Adverse Events (AEs) as graded by the CTCAE v4 criteria. Across regimens, the Twice Weeklyx3 demonstrated an increased number of related AEs compared to the other regimens. The most commonly reported related AEs ≥ 10% in the Dailyx5 regimen (injection site pain, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, fatigue), Weeklyx3 regimen (injection site pain and diarrhea), and Twice Weeklyx3 regimen (injection site pain, injection site reaction, fatigue, dizziness, febrile neutropenia, neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia). Conclusions SQ SGI-110 is a potent HMA using all 3 regimens evaluated. The most potent hypomethylation was achieved with Dailyx5 dosing and the most prolonged hypomethylation was achieved using the Twice Weeklyx3 regimen. All 3 regimens were well tolerated. Clinical responses were observed in heavily pretreated patients, including those with prior HMA exposure. These results support the ongoing Phase 2 expansion study investigating the Dailyx5 dosing schedule in patients with MDS and AML who are either HMA treatment naïve or previously treated with HMAs. Disclosures: Roboz: Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding. Issa:Astex Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding. Rizzieri:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Stock:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. O'Connell:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Yee:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Tibes:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Griffiths:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Walsh:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Feldman:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Ritchie:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Rao:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Larson:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Garcia-Manero:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Ravandi:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Jabbour:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Cortes:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Schimmer:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Mesa:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Blum:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Chung:Astex Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Research Funding. Naim:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Taverna:Astex Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Employment. Hao:Astex Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Employment. Choy:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Azab:Astex Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Employment. Kantarjian:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 1534 + equal contributions Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a clinically and biologically heterogeneous disease with a high proliferation rate and infrequent somatic mutations of TP53 and genes encoding cell cycle pathway components. Despite recent advances in the molecular understanding of DLBCL pathogenesis, clinical models such as the International Prognostic Index (IPI) are still used to identify high-risk patients. By integrating high-resolution high-density SNP array data with transcriptional profiles and performing pathway analysis in 180 primary DLBCLs, we identified a comprehensive set of copy number alterations (CNAs) that decreased p53 activity and perturbed cell cycle regulation. Primary DLBCLs with single copy loss of 17p13.1 (TP53/RPL26/KDM6B) often had CNAs of an additional p53 modifier – 9p21.3 (CDKN2A/ARF), 19q13.42 (BCL2L12), 12q15 (MDM2) or 1q23.3 (MDM4/RFWD2). CNAs of the respective p53 modifiers, CDKN2A (ARF, 9p21.3), MDM2 (12q15) and MDM4/RFWD2 (1q23.3), occurred in largely separate groups of tumors. DLBCLs with CNAs of p53 pathway members frequently exhibited concurrent alterations of additional cell cycle components such as CCND3 (6p21.32), CDK6 (7q22.1), CDK2/CDK4 (12q15) and/or RB1 (13q14.2) or RBL2 (16q12.2). When the primary DLBCLs were clustered in the space of CNAs that perturb p53 pathway and cell cycle components, 66% of tumors had multiple alterations (“complex” pattern) whereas the remaining 34% of tumors lacked these lesions (“clean” signature). Tumors with “complex” alterations of p53 pathway and cell cycle components also had more total CNAs and more frequent TP53 mutations, highlighting the association between p53 deficiency, cell cycle deregulation and increased genomic instability in DLBCL. The patterns of “complex” vs. “clean” CNAs of p53 pathway and cell cycle components and the association between the “complex” signature and total CNAs were confirmed in an independent series of primary DLBCLs. To further characterize DLBCLs with “complex” vs. “clean” CNA patterns, we performed gene set enrichment analyses with publicly available series of p53 target genes and a RB-deficiency gene set which included multiple E2F targets. The p53 target transcripts were significantly less abundant in “complex” DLBCLs, directly linking their genetic signature of p53 deficiency with decreased p53 activity. Furthermore, the RB-deficiency gene set was significantly enriched in “complex” DLBCLs suggesting that these tumors had increased E2F-mediated cell cycle progression. Consistent with these observations, DLBCLs with “complex” CNA patterns also had significantly higher proliferation indices as determined by Ki67 immunostaining. We next assessed the prognostic significance of the “complex” CNA pattern in the subset of patients who were treated with R-CHOP (rituxan, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, oncovin, prednisone) and had long-term follow-up. R-CHOP treated patients with “complex” CNA patterns had a 5-year overall survival of only 62%; in contrast, those with “clean” CNA signatures had an 100% overall survival (p =.001). The association between CN complexity and outcome was independent of transcriptionally defined categories and additive to the clinical IPI risk model. Taken together, these data provide a structural basis for deregulated cell cycle, increased cellular proliferation and unfavorable outcome in DLBCL and suggest targeted treatment strategies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.