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High Efficacy of Lenalidomide Plus R-CHOP (R2CHOP) Combination in First Line Treatment of Activated B-Cell (ABC) DLBCL Defined Using Gene-Expression Prophyling: A Combined Analysis from Two Phase 2 Trials
Castellino, Alessia , Chiappella, Annalisa , LaPlant, Betsy, Pederson, Levy D., Macon, William R. , King, Rebecca L. , Congiu, Angela Giovanna, Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Inghirami, Giorgio , Gaïdano, Gianluca , Tucci, Alessandra , Habermann, Thomas M. , Witzig, Thomas E. , Vitolo, Umberto

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2962-2962

10.1182/blood-2018-99-119495 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Lenalidomide (Len) in association with standard Rituximab-CHOP (R2CHOP21) has been shown to be safe and effective in newly diagnosed Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas (DLBCL) [Nowakowski et al. JCO 2014, Vitolo et al. Lancet Oncol 2014]. The addition of lenalidomide appears to benefit primarily patients with non-Germinal Center B-cell (non-GCB) phenotype as determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). These early results led to currently ongoing randomized trial in ABC subtype of DLBCL, however efficacy of R2CHOP in ABC DLBCL as defined by Gene Expression Prophyling (GEP) has not been reported. In the present combined analysis of two independent phase 2 studies, we report the long-term follow-up (FU) outcome in DLBCL patients treated with R2CHOP, comparing GCB and ABC according to Nanostring Platform. Methods: We included all newly diagnosed histologically-confirmed de-novo DLBCL patients enrolled in two R2CHOP21 phase 2 trials, conducted by Mayo Clinic (MC) and Italian Lymphoma Foundation (FIL). Inclusion criteria in the two trials were similar, main differences included: all age and all International Prognostic Index (IPI) vs age between 60 and 80 years old and IPI >1, in MC vs FIL study, respectively. All pts received R-CHOP21 plus Len at 25 mg/day for 10 days/cycle and 15 mg/day for 14 days/cycle in MC and FIL trial, respectively. Cell of origin (COO) was determined by IHC, according to Hans algorithm, and retrospectively, in patients with available pathological material, by Nanostring, performed according to Scott algorithm and Masque-Soler signature in MC and FIL study, respectively. We analyzed the long-term FU outcome in terms of progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), comparing between GCB and ABC phenotypes according to GEP. Results: A total of 112 DLBCL pts (63 MC, 49 FIL) were included. Main characteristics were: median age 69 years (y) (range 22-87), male 65 (58%) pts, advanced stage III-IV in 94 (84%), B symptoms in 38 (34%), International Prognostic Index (IPI) intermediate-high/high in 71 (63%). At a median follow-up of 5.1 years (y), 5y-PFS was 63.5%, 5y-TTP 70.1% and 5y-OS 75.4%. A total of 32 relapses were observed, with only 2 cases of Central Nervous System (CNS) relapse. Late relapse occurring beyond 3 years was observed in 4 cases (3 cases with GCB phenotype and one case with missing COO data). In a subgroup analysis by IPI 0-2 vs 3-5 were: 5y-PFS, 5y-TTP and 5y-OS were: 69.0% vs 59.0% (p=0.100), 73.2% vs 67.4% (p=0.285) and 82.3% vs 70.2% (p=0.059), respectively. Regarding for COO defined by IHC, GCB phenotype vs non-GCB were 45 (40%) vs 41 (37%) patients respectively; 26 (23%) patients were not evaluable. 5y-PFS, 5y-TTP and 5y-OS were: 52.8% vs 64.5% (p=0.198), 61.6% vs 69.6% (p=0.444) and 68.6% vs 74.1% (p=0.238) in GCB vs non-GCB, defined by IHC, respectively. Regarding Nanostring analysis, GCB vs ABC vs Unclassified (Uncl) were 31 (46%) vs 22 (32%) vs 15 (22%) respectively; 44 pts were not evaluable. 5y-PFS, 5y-TTP and 5y-OS were: 62.3% vs 70.8% vs 64.2% (p=0.645), 68.1% vs 79.8% vs 64.2% (p=0.662) and 76.0% vs 74.8% vs 79.0% (p=0.658) in GCB vs ABC vs Uncl, defined by Nanostring, respectively (Table1, Fig1). Conclusions: The association of Len with R-CHOP21 appears to overcome the negative prognostic impact of ABC phenotype determined by GEP, with high PFS, TTP and OS rate, maintained at a long-term FU analysis. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Chiappella: Teva: Other: lecture fees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: lecture fees; Nanostring: Other: lecture fees; Roche: Other: lecture fees; Amgen: Other: lecture fees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: lecture fees. Gaidano:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Morphosys: Honoraria. Witzig:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Vitolo:Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sandoz: Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Speakers Bureau.
The Absolute Monocyte Count Predicts Overall Survival In Patients Newly Diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma
Ristow, Kay M., Inwards, David J. , Micallef, Ivana N. , Johnston, Patrick B. , Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Porrata, Luis F. , Wilcox, Ryan A. , Habermann, Thomas M. , Colgan, Joseph P. , Witzig, Thomas E. , Markovic, Svetomir N.

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 85-85

10.1182/blood.v118.21.85.85 Get It

Abstract Abstract 85 Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with a highly variable natural history. Clinical variables describing either patient- or tumor-specific characteristics, many of which are included in the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI), are used to risk-stratify patients at the time of diagnosis. However, characteristics of non-malignant cells present within the tumor microenvironment provide important prognostic information. For example, both immunohistochemistry and gene expression profiling studies demonstrate that lymphoma-associated macrophages (LAMs) are prognostically important in FL. As LAMs are monocyte-derived, we sought to determine whether the absolute monocyte count (AMC) obtained from a CBC at diagnosis is an adverse prognostic factor in FL. Methods: Consecutive patients with FL who were evaluated and treated at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester between 1998 and 2007 were considered for study participation. Study approval was granted by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board. The primary objective of the study was to determine the significance of the AMC, obtained at the time of diagnosis from a standard complete blood count with differential, in predicting overall survival. The secondary study objective was to determine whether the AMC is an independently significant prognostic factor when compared with the FLIPI. Results: The median follow-up was 4.2 years (range: 2 months to 11 years) for the 355 patients included in this study. At diagnosis, 43%, 34% and approximately 23% of patients were classified as low-, intermediate- or high-risk by the FLIPI. The median AMC at diagnosis was 510/μL, with 8% of patients presenting with an absolute monocytosis. At diagnosis, 45% of patients were initially observed, 42% received combination chemotherapy or immunochemotherapy alone, while the remaining 13% underwent surgery or radiation. The AMC was evaluated as both a continuous and dichotomized variable on univariate analysis. The optimal cut-point for the AMC was determined to be 570/μL by ROC analysis and was used when analyzing the AMC as a dichotomized variable. A relative elevation in the AMC was associated with inferior overall survival, whether analyzed as a continuous or dichotomized variable, with hazard ratios (HR) of 1.002 (HR per unit change in AMC; 95% confidence interval 1.001–1.002; p=0.0002) and 3.4 (95% confidence interval 2.0–6.0; p<0.0001), respectively. The median OS for patients with an AMC <570/μL at diagnosis has not been reached, whereas a median OS of 10.2 years (95% confidence interval 7.8–11.2 years; p<0.0001) was observed for those patients with an AMC ≥570/μL. For comparison, median OS has not been reached for high-risk patients identified by the FLIPI. Among those patients who were initially observed, the median time to progression (TTP) was 31 months (95% confidence interval 25–37 months) for those with an AMC <570/μL at diagnosis. In contrast, patients with an AMC ≥570/μL experienced a significantly shorter TTP following initial observation, with a median TTP of 18 months (95% confidence interval 8–28 months; p=0.03). When adjusting for prognostic factors included in the FLIPI on multivariate analysis, the association between the AMC as a dichotomized variable and survival remained significant with a HR of 2.6 (95% confidence interval 1.5–4.6; p=0.001). When the FLIPI alone (high vs. low/intermediate) was analyzed on multivariate analysis, the AMC remained an independent predictor of survival (p<0.0001). Furthermore, the AMC provided additional prognostic information when superimposed upon the FLIPI. For example, a subset of patients classified as high-risk by the FLIPI were observed to have an OS comparable to low/intermediate risk patients identified by the FLIPI upon further risk-stratification by the AMC, with a 6-year OS of 80%. In contrast, high-risk FLIPI patients with an AMC ≥570/uL were observed to have a median OS of 4.2 years (95% confidence interval 2.7–7.2) and 6-year OS of 47%. Conclusions: The AMC is associated with overall survival in FL and is independent from the FLIPI on multivariate analysis. While the AMC did not appear inferior to the FLIPI in identifying high-risk patients, it may be most helpful when used in conjunction with the FLIPI. These results further support the central role of nonneoplastic myeloid-lineage cells in FL biology. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Potential Pathogenetic Role of Achromobacter (Alcaligenes) Xylosoxidans in Primary Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of the Lung (BALT-Lymphoma): Update of the Results of a Retrospective Analysis on Behalf of IELSG
Sammassimo, Simona, Adam, Patrick , Rafaniello, Paola, Negri, Mara, Raderer, Markus , Weisenburger, Dennis D. , Bairey, Osnat , Cabrera, María Elena , Puccini, Benedetta, Carpaneto, Andrea, Porro, Elena, Cavalli, Franco , Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Pruneri, Giancarlo , Pileri, Stefano , Steffanoni, Sara , Gandini, Sara , Habermann, Thomas M. , Li, Zhiming , Zinzani, Pier Luigi , Armitage, Jamés O. , Zucca, Emanuele , Gutiérrez, Gonzalo , Kalinka‐Warzocha, Ewa , Besson, Caroline , Martinelli, Giovanni

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 880-880

10.1182/blood.v118.21.880.880 Get It

Abstract Abstract 880 Pulmonary marginal zone lymphoma is a distinct subgroup of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas originating from the bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) and characterized by an indolent clinical course. Here we present the data of the IELSG-28 study of the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG) on primary pulmonary lymphoma patients. Clinical records and histological material of 186 patients diagnosed with pulmonary marginal zone lymphoma from December 1986 to June 2009 were collected. The pathology was reviewed centrally and the diagnosis was confirmed in 180 (96%) patients. The median age at diagnosis was 62 (30 – 88). The majority of the patients (149/180) had localized disease at diagnosis with a good performance status (0–1) and low prognostic index (IPI 0–2). Eighty-one patients (45%) received local treatment, including surgery (74%) or radiotherapy (4%). Ninety-nine patients with advanced stage disease or incomplete surgical resection received an additional systemic treatment. Most of these patients (66; 66%) received an alkylating containing regimen, 22 (22%) patients were treated with an anthracycline containing regimen and 29 (29%) received the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody in combination with chemotherapy. With a median follow up of 67 (range 1–256) months, 47/180 patients (26%) experienced disease progression. (median time to progression 30 months, range 0–109). Progression free survival analysis showed a trend in favour of patients treated with immuno-chemotherapy versus those receiving chemotherapy alone (HR 0.53–95%CI: 0.21, 1.33), while no difference in terms of OS and PFS was observed between patients receiving systemic anthracycline or alkylating containing regimens. In twenty five cases a specific PCR-assay was carried out for detecting the presence of Achromobacter (Alcaligenes) xylosoxidans. The presence of Achromobacter was detected in 50% of patients. Our results confirm that local therapy (surgery or radiotherapy) is the treatment of choice for patients with localized disease. Chemotherapy has to be considered in case of relapse, incomplete surgical excision or advanced disease. In this setting, alkylating containing regimens plus rituximab is the most effective option. Further studies are ongoing to confirm the relevance of infection/colonization with Achromobacter (Alcaligenes) xylosoxidans for pathogenesis of BALT lymphoma. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Resistance to Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity in CLL Cells From Patients Treated with Ofatumumab
Baig, Nisar A. , Lindorfer, Margaret A. , Church, Amy K., LaPlant, Betsy, Pavey, Emily S., Call, Timothy G. , Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Taylor, Ronald P. , Shanafelt, Tait D. , Kay, Neil E. , Zent, Clive S.

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2836-2836

10.1182/blood.v118.21.2836.2836 Get It

Abstract Abstract 2836 Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are an effective but non-curative treatment of CLL. Although the mechanisms of action of mAb in vivo are not fully defined, complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) appears to play an important role. We have previously shown that addition of ofatumumab (OFA) significantly increases alemtuzumab (ALM) CDC in vitro and identified a subpopulation of CLL cells that are intrinsically resistant to activated complement. We propose that resistance to CDC could be an important cause of mAb treatment failure in CLL patients. To test the hypothesis that CLL cells treated in vivo with OFA would be resistant to subsequent OFA retreatment in vitro, we studied CLL cells and serum from 10 previously untreated patients with progressive CLL treated with pentostatin, cyclophosphamide, and ofatumumab (PCO). Methods. Patients received 300 mg of OFA followed by 2 mg/m2 of pentostatin and 600 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide on day 1 of therapy. Samples were taken prior to treatment (S1), immediately after the OFA infusion and prior to chemotherapy (S2), and post-chemotherapy before the second dose of OFA on day 2 (S3). Mononuclear blood cells isolated from EDTA anticoagulated blood by Ficoll-Paque centrifugation were purified to achieve a concentration of > 90% CLL. CDC was assayed at a concentration of 2 × 106/ml CLL cells with 10 mg/ml of ALM (Genzyme), OFA (G.S.K.) or rituximab (RTX)(Genentech) in AIM V medium (Invitrogen, CA) and 10% normal human serum (10%NHS)(Sigma, MO) as a source of complement for 1 hour at 37°C. Absolute viable cell counts were measured by flow cytometry using counting beads (Trucount, BD, CA) and propidium iodide staining (Sigma, MO) with a FACSCalibur (BD, CA) and CellQuest Pro software (BD, CA). Percent CDC was calculated relative to counts for CLL cells treated with only 10%NHS. Binding of mAb and C3b to CLL cells was measured by flow cytometry with mouse anti-human Fc antibody FITC-HB43 and anti-C3b antibody FITC-7C12. C5 deficient serum (C5-serum)(Sigma, MO) was used to examine mAb and C3b binding without CDC. Results were expressed as delta mean fluorescent intensity (dMFI) relative to cells treated without mAb in 10%NHS or C5-serum as appropriate. Complement (CH50) was measured based on lysis of opsonized sheep red cells using standard methods. OFA concentrations in serum samples were determined by measuring the level of binding to Daudi cells compared to standards as previously described. Results: S1 CLL cells were significantly more susceptible to in vitro OFA CDC (median 30%) than S2 and S3 cells (both 0%, p=0.002)(Fig. 1). In contrast, high levels of CDC (median 86 – 88%) were induced in vitro by ALM in all these samples and prior in vivo exposure to OFA did not affect susceptibility to ALM CDC in vitro (p>0.1). CLL cells from S2&S3 had low levels of OFA binding both prior to and post in vitro exposure to OFA (median dMFI 2 and 3 respectively) which was significantly less than OFA binding for S1 (median dMFI 38 p=0.002) likely reflecting in vivo trogocytosis of bound OFA and CD20, as previously described for RTX. In vitro ALM binding was higher than OFA (median dMFI>150) in all specimens. C3b binding was low in S2&S3 both before and after in vitro OFA exposure (median dMFI 3 and 4 respectively) with significantly higher levels in S1 (median dMFI 94, p=0.002). C3b binding was higher in all CLL cells treated with ALM (median dMFI>358). OFA treatment resulted in marked decreases in serum complement levels in S2 (median 86%, range 65–98%) and S3 (median 78% range 61–88%) compared to S1. The median serum OFA concentration was 18.5 μg/ml (range 7.3–50.4) in S2 and 19.8 μg/ml (range 0–32.3) in S3. Conclusions: Circulating CLL cells from patients treated with OFA are resistant to in vitro OFA CDC primarily because of low levels of expression of CD20. The reduction in complement titers could limit in vivo CDC but we found no evidence that low levels of OFA were important. Cells surviving OFA in vivo do retain sensitivity to ALM CDC. Our data support the previous description of trogocytosis in CLL patients treated with RTX and suggest that lower doses of these mAb, that promote far lower levels of trogocytosis, could be more effective in sustaining CDC. In addition, our study provides pre-clinical data to support a clinical trial of combination therapy with OFA and ALM for CLL. Acknowledgment: This study was supported by funding from GlaxoSmithKline and the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma SPORE (CA097274). Disclosures: Taylor: Genmab: Consultancy; Glaxo Smith Kline: Research Funding. Zent:GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding.
Crosstalk between Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) B-Cells and Marrow Stromal Cells: Implication for CLL B-Cell Activation and Survival.
Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Abrahamzon, Jennifer L., Wellik, Linda, Ghosh, Asish K. , Secreto, Charla, Medina, Kay L. , Ding, Wei , Shanafelt, Tait D. , Zent, Clive S. , Kay, Neil E.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 337-337

10.1182/blood.v110.11.337.337 Get It

Abstract It is believed that malignant cells “condition” the microenvironment to facilitate tumor cell survival. We hypothesized that crosstalk between CLL B-cells and marrow stromal cells impacts both cell types bi-directionally and ultimately contributes to leukemic cell apoptotic resistance. To test this hypotheses, bone marrow stromal cells from core bone biopsies from CLL patients were isolated and cultured using methods we have previously described (Leuk Res 2007 31(7):899). Subsequently, we determined the impact of co-culture on CLL B-cell features including apoptosis and CD38 expression. In addition, we evaluated the release of angiogenic cytokines on co-culture and signal events in the stromal cells. Immunophenotyping demonstrated that cultured bone biopsy derived stromal cells were CD73+, CD105+, CD146+, CD14−, CD45−, CD34−, HLA-DR-, suggesting they were mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Co-culture of these MSC with CLL B-cells protected CLL B-cells from both spontaneous apoptosis (SA) and drug-induced (fludarabine and chlorambucil) apoptosis (DA). For SA, the mean survival of CLL B-cells with or without co-culture of MSC for 5 days were 56.9 ± 10.0 and 7.7 ±3.7 (p<0.05), respectively. When CLL B cells were treated with fludarabine or chlorambucil, the fraction of CLL cells tightly adherent to MSC (TA-CLL) showed higher survival than a less adherent but viable fraction of CLL B-cells. The mean survival of TA-CLL cells treated with 10 μM of fludarabine for 48 hours in the presence of MSC were 67.5 ± 3.6 vs 29.8 ± 11.1 without MSC (P<0.05), respectively. When CLL cells with evidence for CD38 expression were co-cultured with MSC, both the percentage of CD38 positive cells and level of expression of CD38 per cell were up-regulated (mean fold change: CD38 percentage, 2.7, p<0.05; CD38 MFI, 1.9, p<0.05) after 2 weeks. In contrast, the CD38 percentage and expression were not changed in cells with minimal CD38 expression when these CLL B-cells were co-cultured with MSC. In addition, co-culture of MSC with CLL cells induced rapid ERK and AKT phosphorylation (within 30 min) in the MSC on immunoblot analysis. When CLL B cells and MSCs were cultured in transwells, the activation of ERK and AKT in MSC occurred at similar levels, indicating that activation of MSC was mediated by soluble factors. In addition, co-culture led to increased secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as well as a decrease of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in the culture medium. These findings confirm that co-culture of CLL B-cells and MSC culminates in “angiogenic switch.” Taken together, these results strongly suggest interactions between MSC and CLL B cells are a bi-directional process. In leukemic cells, the interaction not only protects against spontaneous and drug induced apoptosis but also leads to an increase in CD38 expression consistent with an activated status. In MSC, the interaction leads to activation of ERK and AKT. Co-culture also facilitates angiogenic switching. These results underscore the dynamic and complex nature of the interactions between bone marrow stromal cells and CLL B-cells. Further studies are needed to dissect how crosstalk between CLL B-cells and MSC relates to disease progression, and determines whether these interactions can be targeted with therapeutic intent.
Targeting Vla-4 Reduces Cell Adhesion Mediated Drug Resistance in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Rationale for Anti Vla-4 Therapy.
Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Bone, Nancy D., Witzig, Thomas E. , Lee, Yean Kee , Shanafelt, Tait D. , Kay, Neil E.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 106 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1182-1182

10.1182/blood.v106.11.1182.1182 Get It

Abstract The interactions between leukemic cells and the bone marrow microenvironment play a critical role in angiogenesis, disease progression and cell adhesion mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR). VLA-4 (CD49d) is one of the most important adhesion receptors involved in these interactions. The binding of VLA-4 to fibronectin was shown to protect CLL B-cell from apoptosis (de la Fuente, 1999). The introduction of monoclonal antibodies targeting VLA-4 provides the opportunity for the development of novel treatment strategies. We examined the ability of VLA-4 blocking antibodies to induce apoptosis and overcome CAM-DR of primary B cells from CLL patients. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from consenting CLL patients. Mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. Only samples with over 80% CLL B cells as assessed by flow cytometry (minimum 80% CD19+/CD5+ cells) were used. HS-5 human stromal cell line was cultured in 24 well plates (10% FCS DMEM media) and grown until they reached confluence. The confluent cells were then washed with PBS and incubated with AIM-V media 24 hours before CLL cells were co-cultured. CLL B cells were incubated in AIM-V media with and without fludarabine (1 mmol/L) for 24 hours, spun and resuspended in AIM-V. CLL B cells were then incubated with or without anti VLA-4 antibodies (BD Biosciences) at 10 μg/106 CLL cells for 2 hours and directly added into a co-culture with HS-5 cells. The CLL B cells remained in the co-culture for 24 hours, and were then collected and analyzed by flow cytometry for apoptosis/cell death by annexin/propidium iodide assay (i.e., total culture time 48 hours). Paired T-test was used to compare B cell viability results. Results: After 48 hour culture, the viability cells cultured in media alone or fludarabine for the first 24 hours were 40.6% (18.2%–73.7%) and 8.5% (0.2%–17.9%) respectively. Significant rescue from fludarabine induced cell death was seen if CLL B cells were co-cultured with HS-5 stromal cells for the second 24 hours rather than media alone (86.5% vs. 8.5%; p<0.001). The addition of anti VLA-4 antibodies, reduced stromal cell rescue from fludarabine induced apoptosis by 30% (61.5% vs. 86.5%; p= 0.0053). The addition of VLA-4 antibodies to untreated CLL B cells cultured with stromal cells had no effect on cell viability (90.2% vs. 91.2 p=0.59). Conclusion: Stromal cell adhesion rescues CLL B-cells from fludarabine induced apoptosis. Stromal cell rescue of CLL B-cells from drug induced apoptosis can be significantly reduced by blocking VLA-4 mediated cell adhesion of CLL B-cells to stromal cells. Blocking VLA-4 has no effect on the survival of untreated CLL B cells cultured with stromal cells suggesting the interaction mediated by VLA-4 protects against drug induced cell death rather than directly inducing apoptosis. These findings suggest anti VLA-4 antibodies are unlikely to be useful as a single agent therapy for treatment of CLL. However, blocking VLA-4 may enhance the efficacy of other agents used to treat CLL by overcoming adhesion mediated protection against drug induced cell death.
Cardiac Outcomes in a Prospective Cohort of Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors
Thompson, Carrie A. , Luo, Hongxiu , Allmer, Cristine, Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Inwards, David J. , Johnston, Patrick B. , Porrata, Luis F. , Roger, Véronique L. , Maurer, Matthew J. , Habermann, Thomas M. , Witzig, Thomas E. , Cerhan, James R.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2656-2656

10.1182/blood.v118.21.2656.2656 Get It

Abstract Abstract 2656 Background Treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can lead to development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We sought to describe the cumulative incidence of CVD in adult NHL survivors diagnosed in the recent treatment era (since 2002) and identify clinical and treatment predictors for its development. Methods All patients were from the Mayo component of the Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER) of the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE). The MER offers enrollment to all consecutive patients with newly diagnosed NHL who are US residents and age >18 years. Clinical data from the time of diagnosis and treatment data are abstracted from medical records using a standard protocol. Patients are prospectively contacted via telephone or in person per protocol every 6 months for the first 3 years from diagnosis and yearly afterwards to assess disease status and development of comorbid conditions. CVD events, including heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), arrhythmia, pericarditis, and valvular heart disease, occurring after diagnosis were identified during follow-up and validated against medical records. HF was validated with the Cardiovascular Health Study Criteria and/or the Framingham Criteria. MI was validated using case definition standards of coronary heart disease, while arrhythmia, pericarditis, and valvular heart disease were validated using clinical definitions. The prevalence of CVD and associations between CVD and clinical characteristics (sex, age) and treatment (radiation, anthracyclines) were performed using Cox models with a competing risk approach. Results 1164 patients with NHL were enrolled into the MER at Mayo Clinic between 9/1/2002–2/28/2008. 646 were male (56%) and median age at diagnosis was 62 years (range 20–93). Median follow-up of all cases was 59 months (range 1–105). 131 patients reported CVD prior to the diagnosis of NHL and were excluded from analyses. An additional 76 patients did not have follow-up and were excluded. Of the 957 remaining patients, 75 (7.8%) self-reported a new diagnosis of CVD. Of these, 71 cases had available medical records. 57 of the 71 reviewed cases (80%) were validated (18 HF, 9 MI, 21 arrhythmia, 2 pericarditis, and 10 valvular heart disease). Cumulative incidence of CVD at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years was 1.3%, 3.7%, 5.2%, and 7.4%, respectively. Median time from NHL diagnosis to CVD was 26.5 months (range 1–84). Older age was associated with increased risk of overall CVD (p-value<0.001). Gender (p=0.59), radiation therapy (p=0.61), and anthracycline treatment (p=0.25) were not associated with the incidence of overall CVD. Among types of CVD, anthracycline use was associated with development of HF (HR=5.30; p-value=0.008) and arrhythmia (HR=2.68; p-value=0.04). Radiation was associated with development of arrhythmia (HR=2.73; p-value=0.03), while older age was associated with development of HF (HR=1.36 per 5 year increment; p-value=0.003) and arrhythmia (HR=1.25 per 5 year increment; p-value=0.02). Conclusions The risk of CVD in patients with NHL is approximately 1% per year after the initial diagnosis of lymphoma. The most commonly occurring CVDs in this cohort of NHL survivors were arrhythmia and HF. Treatment with anthracyclines and radiation are associated with increased risk of developing some types of CVD. 80% of self-reported CVD events in NHL survivors were validated using epidemiologic criteria. Future studies will include building models incorporating comorbid health conditions and lifestyle factors to determine risk of CVD as well as the impact of CVD on quality of life. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Phase I Trial of a Novel Combination of An HDAC Inhibitor (LBH589) and An mTOR Inhibitor (RAD001) in Lymphoid and Plasma Cell Malignancies
Kumar, Shaji , LaPlant, Betsy, Inwards, David J. , Johnston, Patrick B. , Laumann, Kristina, Micallef, Ivana N. , Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Curtis, Kelly K., Lacy, Martha Q. , Leis, José F., Northfelt, Donald W. , Reeder, Craig B. , Slack, James L., Mıkhael, Joseph , Colgan, Joseph P. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Witzig, Thomas E.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2682-2682

10.1182/blood.v118.21.2682.2682 Get It

Abstract Abstract 2682 Background: The PI3K-Akt pathway is critical to tumor growth in lymphoid malignancies and mTOR inhibitors have shown promising activity in lymphoid malignancies. However, alternate signaling pathways allow cells to escape the effect of mTOR inhibition. Pre-clinical studies have shown that the combination of LBH589, an HDAC inhibitor, with the mTOR inhibitor RAD001 results in potent synergy. We then explored this combination in a phase I/II clinical trial. Patients and Methods: Patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) were enrolled into a phase I trial of escalating doses of LBH589 and RAD001. The doses are shown in the table. The study utilized a 3+ 3 design with MTD defined as the maximum dose resulting in less than 2 dose limiting toxicities (DLT) during the first cycle among 6 patients treated at that dose. DLT was defined as a grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia lasting >= 7 days, febrile neutropenia or any other grade >=3 non-hematologic toxicity considered possibly related to the drugs. Once MTD was determined, patients were enrolled into two separate phase 2 studies, one for relapsed MM and another for relapsed NHL or HL. Results: Twenty-six patients were enrolled to the phase 1 study; 23 were eligible for MTD analysis. There were 16 patients with NHL, 4 with HL and 3 with MM. Median age was 61 (range, 24–73) and 17 were male. The median number of prior therapies was 4 (range 2–11), including a prior stem cell transplant in 11 (48%). No DLT was observed at any of the doses tested in the trial (See below). Hematological toxicities were the most common AEs observed, with a grade 3 or 4 hematologic AE in 15 patients and grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic AEs in 6 patients across all cycles administered. Grade 3 and 4 hematologic AEs included 10 patients with neutropenia and 8 patients with thrombocytopenia. Grade 3 and 4 non-hematologic AEs included hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypophosphatemia, diarrhea, pneumonia and mucositis in one patient each. Overall, 10 responses (43%) were seen (Table). Conclusions: The combination of LBH589 and RAD0001 is tolerated at the doses tested, with hematological toxicities being the most common adverse events. The recommended phase II dose is LBH 40 mg MWF every other week along with 5 mg RAD001 every day in 4-week cycles. Clinical efficacy was seen in all diseases tested with partial responses seen in NHL and HL as well as a minor response in a patient with refractory myeloma, who had previously failed single agent RAD001. Phase 2 trials are ongoing in both disease groups. Disclosures: Kumar: Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Use of the investigational agent MLN9708 for the treatment of previously untreated multiple myeloma. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. Reeder:Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding.
Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte/Monocyte Ratio At Diagnosis and Survival in Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma,
Porrata, Luis F. , Ristow, Kay M., Inwards, David J. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Micallef, Ivana N. , Johnston, Patrick B. , Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Thompson, Carrie A. , Colgan, Joseph P. , Habermann, Thomas M. , Witzig, Thomas E. , Markovic, Svetomir N.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3642-3642

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3642.3642 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3642 Purpose: The reactive pathologic background in nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) consists of lymphocytes and histocytes. Lymphopenia is a negative prognostic factor in NLPHL as it is also in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL). In cHL, tumor-associated macrophages recruited from circulating monocytes are a negative prognostic factor for survival. Thus, we studied if the peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count ratio at diagnosis (ALC/AMC-DX), as a surrogate biomarker of the host response against the neoplastic lymphocytic and/or histiocytic (L&H) cells, affects survival in NLPHL. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the association between ALC/AMC-DX and survival in 103 consecutive NLPHL patients that were followed at Mayo Clinic from 1974 to 2010. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) were used for ALC/AMC-DX cut-off value analysis and proportional-hazards models were used to compare survival based on the ALC/AMC-DX ratio. Results: The cohort included 67 (65%) males and 36 (35%) females. Eighty-three percent of patients presented with stage I/II and 17% with stage III/IV. Sixty-five (63%) patients were treated with radiation alone; 20 (20%) patients with chemotherapy alone; and 18 (17%) patients with chemotherapy and radiation. The median follow-up period was 8.9 years (range: 0.3–31 years). An ALC/AMC-DX ≥ 2.1 was the best cut-off value for survival with an empirical AUC of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78 to 0.88), a sensitivity of 70% (95% CI, 61% to 76%) and specificity of 84% (95%CI, 59% to 82%). The cut-off value for ALC/AMC-DX ≥ 2.1 was validated by the k-fold cross validation method, showing a cross validation ROC with an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.93) for an ALC/AMC-DX ≥ 2.1. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, we studied overall survival (OS), lymphoma-specific survival (LSS), progression-free survival (PFS), and time to progression (TTP) based on ALC/AMC-DX ≥ 2.1. Patients with an ALC/AMC-DX ≥ 2.1 experienced an superior OS, LSS, PFS, and TTP compared with patients with an ALC/AMC-DX < 2.1: [OS: median was 22.1 years vs 6.3 years, 10-years OS rates of 89% (95%CI, 80% to 98%) vs 44% (95%CI, 27% to 65%), p < 0.0001, respectively; LSS: median was not reached vs 7.3 years, 10-years LSS rates of 99% (95%CI, 90% to 100%) vs 45% (95%CI, 29% to 67%), p < 0.0001, respectively; PFS: median was 20.6 years vs 4.6 years, 10-years PFS rates of 84% (95%CI, 80% to 97%) vs 26% (95%CI, 18% to 55%), p < 0.0001, respectively; and TTP: median was not reached vs 5.5 years, 10-years TTP rates of 93% (95%CI, 85% to 99%) vs 29% (95%CI, 19% to 57%), p < 0.0001, respectively]. After adjusting for the International Prognostic Factors and the International Prognostic Score, ALC/AMC-DX remained an independent prognostic factor for OS {hazard ratio (HR), 0.42, 95%CI, 0.23 to 0.64, p< 0.004]; LSS [HR, 0.14; 95%CI, 0.04 to 0.23, p <0.0004]; PFS [HR, 0.14; 95%CI, 0.03 to 0.34, p < 0.001], and TTP [HR, 0.16, 95%CI, 0.04–0.34, p <0.002]. Conclusion: ALC/AMC-DX is an independent prognostic factor for survival and provides a single biomarker to predict clinical outcomes in NLPHL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Genetic Polymorphisms In Genes Involved In R-CHOP Metabolism and Event-Free and Overall Survival In Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Ansell, Stephen M. , Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Micallef, Ivana N. , Thompson, Carrie A. , Wang, Alice H., Macon, William R. , Cerhan, James R. , Habermann, Thomas M. , Maurer, Matthew J. , Wooldridge, James E. , Syrbu, Sergei , Slager, Susan L. , Witzig, Thomas E. , Link, Brian K.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 996-996

10.1182/blood.v116.21.996.996 Get It

Abstract Abstract 996 Background: Treatment with R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) has improved survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) lymphoma, although a significant percentage of patients do not achieve a remission or they relapse. One potential explanation for this observation is that host pharmacogenetic background may impact metabolism, detoxification and transport of R-CHOP. However, there are few prospectively collected data that address pharmacogenetics in DLBCL, particularly for event-free and overall survival in the rituximab era. We therefore tested the hypothesis that functional candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genes involved in the metabolism of CHOP (CYP2C19, CYP3A5, ABCB1, ABCC2, ABCG2, RAC2, CYBA, NR3C1, GSTA1, GSTP1, TP53) and rituximab (FCGR2A, FCGR3A) influence prognosis in DLBCL. Methods: We genotyped 19 SNPs from 13 genes in a prospective cohort of newly diagnosed DLBCL patients with germline DNA enrolled at the Mayo Clinic and University of Iowa from 2002–2008 as part of the Molecular Epidemiology Resource of the Iowa/Mayo Lymphoma SPORE. All patients were systematically followed through 2009 for overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS), defined as disease progression, retreatment or death due to any cause. All SNPs were genotyped on the Illumina Golden-Gate platform. Cox regression was used to estimate Hazard Ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for individual SNPs with OS and EFS. Each SNP was modeled with the most prevalent homozygous genotype used as the reference group. An ordinal test was used to assess the trend across genotypes, and a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. All Cox models adjusted for International Prognostic Index (IPI) and treatment. Results: The median age at diagnosis of the 439 DLBCL patients was 62 years (range 18–92). The IPI was distributed as follows: 0–1 (34%), 2 (26%), 3 (24%) and 4–5 (16%). All patients were treated with chemotherapy, and 91% received R-CHOP. Through 2009, there were 171 events (39%) and 122 (28%) deaths, with a median follow-up for living patients of 49 months (range 1–98). The SNP rs1045642 in the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein gene ABCB1 was associated with OS (p=0.012). The variant T allele for ABCB1 rs1045642 (minor allele frequency (MAF)=0.47) is associated with a silent I→I substitution, and the T allele predicts low enzyme expression. Compared to CC homozygotes, patients with CT (HR=0.66, 95% CI 0.44–0.99) or TT (HR=0.53, 95% CI 0.31–0.90) genotypes had superior OS. We also observed an association of the GSTP1 SNP rs1695 with OS (p-trend=0.018). The variant G allele (MAF of 0.31) is associated with an A→V substitution, and this change predicts low enzyme expression. Compared to AA homozygotes, patients with the AG (HR=0.78, 95% CI 0.54–1.14) or GG (HR=0.39, 95% CI 0.17–0.90) genotypes had superior OS. Nearly identical associations for these two SNPS were observed with EFS. There were no significant associations with any of the other SNPs that we evaluated. Conclusions: In a large series of newly diagnosed DLBCL patients treated in the rituximab era, we found evidence that genetic variation in ABCB1 and GSTP1 is associated with improved OS and EFS after adjusting for IPI and treatment. The variant allele for ABCB1 is associated with slower enzyme activity, favorably impacting doxorubicin and vincristine pharmacodynamics, and the variant allele for GSTP1 is associated with slower detoxification of doxorubicin and vincristine, increasing bioavailability of these drugs. A comprehensive evaluation of the role of pharmacogenetics in DLBCL is warranted. Support: P50 CA97274, R01 CA129539. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.