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Abstract Presumably, reduced-intensity/nonmyeloablative conditioning (RIC/NMA) for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) results in reduced infections compared with myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimens; however, published evidence is limited. In this Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research study, 1755 patients (aged ≥40 years) with acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission were evaluated for infections occurring within 100 days after T-cell replete alloHCT. Patients receiving RIC/NMA (n = 777) compared with those receiving MAC (n = 978) were older and underwent transplantation more recently; however, the groups were similar regarding Karnofsky performance score, HCT–comorbidity index, and cytogenetic risk. One or more infections occurred in 1045 (59.5%) patients (MAC, 595 [61%]; RIC/NMA, 450 [58%]; P = .21) by day 100. The median time to initial infection after MAC conditioning occurred earlier (MAC, 15 days [range, <1-99 days]; RIC/NMA, 21 days [range, <1-100 days]; P < .001). Patients receiving MAC were more likely to experience at least 1 bacterial infection by day 100 (MAC, 46% [95% confidence interval (CI), 43-49]; RIC/NMA, 37% [95% CI, 34-41]; P = .0004), whereas at least a single viral infection was more prevalent in the RIC/NMA cohort (MAC, 34% [95% CI, 31-37]; RIC/NMA, 39% [95% CI, 36-42]; P = .046). MAC remained a risk factor for bacterial infections in multivariable analysis (relative risk, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23-1.67; P < .0001). Moreover, the rate of any infection per patient-days at risk in the first 100 days (infection density) after alloHCT was greater for the MAC cohort (1.21; 95% CI, 1.11-1.32; P < .0001). RIC/NMA was associated with reduced infections, especially bacterial infections, in the first 100 days after alloHCT.

Measles virus (MeV) is monotypic. Live virus challenge provokes a broadly protective humoral immune response that neutralizes all known measles genotypes. The two surface glycoproteins, H and F, mediate virus attachment and entry, respectively, and neutralizing antibodies to H are considered the main correlate of protection. Herein, we made improvements to the MeV reverse genetics system and generated a panel of recombinant MeVs in which the globular head domain or stalk region of the H glycoprotein or the entire F protein, or both, were substituted with the corresponding protein domains from canine distemper virus (CDV), a closely related morbillivirus that resists neutralization by measles-immune sera. The viruses were tested for sensitivity to human or guinea pig neutralizing anti-MeV antisera and to ferret anti-CDV antisera. Virus neutralization was mediated by antibodies to both H and F proteins, with H being immunodominant in the case of MeV and F being so in the case of CDV. Additionally, the globular head domains of both MeV and CDV H proteins were immunodominant over their stalk regions. These data shed further light on the factors constraining the evolution of new morbillivirus serotypes.

Background In the phase 3 MARIANNE trial, trastuzumab emtansine (T‐DM1) with or without pertuzumab showed noninferior progression‐free survival and better tolerability than trastuzumab plus a taxane (HT) for the first‐line treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive advanced breast cancer. This article reports the final descriptive overall survival (OS) analysis, updated safety data, and additional patient‐reported outcomes and biomarker analyses. Methods OS was assessed in 1095 patients with HER2‐positive breast cancer and no prior therapy for advanced disease who had been randomized to HT, T‐DM1 plus a placebo (hereafter T‐DM1), or T‐DM1 plus pertuzumab (T‐DM1+pertuzumab). A post hoc exploratory landmark analysis of OS, baseline patient and disease characteristics, and tumor biomarkers in patients with and without an objective tumor response (OR) according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors within 6.5 months of randomization was conducted. Results The median OS was similar across groups (50.9, 53.7, and 51.8 months for the HT, T‐DM1, and T‐DM1+pertuzumab groups, respectively). Among patients with an OR, the median OS was longer with T‐DM1 (64.4 months) and T‐DM1+pertuzumab (not reached) versus HT (56.3 months). No baseline characteristics or biomarkers were strongly associated with OR. The incidence of grade 3 or higher adverse events was greater with HT (55.8%) than T‐DM1 (47.1%) or T‐DM1+pertuzumab (48.6%). The median time to clinically meaningful deterioration (a 3‐point or greater change) in neurotoxicity symptoms was shorter with HT (2.1 months) and T‐DM1+pertuzumab (4.2 months) than T‐DM1 (6.2 months). Fewer patients reported alopecia and diarrhea and were bothered by treatment side effects in the T‐DM1 arm. Conclusions These results support T‐DM1 as a first‐line treatment for patients with HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer who are deemed unsuitable for taxane‐based therapy.

AbstractObjectivesThe 2017 Workshop of the Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology reviewed the role of molecular genetics in the diagnosis and biology of lymphoid neoplasms.MethodsThe Workshop Panel reviewed 82 cases.ResultsMolecular genetic testing reveals alterations that expand the spectrum of diseases such as DUSP22 rearrangement in ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement, MYD88 mutations in B-cell lymphomas, Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberrations, and diagnostic criteria for high-grade B-cell lymphomas. Therapeutic agents and natural tumor progression may be associated with transcriptional reprogramming that lead to transdifferentiation and lineage switch.ConclusionsApplication of emerging technical advances has revealed the complexity of genetic events in lymphomagenesis, progression, and acquired resistance to therapies. They also contribute to enhanced understanding of the biology of indolent vs aggressive behavior, clonal evolution, tumor progression, and transcriptional reprogramming associated with transdifferentiation events that may occur subsequent to therapy.

Abstract Purpose: To develop a prognostic model and cytogenetic risk classification for previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) undergoing reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Experimental Design: We performed a retrospective analysis of outcomes of 606 patients with CLL who underwent RIC allogeneic HCT between 2008 and 2014 reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. Results: On the basis of multivariable models, disease status, comorbidity index, lymphocyte count, and white blood cell count at HCT were selected for the development of prognostic model. Using the prognostic score, we stratified patients into low-, intermediate-, high-, and very-high-risk [4-year progression-free survival (PFS) 58%, 42%, 33%, and 25%, respectively, P < 0.0001; 4-year overall survival (OS) 70%, 57%, 54%, and 38%, respectively, P < 0.0001]. We also evaluated karyotypic abnormalities together with del(17p) and found that del(17p) or ≥5 abnormalities showed inferior PFS. Using a multivariable model, we classified cytogenetic risk into low, intermediate, and high (P < 0.0001). When the prognostic score and cytogenetic risk were combined, patients with low prognostic score and low cytogenetic risk had prolonged PFS (61% at 4 years) and OS (75% at 4 years). Conclusions: In this large cohort of patients with previously treated CLL who underwent RIC HCT, we developed a robust prognostic scoring system of HCT outcomes and a novel cytogenetic-based risk stratification system. These prognostic models can be used for counseling patients, comparing data across studies, and providing a benchmark for future interventions. For future study, we will further validate these models for patients receiving targeted therapies prior to HCT.

Abstract Context SDHB mutations are found in an increasing number of neoplasms, most notably in paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas (PPGLs). SDHB-PPGLs are slow-growing tumors, but ∼50% of them may develop metastasis. The molecular basis of metastasis in these tumors is a long-standing and unresolved problem. Thus, a better understanding of the biology of metastasis is needed. Objective This study aimed to identify gene methylation changes relevant for metastatic SDHB-PPGLs. Design We performed genome-wide profiling of DNA methylation in diverse clinical and genetic PPGL subtypes, and validated protocadherin γ-C3 (PCDHGC3) gene promoter methylation in metastatic SDHB-PPGLs. Results We define an epigenetic landscape specific for metastatic SDHB-PPGLs. DNA methylation levels were found significantly higher in metastatic SDHB-PPGLs than in SDHB-PPGLs without metastases. One such change included long-range de novo methylation of the PCDHA, PCDHB, and PCDHG gene clusters. High levels of PCDHGC3 promoter methylation were validated in primary metastatic SDHB-PPGLs, it was found amplified in the corresponding metastases, and it was significantly correlated with PCDHGC3 reduced expression. Interestingly, this epigenetic alteration could be detected in primary tumors that developed metastasis several years later. We also show that PCDHGC3 down regulation engages metastasis-initiating capabilities by promoting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conclusions Our data provide a map of the DNA methylome episignature specific to an SDHB-mutated cancer and establish PCDHGC3 as a putative suppressor gene and a potential biomarker to identify patients with SDHB-mutated cancer at high risk of metastasis who might benefit from future targeted therapies.

Background:Despite recent advances, multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable, and new treatment options are needed to continue to improve patient outcomes. This is the first randomized, phase 3 trial of an anti‐CD38 antibody in combination with pomalidomide (P) and dexamethasone (d) in RRMM.Aims:The primary objective of this phase 3 trial (NCT02990338) was to demonstrate progression free survival (PFS) improvement of isatuximab (Isa), a novel anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody targeting a specific epitope, combined with Pd versus (vs) Pd in RRMM.Methods:Patients (pts) with RRMM who received ≥2 prior lines, including lenalidomide (len) and a proteasome inhibitor (PI), refractory to last therapy were enrolled. IsaPd arm received Isa 10 mg/kg IV weekly for first 4 weeks (wks), then every 2 wks. Both arms received approved schedules of pom and dex (4 mg PO days 1–21; 40 mg [20 mg if >75 yrs] PO or IV weekly) every 28 days until progression or unacceptable toxicity.Results:307 pts (154 IsaPd, 153 Pd) were randomized and analyzed (ITT). Patient characteristics were well balanced across arms. Median age: 67 (36–86) yrs; median prior lines of therapy: 3 (2–11); estimated GFR: <60 ml/min in 33.9% pts; 92.5% refractory to len, 75.9% to PI; and 19.5% pts had high‐risk cytogenetics. At median follow‐up of 11.6 months (mos), median PFS was 11.5 mos IsaPd vs 6.5 mos Pd; HR 0.596 (95% CI 0.44–0.81), P = 0.001. PFS benefit was consistent across all major subgroups. ORR (≥PR) was 60.4% IsaPd vs 35.3% Pd, P < 0.0001. VGPR rate or better was 31.8% IsaPd vs 8.5% Pd, and MRD negativity (NGS, 10−5) was seen in 5.2% IsaPd pts vs 0% Pd. At analysis date, overall survival (OS) was immature (99 events) but a trend to OS improvement in IsaPd (vs Pd) was observed (HR 0.687; 95% CI 0.461–1.023). Median treatment duration was 41 wks IsaPd vs 24 wks Pd; median Isa infusion (inf.) duration was 3.3 h at 1st inf. and 2.8 h at subsequent inf. Grade ≥3 AEs were observed in 86.8% IsaPd vs 70.5% Pd; 7.2% IsaPd and 12.8% Pd pts discontinued due to AEs; 7.9% IsaPd and 9.4% Pd pts died due to AEs. Inf. reactions were reported in 38.2% (2.6% grade 3–4) IsaPd. Grade ≥3 infections were seen in 42.8% IsaPd and 30.2% Pd, grade ≥3 neutropenia in 84.9% (febrile 11.8%) IsaPd and 70.1% (febrile 2.0%) Pd.Summary/Conclusion:Isatuximab in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone significantly improved PFS and ORR vs pomalidomide and dexamethasone, with a manageable safety profile. Isatuximab in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone is an important new treatment option for the management of RRMM.

Background:Mutations localized in the tyrosine kinase domain activation loop of FLT3 (FLT3‐TKD), induce constitutive tyrosine phosphorylation, and activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase similarly to FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations. However, the prognostic role of FLT3‐TKD in AML is not well established. In the phase 3 RATIFY trial [CALGB 10603/Alliance; NCT00651261; Stone et al. N Engl J Med. 2017] midostaurin, in combination with standard chemotherapy, improved survival outcomes across all three FLT3 stratification subgroups (ITD high allelic ratio (AR) [≥ 0.7], ITD low AR [< 0.7] and TKD) vs placebo.Aims:Here, a post hoc analysis was used to establish the efficacy of midostaurin in patients (pts) in the RATIFY trial stratified by FLT3‐TKD AR and NPM1 mutational status.Methods:In RATIFY, newly diagnosed pts with AML 18–60 years (y) old were randomly assigned to receive midostaurin or placebo together with standard induction and consolidation therapy followed by twelve 28‐day cycles of maintenance therapy with midostaurin or placebo. FLT3‐TKD mutation was detected by PCR and capillary electrophoresis at nine reference laboratories. The FLT3‐TKD AR was calculated as the ratio between the areas under the curve of mutant to wild‐type allele. Pts were categorized as NPM1 mutated (mut) or NPM1 wild‐type (WT) using PCR. Efficacy outcomes included complete remission (CR), overall survival (OS), event‐free survival (EFS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). EFS and DFS analyses were performed considering CR within a 60‐day window. P values presented were not adjusted for multiplicity.Results:Of 163 FLT3‐TKD pts, 134 with available NPM1 data had consented for exploratory analysis and were included in this study. Overall, 58.9% of pts had NPM1‐mut, 47.8% were male and the median age was 49 y (range: 19.3–59.9 y). The median white blood cell (WBC) count was higher in pts with NPM1‐mut than in pts with NPM1‐WT (34.1 vs 15.5 × 109 /L). The median FLT3‐TKD AR was 0.4 (range: 0–2.7). Overall CR rate (regardless of NPM1 genotype) was 64% for midostaurin and 56% for placebo in FLT3‐TKD pts. Pts with FLT3‐TKD AR ≥ 0.4 treated with midostaurin showed a trend towards improved OS and reduced cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) (Figure). In FLT3‐TKD AR ≥ 0.4 pts, the presence of a NPM1 mutation had a significant prognostic effect for all endpoints consistently with hazard ratios (HRs) around 0.50 or lower. Regardless of treatment OS, EFS, and DFS estimates at 3 y were 73% vs 52%, 48% vs 25%, and 74% vs 47%, respectively, for the 45 pts with FLT3‐TKD/NPM1‐mut vs the 25 pts with FLT3‐TKD/NPM1‐WT. It should be noted that the number of pts in each subgroup was small. Multivariate analyses in these FLT3‐TKD pts revealed that NPM1 genotype was an independent prognostic factor for OS and EFS (2‐sided P < 0.05), whereas study drug, age, sex, TKD AR, WBC at baseline and stem cell transplantation (SCT) (no/yes) did not reach this level of significance in the Cox model.Summary/Conclusion:This post hoc analysis of the subset of FLT3‐TKD pts in the RATIFY trial showed the high prognostic value of NPM1 mutational status. Midostaurin showed an overall benefit in the FLT3‐TKD pts for OS, EFS, CR and DFS, with the impact of treatment on outcome for NPM1‐mut pts being greatest in those with higher FLT3‐TKD allelic burden. U10CA180821, U10CA180882, U24CA196171, U10CA180861; Novartis; htt∗∗∗ps://acknowledgments.alliancefound.orgimage

Background:Tipifarnib is a potent and selective inhibitor of the enzyme farnesyltransferase (FT). FT catalyzes post‐translational attachment of farnesyl groups required for localization of signaling molecules to the inner cell membrane. CXCL12 is a chemokine that is essential for T cell homing to lymphoid organs and the bone marrow, and for the maintenance of immune cell progenitors.Aims:Herein we report preliminary efficacy, safety and biomarker data from a Phase 2 study of tipifarnib in angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) and CXCL12+ peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) patients (pts).Methods:This Phase 2 study (NCT02464228) is a multi‐institutional, single‐arm, open‐label trial initially designed as a two‐stage (11+7 pts) design to determine the efficacy, safety and biomarkers of tipifarnib in pts with relapsed/refractory (R/R) PTCL age >/ = 18 years and a performance status of 0–2. Based on initial findings, the study was amended to include a cohort of AITL (n = 12) and PTCL (n = 12) pts with the CXCL12 rs2839695 A/A genotype (CXCL12+ cohort). Pts received tipifarnib 300 mg administered orally twice daily on days 1–21 of 28‐day treatment cycles until progression of disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint of the study is overall response rate (ORR). Ancillary studies are also ongoing to investigate the prognostic value of CXCL12 expression in pts who received tipifarnib and standard of care treatment.Results:As of 20 February 2019, 43 PTCL pts (20 AITL, 21 PTCL‐NOS, 1 ALK‐ ALCL, 1 gamma‐delta TCL) have been treated with tipifarnib, 19 pts in stages 1 and 2, and 24 pts in the ongoing AITL histology and CXCL12 cohort. Median number of prior treatment regimens was 3; 19 pts had a prior stem cell transplant. All pts had at least one treatment‐emergent adverse event (TEAE); 39 (90%) had at least 1 study drug‐related TEAE and 12 (28%) at least 1 drug related SAE. The most frequently observed drug‐related TEAEs of Grade ≥3 occurring in 10% or more of pts were blood and lymphatic system disorders, including neutropenia (44%), thrombocytopenia (37%), leukopenia (28%), anemia (21%) and febrile neutropenia (21%). There have been 14 deaths on study; none were related to study drug. Of 18 evaluable pts enrolled in Stages 1 and 2 of the trial, 3 partial responses (PR), 2 of them in pts with AITL histology, and 4 best responses of stable disease (SD) were observed. In the AITL cohort (11 evaluable pts), a 45% ORR and 73% clinical benefit rate (CBR; 3 CR, 2 PR and 3 SD) was observed. In the CXCL12+ cohort (n = 3 evaluable pts), 1 PR and 2 SD have been observed, with 4 pts pending cycle 2 response evaluation. CXCL12 expression correlated with favorable outcome to tipifarnib treatment. Pre‐treatment high CXCL12 expression had 90% sensitivity and 93% specificity to identify pts who experienced CR/PR/SD on study in a preliminary analysis of 24 pts. The prognosis of CXCL12 was also retrospectively investigated in 73 pts who received standard of care therapy (AITL N = 50, PTCL NOS = 23). A trend for poor prognosis (22 vs 40 months median OS from diagnosis, HR = 1.8, p = 0.09) was observed using the high CXCL12 subset using the cut‐off point that predicted clinical benefit under tipifarnib therapy. Fifty percent of AITL and 35% of non‐AITL samples overexpressed CXCL12.Summary/Conclusion:Preliminary activity of tipifarnib was observed in PTCL pts, particularly in those with tumors of AITL histology and high CXCL12 expression and enrollment in the CXCL12+ cohort continues.