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Abstract Abstract 960 Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma whose survival depends on various signaling pathways one of which is Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). We have demonstrated that JAK2 is constitutively activated at the auto-phosphorylation site in many cases of DLBCL. The most common mechanism causing abnormal JAK2 activation is through dysregulated cytokine signaling. Cytokines are deregulated in several hematological malignancies and may play a role in tumor cell growth through receptor-mediated and ligand dependent activation of the JAK2 kinase. In this study we investigated the role of cytokine signaling in JAK2 activation in DLBCL and use of a novel JAK2 inhibitor (JAK2i) to inhibit IL-10 induced JAK/STAT signaling. We studied serum cytokines from 70 patients with new untreated DLBCL who participated in a clinical trial in the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (Micallef, IN et al Blood 2011). Compared to control sera, patients with DLBCL had higher levels of several JAK2 kinase related cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and EGF). IL-10 and IL-6 were significantly higher in DLBCL patients vs controls with p values >0.03 and >0.001, respectively. We next examined whether DLBCL cell lines produced IL-10. The phospho-JAK2 (pJAK2) positive DLBCL cell lines Ly10, DHL2 and HBL1 produced more IL-10 (40–80 pg/ml) than the pJAK2 negative cell lines Ly1, Ly19 and DHL6 (0–5 pg/ml). Analysis of the surface expression of IL-10 receptors (IL-10R) determined that most p-JAK2 positive DLBCL cells express either IL-10Ra or IL-10Rb or both. IL-10 had no effect on DLBCL cell survival in vitro; however, it did promote their proliferation. Only IL-10 (but not the other elevated cytokines) was specifically able to activate JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation in a subgroup of DLBCL cell lines. IL-10 was not able to activate JAK1, STAT1 and STAT5, which suggests a specific role of IL-10 in the JAK2 pathway. Moreover, neutralizing antibody to IL-10 inhibited IL-10-induced JAK2 and STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation. We studied the effect of SAR302503 (SAR503, Sanofi, Cambridge, MA), a selective JAK2i currently in clinical trial for myelofibrosis on constitutive JAK2 signaling in DLBCL cells. SAR503 was able to inhibit JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation in a dose and time dependent manner in a variety of DLBCL cell lines and patient samples. JAK2 inhibition with SAR2503 caused a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on survival of pJAK2 positive DLBCL cells not observed in pJAK2 negative cells. Activation of STAT3 signaling up-regulates the expression of various genes involved in cell survival and proliferation such as bcl-xl, bcl-2, mcl-1 and c-myc. We observed a dose-dependent decrease in c-myc protein and mRNA levels in Ly3 and DHL2 cells with SAR503 treatment; however, SAR503 did not effect expression of bcl2, mcl-1 and bcl-xl proteins in DLBCL cells. Interestingly, JAK2 inhibition with SAR503 inhibited the autocrine secretion of IL-10 in a dose-dependent manner. Next, we determined if higher pre-treatment serum IL-10 correlates with the overall survival of 81 DLBCL patients. IL-10 by ELISA demonstrated that IL-10 levels were high in 51% (41/81) of patients (median, 57.7pg/ml; range, 26.1–503.7), and low in 49% (40/81) (median, 15.9 pg/ml; range, 0–25.9). Using a cut-off value of 26.1pg/ml, patients with a high serum IL-10 level had a significantly worse event-free survival (p=0.01). Clinical correlation of serum IL-10 with disease parameters showed that the IL-10 level was correlated with elevated serum LDH (p= 0.0085) and IPI score (p=0.01); there was no correlation with the number of extranodal sites, age, or B symptoms. DLBCL tumors from 40 patients were classified into germinal center B-cell type (GCB) and non-GCB type using the Hans algorithm. There was a clear trend towards a higher serum IL-10 in non-GCB DLBCL patients (p <0.06). In summary, our data identifies mechanisms of JAK2 kinase activation in DLBCL and supports the hypothesis that the IL-10-JAK2-cmyc pathway is activated in patients with DLBCL. Finally our data provide a mechanistic basis of selecting and targeting DLBCL tumor cells with high IL-10 levels and/or constitutive JAK2 activity with potent and novel JAK2 inhibitors such as SAR503. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 586 Background: Dacetuzumab (SGN-40), a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets CD40, mediates antitumor activity through multiple mechanisms of action, including effector cell functions (ADCC/ADCP) and direct apoptotic signal transduction. Ongoing evaluation of the molecule has led to 2 additional key findings: a gene signature that predicts sensitivity to single-agent dacetuzumab, and upregulation of the pro-apoptotic and chemosensitizing transcription factor TAp63αa when dacetuzumab is combined with rituximab (R) and gemcitabine (GEM). In prior single-agent dacetuzumab trials, several patients who were immediately treated with GEM after progressing achieved unexpected responses. These observations provided rationale for further analysis of the combination of dacetuzumab, R and GEM. Methods: A phase 1b dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety and adverse event profile of dacetuzumab, R and GEM was conducted in patients with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Patients received dacetuzumab at cohort-specific doses of 8 or 12 mg/kg IV weekly in combination with R (375 mg/m2 IV for 1 cycle, then once/28-day cycle) and GEM (1000 mg/m2 IV weekly or biweekly) in a 3 + 3 dose-escalation scheme. A maximum number of 8 cycles was permitted. Eligible patients included those with de novo DLBCL, including transformed lymphoma and follicular grade 3, who failed potentially curative therapy. Results: Thirty-one patients with a median age of 68 years (range 29–80) were enrolled and treated in the study (3 patients in each of 3 cohorts + 22 in an expansion cohort). The median number of prior regimens was 3 (range 1–18); 10 patients (32%) had transformed histology and 4 (13%) had prior ASCT. The median number of cycles received was 3 (range 1–8), although 11 patients are still on treatment. Three patients in the first cohort required dose reduction of GEM due to transient, non-dose-limiting thrombocytopenia. The protocol was thus amended to administer GEM on a biweekly schedule. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed, and MTD was not defined. Based on pharmacokinetic modeling suggesting no significant difference in exposure between dose levels, 8 mg/kg of dacetuzumab was chosen as the dose for the expansion cohort. The combination of dacetuzumab, R and GEM was generally well tolerated. Across all cohorts, the most common adverse events (> 15%) were nausea (42%), thrombocytopenia (35%), fatigue (32%), headache (29%), anorexia (19%), dyspnea (19%), pyrexia (19%), diarrhea (16%), and neutropenia (16%), the majority of which were Grade 1 or 2. Grade 3/4 adverse events related to dacetuzumab occurred infrequently. One patient experienced Grade 3 stress cardiomyopathy that resolved; this patient had a history of congestive heart failure. One patient developed pneumonitis in the left lung and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and subsequently died due to pulmonary toxicity; this patient had received prior radiation therapy to the left chest. There was preliminary evidence of antitumor activity. Of the 28 patients with response assessments, 7 patients achieved CR, 8 PR, 7 SD, and 6 PD per investigator assessment of response, yielding an objective response rate of 54%. Of interest, 1 patient who previously failed ASCT achieved a CR and was able to undergo allogeneic transplant. To date, this patient remains in CR. Conclusion: The combination of dacetuzumab, R and biweekly GEM was generally well tolerated. Evidence of antitumor activity with this combination is encouraging as multiple responses were observed in a population with heavily pre-treated patients. Further investigation with a randomized trial is warranted to more fully characterize safety and efficacy and to determine if sensitivity to this combination correlates with the previously identified single-agent predictive gene signature. Disclosures: Forero-Torres: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Gemcitabine has not been FDA approved for treatment of lymphoma. Dacetuzumab is an investigational agent.. Bartlett:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Nasta:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Genentech: Speakers Bureau. Northfelt:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Beaven:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Myint:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Whiting:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Drachman:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Moskowitz:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Abstract Background: The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal transduction pathway integrates signals from multiple receptor tyrosine kinases to control cell proliferation and survival. Everolimus (RAD001, Novartis Pharmaceuticals) is an oral investigational antineoplastic agent that targets mTOR. Objectives: To learn the anti-tumor activity and toxicity of single-agent RAD001 in pts with relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL. Patients and Methods: Patients were eligible if they had measurable disease, a platelet count >75,000, an absolute neutrophil count >1,000, and a creatinine and bilirubin <2x laboratory upper limit of normal. Patients received RAD001 10 mg PO daily and were evaluated monthly. Dose reductions to 5 mg daily and 5 mg every other day were allowed. Response was assessed after 2 cycles and periodically thereafter. Patients could remain on drug until progression or toxicity. Results: Thirty-seven pts were treated - 20 (54%) with relapsed diffuse large cell (DLC), 14 (38%) with relapsed mantle cell (MCL), 2 high grade, and 1 follicular grade III. The median age was 72 years (range, 45–92). Patients had received a median of 4 prior therapies (range, 1–15). The overall response rate was 32% (12/37; 95% CI:20–49%) with 1 complete response and 11 partial responses. The ORR was 35% (7/20) in the DLC group and 29% (4/14) in the MCL patients. Patients have received a median of 2 cycles (range, 1–16+) of therapy. The median time to progression for all 37 patients is 3.1 months (95%CI; 2.0 – 4.7). The median duration of response for the 12 responders is 5.5 months (95% CI; 2.3 – 9.2) and 5 pts remained progression free at 6 months. Three patients are currently maintaining a response with a median time of 10.5 months (range, 2.9–15.6+months). RAD001 was well tolerated. The incidence of grade 3 anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia in this heavily pretreated pt population was 11%, 16%, and 30%. Two pts developed grade 4 neutropenia. Grade 2 hypercholesterolemia occurred in 11%; grade 2 hyperglycemia in 16%; grade 3 hyperglycemia in 11% and 1 pt had grade 4 hypertriglyceridemia. Summary: RAD001 has single-agent activity in relapsed aggressive NHL and provides proof-of-concept that targeting the mTOR pathway in NHL is clinically relevant.

Abstract The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) exists in two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. Most mTOR inhibitors used for hematologic diseases such as rapamycin, everolimus, and temsirolimus are considered mTORC1 inhibitors and do not target mTORC2. The central role of the mTOR kinase in controlling cell growth has sparked interest in discovering mTOR inhibitors that bind to the ATP active site and therefore target both mTORC2 and mTORC1. mTOR also regulates protein synthesis by phosphorylating the P70S6-Kinase and the eIF4E-binding-protein, 4EBP1. The effect of active site dual mTOR inhibitors on cap dependent translation has not been investigated in lymphomas. In this study we moved beyond the effect of the dual mTOR inhibitor CC214-1 (Celgene Pharmceuticals) on the mTORC2/AKT pathway to focus on its effects on cap dependent protein translation. Cap dependent translation is regulated by the translation initiation complex eIF4F (eIF4E-eIF4G-eIF4A). First, we assessed the formation of the active eIF4F (m7GTP-eIF4E-eIF4G) translation complex by a pull down assay using agarose-immobilized m7GTP cap analog to capture eIF4E and its binding partner in lymphoma cell lines (Jeko, Mino, Granta and JVM2, Ly3, Ly1, DHL6) and in primary cells (n=5). Our data demonstrate that the cap bound fraction from normal B cells contain very little eIF4G and eIF4A; however, lymphoma cells were enriched with eIF4G, eIF4E and eIF4A. Increased mRNA of eIF4E and eIF4G was observed in all lymphoma cell lines tested as compared to normal B-cells. 150 untreated diffuse large B cell lymphoma samples were stained for eIF4E by immunohistochemistry and 76% (135/150) were found eIF4E positive. Taken together, these data suggest that lymphoma cells exist in a translational activated state compared to normal B-cells. Next, we examined the effect of the dual mTOR inhibitor CC214-1 on the integrity of the eIF4F complex. In the CC214-1 treated cells the quantity of the eIF4E bound to 4EBP1 was increased whereas the amount of the eIF4E bound to eIF4G was decreased in the CC214-1 treated lymphoma cells but not in those treated with a selective mTORC1 agent (everolimus). We also found that the phosphorylation of 4EBP1 that controls protein synthesis is partially resistant to everolimus/rapamycin but fully suppressed with CC214-1. CC214-1 had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on lymphoma cell survival; however, everolimus and rapamycin were only cytostatic. Moreover, CC-214 was much more potent than rapamycin and everolimus in blocking protein translation measured by the leucine incorporation assay. To elucidate the role of the eIF4E complex in the response to CC214-1, we transiently expressed WT-eIF4E plasmid in Jeko cells and then treated with CC214-1. Ectopic expression of wt-eIF4E led to a loss in the CC-214-1 dependent decrease in the eIF4E bound eIF4G as compared with the control plasmid. Moreover, overexpression of eIF4E also protected against CC214-1-induced apoptosis. To evaluate the efficiency of cap-dependent translation in the presence of CC214-1 and rapamycin, we used the bicistronic reporter assay where translation initiation of the first cistron is dependent on the 5′ cap, whereas initiation of the second cistron depends on a viral internal ribosome entry site. Transfection of this plasmid in CC214-1 treated cells caused a significant decrease in cap-dependent, but not IRES-dependent, translation. We next looked the effect of CC214-1 on the eIF4E regulated translationally active mRNA targets. We isolated eIF4E known mRNA targets (Myc, Cylin D1, Cyclin D2 and MCL-1) by immunoprecipitation assays using eIF4E antibody (mRNA-IP). CC214-1 treated RNA-IP data showed decreased expression of Myc but not the other mRNA targets. Myc is highly expressed in the DLBCL tumors and would be a good prognostic or predictive biomarker for CC214-1 therapy. Translation deregulation is an important mechanism that causes aberrant cell growth in lymphoma cells. Currently, there is a need to identify additional agents that target this pathway. These studies provide a mechanistic basis of targeting cap dependent translation in lymphoma through next generation dual mTOR inhibitors. This study also suggests eIF4E (indicative of activated eIF4F complex) as a potential biomarker for the selection of patients for next generation mTOR inhibitors clinical trials in lymphoma patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background and Aims A platelet count ≤100,000/µL is regarded as an independent prognostic marker for the development of leukemia and is associated with inferior survival in myelofibrosis (MF) (Huang et al. 2008). The approved JAK2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib, is associated with treatment-emergent thrombocytopenia, and patients with platelets ≤100,000/µL were excluded from the phase III COMFORT trials. Efficacy and safety data are limited in patients with MF and platelets ≤100,000/µL treated with ruxolitinib. Pacritinib (SB1518), an oral JAK2/FLT3 inhibitor, did not appear to be associated with clinically significant treatment emergent anemia or thrombocytopenia during early phase studies in patients with myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. This integrated analysis was performed to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of pacritinib in MF patients with baseline platelet counts of ≤100,000/µL. Methods The databases from 2 phase I/II clinical trials of pacritinib in advanced myeloid malignancies and MF were integrated to evaluate the rate of adverse events (AEs) and favorable spleen responses in patients with MF and thrombocytopenia. Results One hundred twenty-nine patients with advanced myeloid malignancies and MF were treated with pacritinib in phase I and II clinical trials. Sixty-five patients with MF were treated with 400 mg orally once daily in 2 phase II studies. Of these, 28 patients with MF [21 primary MF (75%), 5 post-polycythemia vera-MF, 2 post-essential thrombocytosis-MF] had baseline platelet counts of ≤100,000/µL (median: 58,500/µL, range: 15,000/µL – 97,000/µL). The median age was 69 years. Twenty three (82%) patients had the JAK2V617F mutation. During the phase 2 studies, spleen volume responses were assessed by MRI and are shown for all patients (Figure 1) and for patients with platelets ≤100,000/µL (Figure 2). Thirty-seven percent and 43% of all evaluable patients and patients with ≤100,000/µL platelets, respectively, had ≥35% reduction in spleen volume from baseline (Table). Among the 21 informative patients with allelic JAK2V617F quantification at more than 1 study visit, 3, including 2 patients with homozygous mutations, had ≥35% reduction in spleen volume and substantial reductions in allelic burden from baseline (mean reduction 64%, range 44 to 88%). In the 11 (17%) patients with MF and baseline platelet counts ≤50,000/μL, overall spleen volume reduction was 38% (3/8) in evaluable patients and the median decline in platelet count observed at study end was 6,000/µL. Integrated safety analysis for all 129 patients with advanced myeloid malignancies showed the most common adverse events (AEs) were gastrointestinal (GI), predominantly diarrhea, and most of these were grade 1 (43%) and grade 2 (26%). The time to onset of diarrhea was ≤30 days in the majority of those affected, but only 2% had drug discontinuation as a consequence. Among the 129 patients in the phase 1 and 2 trials, 57 patients had ≤100,000 platelets; of these 26 (46%) had no CTC grade change in hemoglobin (Hb) and platelet counts from baseline values. Hb and platelet counts improved by one grade in 16% and 18% of patients, respectively. One grade worsening was seen in 28% and 30% in Hb and platelet counts, respectively. Conclusions Pacritinib was well-tolerated in patients with MF, regardless of their baseline platelet counts. Grade 1 or 2 GI toxicities, particularly diarrhea, were the most common AEs. Spleen responses were similar in patients regardless of baseline platelet counts (≥100,000/µL vs. ≤100,000/µL). Notably, even patients with initial platelet counts ≤50,000/µL tolerated therapy and the majority maintained stable hemoglobin and platelet counts. A phase III trial will evaluate pacritinib versus best available therapies in patients with MF and platelet counts ≤100,000/µL. Disclosures: Dean: Cell Therapeutics, Inc: Employment. Cernohous:Cell Therapeutics, Inc: Employment. Mesa:Incyte, CTI, Gilead, Celgene, Genetech, NS Pharma, Lilly: Research Funding. Campbell:Cell Therapeutics, Inc: Employment. Caldwell:Cell Therapeutics, Inc: Employment. Wang:Cell Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment. Myint:Cell Therapeutics, Inc: Employment.

Abstract Abstract 3898 Background: Although chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) has substantially improved response rates, treatment free survival, and overall survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), only 4050 of patients achieve a complete remission and the majority have residual disease when evaluated using sensitive assays. There remains interest in identifying new approaches to improve the effectiveness of CIT. Ofatumumab is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that is approved for patients with relapsed CLL refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab. The single agent activity of ofatumumab in patients with refractory CLL suggests it may have greater efficacy than rituximab in patients with CLL. To explore the efficacy of ofatumumab based CIT, we initiated a clinical trial studying the effect of ofatumumab in combination with pentostatin and cyclophosphamide (PCO) for patients with previously untreated CLL. METHODS: Eligible patients were previously untreated and had CLL in need of treatment according to the NCI-WG criteria (Blood 111:5446). The treatment schema included 6 cycles of ofatumuamb (300 mg on day 1 of cycle 1;1000 mg on day 2 of cycle 1 and day 1 of cycles 26) followed by pentostatin (2 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) administered every 21 days. All patients underwent complete response evaluation including evaluation for MRD using sensitive flow cytometry (Leukemia 21:956) at the completion of treatment. RESULTS: 33 patients were enrolled at Mayo Clinic and Duke University between 3/2010 and 9/2010. All patients were eligible for treatment and have completed active treatment. Clinical characteristics included: 76 male, median age 63 (range: 5083); intermediate Rai risk 27; and high Rai risk 73. On prognostic testing 33 were CD38, 48 Zap-70 , 58 IGHV unmutated, and 6 had high risk FISH (del 17p13; del 11q22). 26 of 33 eligible patients (79) completed all 6 cycles of PCO induction. Seven patients went off treatment early (toxicity: n5; refusal: n1; progression: n1). Adverse events deemed at least possibly related to PCO induction included 8 (24) patients with grade 3 hematologic toxicity and 5 (15) with grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity. The overall response rate to PCO induction was 94 (31/33) with 15 (45) CR/CRi, 5 (15) CCR, 9 (27) nPR, and 2 (6) PR. 2/10 (20) patients with CR's tested for MRD were also MRD negative by 6 color flow cytometry analysis. Finally, we compared this cohort of patients treated with ofatumuamb-based CIT to our prior 108 patient cohort of patients treated with rituximab-based CIT both of which used an identical chemotherapy backbone (pentostatin and cyclophosphamide). Although the age, gender, ALC, and prognostic profile (CD38, ZAP-70, and IGHV mutation status) of treated patients were similar (all p0.3), the ofatumumab cohort included more advanced stage patients (Rai stage III/IV: 73 vs. 41 p0.002). Ofatumumab-based CIT appeared to be better tolerated than our previous experience with rituximab-based CIT (grade 3 hematologic toxicity ofatumumab-CIT 24 \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \({\scriptstyle \raisebox{1ex}{8$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$33$}\right.}\]\) \end{document} vs. rituximab-CIT51 \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \({\scriptstyle \raisebox{1ex}{55$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$108$}\right.}\]\) \end{document}, p0.009; grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity ofatumumab-CIT 15 \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \({\scriptstyle \raisebox{1ex}{5$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$33$}\right.}\]\) \end{document} vs. rituximab-CIT 24 \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \({\scriptstyle \raisebox{1ex}{26$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$108$}\right.}\]\) \end{document}, p0.34). Despite a higher proportion of Rai Stage III/IV patients in the ofatumumab cohort, the efficacy of ofatumumab-based CIT also compared favorably to our previous experience with rituximab based CIT (Table). CONCLUSION: Front-line ofatumumab-based CIT appears to be well-tolerated in patients with CLL. Compared to our historic experience with rituximab based CIT, ofatumumab-based CIT appeared to have less hematologic toxicity and improved efficacy. This trial has been expanded to provide a larger experience with ofatumumab-based CIT. Disclosures: Shanafelt: Hospira: Research Funding; Glaxo-Smith-Kine: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Off label use of pentostatin and Ofatumumab. Lanasa:GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Zent:GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding. Tun:Celgene: Research Funding. Kay:Biothera: Research Funding; Clegene: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Glaxo Smith Kline: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Supergen: Research Funding; Calistoga: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Emergent Biosolutions (Formerly Trubion): Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abstract T cell lymphoma (TCL) is a heterogeneous group of malignant lymphomas and is subdivided in three major subgroups, (i) cutaneous (mycosis fungoides (MF), sezary syndrome (SS) and primary CTCL), (ii) nodal (peripheral T-cell lymphoma, PTCL NOS, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), angioimmunoblastic (AITL)) (iii) and extranodal. Because of this broad morphological spectrum and immunophenotypic variation the pathogenesis of most of the TCL is poorly understood. Constitutive STAT3 signaling provides growth-promoting signals in many forms of malignancy; however in-vivo activation of phosphorylated STAT3 and its clinical correlation in subtypes of TCLs has not been extensively studied. In this study we examined constitutive STAT3 activation in various subtypes of TCL tumors and performed pre-clinical testing to determine whether STAT3 inhibitors will be effective. First, we assessed the STAT3 activation (pSTAT3Tyr705) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on a tissue microarray (TMA) from 169 untreated TCL patient samples. Using a cutoff of ≥30% pSTAT3 nuclear staining, 38% (64/169) of TCL tumors were pSTAT3+. Interestingly, pSTAT3 was differentially expressed among the various TCL subgroups. 27% (16/59) PTCL NOS, 29% (11/38) AITL, 93% (14/15) ALK+ ALCL, 57% (13/28) ALK- ALCL, 50% (6/12) extranodal NK/T cell tumors and 17% (1/6) primary cutaneous showed pSTAT3 positivity. Using either a 30% or 80% cut-off, pSTAT3 positivity was associated with inferior event free survival for AITL, PTCL NOS and ALK neg ALCLs TCLs. Due to small sample size within each group statistical significance (p=0.03) was met only for ALK neg ALCL (80% cutoff). Further analysis in the human TCL cell lines and normal control T-cells also revealed differential expression of pSTATs. ALCL cell lines, Karpas 299 and SR786 were pSTAT3 positive but pSTAT5 negative. Both the CTCL (SS) cell lines HuT78 and SeAx were pSTAT3 negative, however MyLa a cell line of MF origin was strongly pSTAT3+ and pSTAT5+. The normal control CD4 T-cells was pSTAT3- and pSTAT5+. These data clearly suggest that pSTAT3 is differentially expressed among the TCL tumors and is a potential therapeutic target. Potential mechanisms for STAT3 activation could be aberrant secretion of cytokines/chemokines produced by the tumor itself or the tumor microenvironment. We compared the cytokine profile of the culture supernatant from pSTAT3 positive SUDHL1 and pSTAT3 negative HuT78 TCL cell lines using a 30-plex ELISA. The most significantly different cytokines among these 2 cell lines were interleukin -10 (IL-10) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2Ra). The SUDHL1 was found to secrete a very high level (1700 pg/ml) of IL-10, in contrast to only 167 pg/mL in the HuT78 supernatant. Moreover, SUDHL1 secretes 3.5 times more sIL-2Ra (6600 pg/ml) than the pSTAT3 negative cell line HuT78 (1800 pg/ml). In-vitro exposure to IL-10 but not sIL-2Ra was able to further upregulate pSTAT3 in SUDHL1 and Karpas 299. Overall, these data suggest that autocrine secretion of IL-10 but not sIL-2Ra is important for STAT3 activation in ALCL TCLs. Next we compared the cytokine profile of 2 pSTAT3 positive cells from different origin; SUDHL1 (ALCL) and MyLa (MF). In contrast to SUDHL1 (which produce high level of IL-10), MyLa was producing very little IL-10 (18pg/ml). The other most significantly different cytokines between these cells was RANTES with MyLa producing a very high level (28897 pg/ml) and SUDHL1 a very low level (8pg/ml). We also noticed differential level of IL-13 between these cells; MyLa producing 113pg/ml while SUDHL1 only 13 pg/ml. SAR302 (Sanofi, Cambridge, MA), a selective JAK2 inhibitor currently in clinical trial for myeloproliferative neoplasms was able to inhibit autocrine secretion of IL-10 but not sIL-2Ra in a dose-dependent manner followed by STAT3 dephosphorylation and decreased lymphoma cell survival. In summary, our data provide first evidence of in-vivo STAT3 activation in AITL, PTCL NOS, ALK negative ALCL TCLs using TMA from patient samples. Comprehensive cytokine analysis determined IL-10 as an autocrine factor driving STAT3 activation in ALCLTCLs, while RANTES and IL-13 might be important drivers for STAT3 activation in MF TCLs. Finally our data provide a mechanistic basis of selecting and targeting TCL tumor cells with high IL-10 levels and/or constitutive STAT3 activity with potent and novel JAK2 inhibitors such as SAR302 or other STAT3 inhibitors. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 772 The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a crucial role in proliferative and anti-apoptotic signals in various lymphomas. The mTORC1 inhibitors, such as the rapamycin analogs temsirolimus and everolimus, have achieved a 38% overall response rate in heavily pretreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL); however, most responses are partial, and many patients are resistant. One mechanism for resistance to mTORC1 inhibitors is that mTORC2 remains unaffected (Blood 2009 Oct 1; 114 (14): 2926–2935). We hypothesize that combined mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibition will be more effective in MCL. We tested the dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor OSI-027 (OSI Pharmaceuticals) on MCL cell lines and patient samples that were demonstrated to have a high amount of mTORC2 (Rictor and its target p-AKTS473) and mTORC1 (Raptor and its targets pS6 and p4E-BP1) targets. Dual inhibition through OSI-027 inhibited pAKTSer473, a direct target of mTORC2 without any obvious effect on AKTTh308 in these cells. On the other hand, the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin had no effect on pAKTSer473. Interestingly, both drugs effectively suppressed phosphorylation of S6; only OSI-027 decreased phosphorylation of 4E-BP1Th37/46. We next assessed the effect of OSI-027 on MCL proliferation and apoptosis and showed that dual inhibition of mTORC1/mTORC2 through OSI-027 caused growth arrest and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in both MCL patient cells treated ex vivo and established MCL cell lines; however, we did not see any significant effect of rapamycin on apoptosis. Recent studies have shown that AKT has direct effects on some members of the apoptosis pathway such as forkhead transcription factors (FOXO), caspase 9, and BAD. OSI-027 treatment significantly inhibited p-FOXO3AT32 with some inhibitory effect on pBADS136. These data suggest that FOXO3A is an important target of AKT through which OSI-027 is exerting its apoptotic effects. There are several potential mechanisms whereby OSI-027 prevents AKTS473 phosphorylation: 1) deactivation of kinases upstream of AKT; 2) activation of phosphatases down-stream of AKT. OSI-027 treatment of MCL cells produced no change in phosphorylated PI3K p85/p55 or PDK1 protein. These data eliminate the possibility of involvement of the PI3K pathway in OSI-027 mediated AKT dephosphorylation. We did find that OSI-027 mediated deactivation of AKTS473 is, at least in part, phosphatase dependent. The PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) family of phosphatases have been shown to directly dephosphorylate and inactivate AKTS473. To determine if AKT and PHLPP1 or PHLPP2 are associated in MCL cells, we immunoprecipitated AKT from MCL cells and probed for association with endogenous PHLPP1 and PHLPP2. All the MCL lines do express endogenous PHLPP1 and PHLPP2; however, they are not complexed to AKT. Further studies using the AKT isoforms AKT1 and AKT2 found AKT2 to be associated with PHLPP1; there was no association of AKT1 or AKT2 to PHLPP2. To investigate if OSI-027 enhanced the AKT2-PHLPP1 interaction, we repeated the co-immunoprecipitation assay in the OSI-027 treated MCL cell lines and demonstrated that OSI-027 increased the interaction of AKT2-PHLPP1. Further we showed that OSI-027 exposure did not alter the expression level of PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 proteins. In summary the dual inhibition of mTORC1/mTORC2 by OSI-027 in MCL is more effective than mTORC1 inhibition by rapamycin. We present the mechanism that OSI-027 induces apoptosis in MCL cell lines by inhibition of Rictor-AKT-FOXO3A signaling, and this is mediated in part by activation of the phosphatase PHLPP1. These findings indicate that simultaneously targeting mTORC1 and mTORC2 may be effective in patients with MCL. Disclosures: Barr: OSI Pharmaceuticals: Employment.

Abstract Abstract 3899 BACKGROUND: Although chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) has substantially improved response rates, treatment free survival, and overall survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), only 40–50% of patients achieve a complete remission and the majority have residual disease when evaluated using sensitive assays for minimal residual disease (MRD). While these facts generated interest in consolidation strategies for patients with residual disease, previous trials of alemtuzumab-based consolidation found excess morbidity/mortality. In 2008 we began a trial of lenalidomide-based consolidation for patients with previously untreated CLL who had received 6 cycles of CIT induction. Preliminary analysis suggested that lenalidomide consolidation may improve the quality of response and prolong time to retreatment (Shanafelt; ASH 2010), although follow-up was short (median 16 months). METHODS: Eligible patients were previously untreated and had CLL in need of treatment according to the NCI-WG criteria (Blood 111:5446). Treatment schema consisted of 6 cycles of pentostatin (2 mg/m2), cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) and rituximab (375 mg/m2) given every 21 days (Blood 109:405). All patients completing 6 cycles of PCR induction, underwent complete restaging including evaluation for MRD using sensitive flow cytometry. Patients subsequently received 6 months of lenalidomide consolidation by daily administration with a starting lenalidomide dose of 5 mg/day and escalation to 10 mg/day after the first cycle as tolerated. Patients again underwent complete restaging including MRD evaluation after 6 months of lenalidomide. At the time of restaging, MRD negative patients entered observation. Those with residual disease continued on lenalidomide and underwent repeat MRD assessment every 3 months until an MRD negative state was achieved. RESULTS: 45 patients were enrolled at Mayo Clinic between 3/2008 and 12/2009 of whom 44 were eligible. Median age was 65 (range: 44–78) and 71% of patients were male. 61% of patients had intermediate Rai risk and 39% high Rai risk. On prognostic testing 32% were CD38+, 52% Zap-70+, 52% IGHV unmutated, and 16% had high risk FISH (del 17p13; del 11q22). Of the 38 eligible patients who completed 6 cycles of PCR induction, 34 (89%) initiated lenalidomide consolidation. Thus by intent to treat analysis, 34/44 (77%) patients starting CIT with PCR were able to receive consolidation therapy. Among the 34 patients who initiated consolidation, the median number of cycles of lenalidomide received was 6 (range: 1–29). Nine of 34 (26%) patients had the lenalidomide dose increased to 10 mg daily while 18 (53%) required a reduction to 5 mg every other day. Five patients are still on lenalidomide at the time of this report. No cases of tumor lysis syndrome or tumor flare reaction were observed. Adverse events deemed at least possibly related to lenalidomide consolidation included 23 (68%) patients with grade 3+ hematologic toxicity and 5 (15%) with grade 3+ non-hematologic toxicity. Among the 34 patients who received at least 1 cycle of lendalidomide, 6 patients have improved the quality of their response including 3 patients who converted from having residual disease to a MRD- state. After a median follow-up of 29 months, 39/44 patients are alive and the median duration of response has not been reached. To date 8/44 (18%) patients have progressed to require additional treatment. Finally, since the eligibility criteria were nearly identical to our historic trial of PCR without lenalidomide consolidation, we conducted an intent to treat analysis that compared all 44 patients in the present trial (i.e. regardless of whether they received lenalidomide consolidation) to the 64 patients previously treated on our PCR trial (Blood 109:405). The demographic and prognostic characteristics of patients in the two studies were similar. With the caveat it represents a comparison across phase II trials, the proportion of patients free of retreatment at 30 months was 79% (95% CI:67–93) for PCR followed by lenalidomide consolidation vs 66% (95% CI: 54–80) for PCR alone (Figure 1). CONCLUSION: Lenalidomide-based consolidation for CLL patients receiving first-line CIT induction appears to improve the quality of response and prolong time to retreatment. Randomized clinical testing of lenalidomide-based consolidation appears warranted. Disclosures: Shanafelt: Celgene: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding. Off Label Use: PCR-Lenalidomide (off label use of pentostatin and lenalidomide). Tun:Celgene: Research Funding. Kay:Biothera: Research Funding; Clegene: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Glaxo Smith Kline: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Supergen: Research Funding; Calistoga: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Emergent Biosolutions (Formerly Trubion): Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abstract Abstract 2655 Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has been classified into two distinct molecular subtypes: germinal center B cell–like (GCB), non-germinal centre-like (non-GCB). To improve outcomes for DLBCL patients, it is necessary to identify additional novel targets within GCB and non-GCB classifications to further stratify patients for prognosis and assist in choosing therapy for the individual patient. We have recently demonstrated that STAT3 activation is frequent in the DLBCL tumors, however the exact molecular mechanism(s) of STAT3 activation in DLBCL tumors are not known. Molecular mechanisms such as epigenetic silencing of negative regulators of the STAT3 pathway such as protein tyrosine phosphatase 6 (PTPN6) may contribute to STAT3 activation. We aimed to learn whether PTPN6 was expressed in GCB and non-GCB DLBCL, and if so, how that expression correlated with STAT3 activation and prognosis. We first performed epigenetic studies of PTPN6 in 38 DLBCL tumors and 6 DLBCL cell lines by methylation specific (MSP) PCR and high resolution melting array (HRM) methods. Surprisingly, PTPN6 promoter hypermethylation (0/38) was not detected in patient sample and cell lines by both the methods. Since the MSP PCR technique yields qualitative rather than quantitative data, we next performed pyrosequencing on the 38 DLBCL samples, and found results consistent with the MSP PCR analysis. Our data conclusively demonstrate that PTPN6 hypermethylation is absent in DLBCL tumors. We next sequenced the 600 bp upstream of the transcription initiation site of PTPN6 promoter 2 and 1 in 10 DLBCL tumors. We did not detect any point mutations in the promoter 2 and 1 core regions. Since PTPN6 promoter hypermethylation and mutations were absent in DLBCL tumors, we determined the expression level of the PTPN6 protein in 40 DLBCL tumors by molecular subtype. Formalin fixed paraffin-embedded DLBCL tumor samples were stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the determination of molecular subtype using the Hans algorithm and the detection of PTPN6 expression. Using a threshold of ≥30%, 75% (30/40) of cases were PTPN6 positive with various levels of expression: 11 cases had 30–80% of tumor cells staining positive and 19 had >80% of cells PTPN6 positive. PTPN6 expression by IHC was only correlated with higher IPI scores and a trend towards a shorter event free survival (EFS) (p=0.07). Within the 29 GCB tumors 69% (20/29) were PTPN6 positive; 100% (10/10) of non-GCB cases were PTPN6 positive. These data clearly suggest that PTPN6 expression is found in both GCB and non-GCB with the latter being uniformly positive (p=0.03) and PTPN6 negative cases being uniformly GCB. PTPN6 mRNA and protein was detected in all three ABC lines (LY3, Ly10, DHL2). Within the GCB lines (DHL6, Ly1 and Ly19) DHL6 was weakly positive and Ly1 and Ly19 were negative for PTPN6 mRNA and protein. Furthermore, within the GCB group PTPN6 positive cases had inferior EFS as compared to PTPN6 negative cases. In the non-GCB group all cases were PTPN6 positive with an EFS similar to PTPN6 positive GCB cases. The role of PTPN6 in the persistent activation of the STAT3 pathway in DLBCL patients has not been investigated. We hypothesized that tumors with activated STAT3 would have loss of PTPN6. Interestingly, this hypothesis was disproven. Within the 15-pSTAT3 positive cases 12 (80%) were PTPN6 positive. Conversely, 26% (6/23) of the pSTAT3 negative cases were PTPN6 negative. The distribution of pSTAT3 and PTPN6 by IHC in samples was evaluated in both GCB and non-GCB groups. Within the PTPN6+/pSTAT3+ group out of the 12 cases most were non-GCB (8/12; 66%). However, within the PTPN6-/pSTAT3- group all the 5 cases were GCB (5/5; 100%). Survival analysis revealed that the groups with the best EFS were those with PTPN6-/pSTAT3- tumors (n=5); those with PTPN6+/pSTAT3+ group (n=12) had the shortest EFS; and those with PTPN6+/pSTAT3- tumors (n=17) being intermediate between the other groups. In summary, we have demonstrated for the first time that PTPN6 is highly expressed in DLBCL tumors, and a common abnormality in non-GCB subtypes, which is positively correlated with activated STAT3. PTPN6 expression in the DLBCLs is not regulated through SHP1 promoter hypermethylation or point mutations. The finding that SHP1 loss was found only in GCB cases and was especially favorable should be explored further and may provide an important new stratification factor for future DLBCL studies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.