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Preclinical Evaluation of Ibrutinib for Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Li, Zhimin , Qiu, Yushi, Labiod, Dalila, Bonnet-Boissinot, Sarah, Soussain, Carole , Pouzoulet, Frédéric , Rezaï, Keyvan , Tun, Han W.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4170-4170

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4170.4170 Get It

Abstract Introduction Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), predominantly of non-germinal center (non-GC) subtype. Currently available treatments remain disappointed with a non-optimal complete remission rate and a high relapse rate. As such, novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed. Constitutive activation of the NF-kB pathway via mutations in B cell receptor (BCR) (CD79B) and mutation of MYD 88 and TBL1XR1 pathways plays an important role in PCNSL. Ibrutinib, an inhibitor of BCR signaling, has been found to have significant therapeutic activity in relapsed or refractory non-CNS non-GC DLBCL that display similar NFKB mutational patterns. We have performed a CNS pharmacokinetic (PK) study of Ibrutinib and evaluated its therapeutic activity against CNS lymphoma (CNSL) in murine models. Methods CNS PK study in mice - The first study was done in a CNSL model created by intracerebral implantation of luciferase-transfected lymphoma cells (MC116) in nude mice in comparison to healthy nude mice without lymphoma cell implantation (N=5 per group). Once the tumor activity was confirmed by bioluminescence imaging in CNSL group, all the mice were treated with ibrutinib 12 or 30 mg/kg/day by oral gavage (OG) for 5 days. Blood and brain were collected 2 hours after the last dose. Ibrutinib was measured by ultra performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) PK study in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats - Ibrutinib 50 mg/kg single dose was given by OG (N=6). Microdialysates of CSF were collected from a ventricle of the brain and a carotid artery via microdialysis catheters every hour for 13 hours post-treatment. Drug concentrations were determined by capillary electrophoresis with laser detection. Preclinical therapeutic evaluation - A murine CNS lymphoma model was created by intracerebral injection of the OCI-Ly10 non-GC DLBCL cells, which were confirmed to have CD79 A and MYD 88 mutations and show high sensitivity to Ibrutinib in vitro. Animals were sacrificed if they showed severe clinical signs or symptoms or >20% weight loss. Ibrutinib 30 mg/kg was administered by OG daily starting at day 7 post-implantation and until the last sacrifice in the control group treated with vehicle. Therapeutic efficacy was determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis using date of sacrifice as endpoint. Results CNS PK study in mice - 1) Ibrutinib levels in plasma, normal brain tissue and brain-tumor were analyzed. Ibrutinib was not detected in healthy control mice treated with vehicle. In healthy mice treated with ibrutinib (12 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg), Ibrutinib mean plasmatic levels were 9.31 (±3.56) ng/mL and 42.2 (±20.9) ng/mL respectively. At 12 mg/kg dose level, ibrutinib was detectable but not quantifiable in brain tissue. After treatment with 30 mg/kg,iIbrutinib mean levels were 0.0077 (±0.0053) and 0.0071 (±0.00483) ng/g tissue in right and left cerebral hemispheres respectively. In CNSL mice treated with ibrutinib (12 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg), Ibrutinib mean plasmatic levels were 12.03 (±9.04) ng/mL and 42.64 (±42.04) ng/mL respectively, brain ibrutinib levels were 0.008 (±0.005) and 0.007 (±0.003) ng/g tissue for tumor-bearing right hemisphere and non-tumor bearing left hemisphere respectively for 30 mg/kg, while brain ibrutinib level was detectable but not quantifiable at 12mg/kg. CSF PK study in SD rats - CSF penetration of ibrutinib was determined to be ~5.2 % as calculated by area under the curve (AUC) ratio of CSF and blood samples. Cmax in CSF is ~0.35 uM, which is significantly higher than published EC50 concentrations for DLBCL cell lines. Preclinical therapeutic evaluation -Ibrutinib showed an excellent therapeutic activity with significant prolongation of survival (p=0.0137) (fig 1). At a median follow-up of 112 days, the median survival in treated CNSL group is 56 days compared to 33 days in the control group. At the end of the follow-up 33% of animals in treated CNSL group are still alive without treatment. Conclusion Ibrutinib achieves high concentrations in brain and CSF in murine CNS PK models with promising single-agent preclinical therapeutic activity against CNS lymphoma in a murine model. Further studies to develop combination regimen are ongoing. Figure Figure. Disclosures Soussain: Roche: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding.
Novel Proteasome Inhibitors Induce Mitochondrial Destabilization and Activate Caspase Mediated Apoptosis In Preclinical Models Of Pediatric B-Cell Cancers
Chitta, Kasyapa S., Kuranz, Maja, Foran, James M. , Miller, Kena C., Rivera, Candido E., Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Paulus, Aneel , Sandler, Eric , Akhtar, Sharoon , Tun, Han W. , Roy, Vivek

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 5140-5140

10.1182/blood.v122.21.5140.5140 Get It

Abstract Background In the U.S. over 14,000 new cancer cases occur annually in people under 21 years of age; approximately 21% of cases are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and ∼ 30% classify as Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Most cases of ALL and BL are due to malignant B-cells that have acquired disease-defining oncogenic lesions that facilitate their rapid proliferation. To maintain a state of homeostasis, the malignant cells rely heavily on the ability of the internal degradation and recycling systems to match the high rate of protein turnover. As such, the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is central in this operation where it prevents buildup of misfolded proteins while also regulating the availability of anti-apoptotic proteins such as BCL2 and MCL1. These observations coupled with the observation that UPS disruption leads to cellular demise have resulted in the development of several proteasome inhibitors (PI). These PI have primarily been examined in adult B-cell malignancies. The feasibility of a bortezomib-containing regimen for use in pediatric malignancies has been examined by the TACL consortium and demonstrated a 73% response rate in relapsed/refractory ALL patients. However, a major limitation of bortezomib-based therapy is an increased incidence of peripheral neuropathy (PN), which was also noted in the TACL study. As such, more potent and reportedly less toxic PI have been developed that seem to carry considerably lower risk for development of PN. Such agents that maintain a high response rate and carry reduced long-term adverse effects are highly desirable in pediatric age patients. Aim Investigation of the novel proteasome inhibitors carfilzomib and MLN9708 (Millennium Pharmaceuticals) in preclinical models of pediatric B-lymphocytic cancer. Methods Representative preclinical models of BL (Raji cell line) and B-ALL (ALL-1 cells) were used in this study. Proteasomal activity was measured using synthetic fluorogenic peptide substrates. Cell viability was measured by MTS assay. Apoptosis was determined by annexin-v/PI staining and mitochondrial membrane permeability (MOMP) was assessed using TMRM followed by flow cytometry. Protein profiling was performed via immunoblot. Results In an effort to understand the effect of carfilzomib and MLN9708 in our pediatric cancer models, we first assessed their ability to inhibit proteasomal activity. While chymotrypsin-like activity, which is the target of both PIs, is inhibited by more than 90% in both cell lines, inhibition (∼ 35%) of caspase-like function conferred by the b1 subunit was more significantly pronounced in MLN9708 treated Raji and ALL-1 cells. Next we performed an MTS assay to determine the growth inhibitory effects of these PI in vitro. Both PI inhibited the growth of the Raji and ALL-1 cells in a dose dependent manner. Carfilzomib showed a more potent effect (IC50 ∼1nM in both cell lines) as compared to MLN9708 (IC50 ∼30nM in ALL-1 cells and ∼50nM in Raji cells). To further understand mechanisms of growth inhibition we examined both tumor cell lines for induction of apoptosis along with corresponding markers. As compared to Raji cells, we observed ALL-1 cells to be more sensitive to the effects of both PI, albeit with MLN9708 (50nM) inducing more cell death (65%) as compared to carfilzomib (10nM, 50% cell death). Further, we observed altered MOMP, cleavage of caspases 9, 3 and PARP-1 were found to occur in both cell lines in presence of carfilzomib or MLN9708. These changes indicate the apoptotic effects of novel PI in ALL-1 and Raji cells are via mitochondrial destabilization and caspase activation. As inhibition of the UPS aids NOXA and BIM (pro-apoptotic BCL2 proteins) mediated cell death, we examined the expression of BCL2 family proteins changes in Raji and ALL-1 cells in response to novel PI. Indeed protein levels of both BCL2 and MCL1 were reduced in carfilzomib and MLN9708 treated cells. Reduced BCL2 expression was more pronounced in ALL-1 cells as compared to Raji cells and downregulation was noted to be dose-dependent. Summary Our data show that both carfilzomib and MLN9708 potently inhibit the viability of malignant ALL and BL cells in vitro. We conclude that PI are promising anti-neoplastic therapeutics that target not only the UPS but also modulate the expression of critical anti-apoptotic proteins. Data from mechanistic studies conducted herein underscore the need for further research in in vivo models of these diseases. Disclosures: Foran: Celgene: Research Funding.
A Pharmacogenetic Study of the NCIC CTG Clinical Trial My.10: Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, Prognosis, and Predicting Benefit from IMiD® Compound Maintenance Therapy Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma
Han, Ming , Murugesan, Alli , Song, Kevin , White, Darrell , Chen, Christine , Seftel, Matthew D. , Howsen-Jan, Kang, Reece, Donna , Stewart, Keith, Xie, Ya‐Gang, Shepherd, Lois E. , Djurfeldt, Marina, Reiman, Tony , Bahlis, Nizar Jacques , Hay, Annette E. , Chen, Bingshu E.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 2960-2960

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2960.2960 Get It

Abstract Introduction: In multiple myeloma, randomized trials of maintenance therapy using thalidomide or lenalidomide following autologous transplant (ASCT) demonstrated prolonged progression-free survival (PFS), but overall survival benefit was inconsistent. The MY.10 trial (n=332) demonstrated improved PFS with thalidomide-prednisone maintenance therapy, but quality of life was inferior and overall survival was not improved. As a randomized trial with a no-treatment control arm and biospecimen collection, MY.10 provides a unique opportunity to identify predictors of benefit from therapy that could be used to personalize treatment. Immunomodulatory drug action is mediated in part through binding to cereblon (CRBN) and downregulation of IRF4. Candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected from the CRBN/IRF4 pathway and other genes previously associated with myeloma prognosis, drug response and toxicity from literature review. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between candidate SNPs and benefit from immunomodulatory compound-based maintenance therapy, as well as prognostic impact. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from samples preserved in Trizol¨. SNPs were genotyped using TaqMan¨ genotyping assays on the ViiA7 qPCR platform. Analysis was performed on 187 patients with available samples and clinical data (86 in treatment arm; 101 in observation arm). Cox regression models were performed using SAS clinical 2.0 for prognostic impact of a single SNP on PFS, assessed with and without adjusted covariates (age, stage, performance status and response to ASCT). In treatment benefit analysis, PFS was modeled with genotype, treatment assignment and their interaction term. Results: SNPs with significant prognostic impact for PFS in all 187 patients were found in CRBN (rs1672753) (HR 0.59, 95%CI 0.4-0.86; p=0.006) and the following SNPs which had been found to be prognostic in prior studies were validated: CYP1A1 (rs1048943) (HR 1.98, 95%CI 1.19-3.27; p=0.008), CYP1B1 (rs1056836) (HR 0.72, 95%CI 0.52-0.99; p=0.043), and trend toward significance for SNP in CYP1A2 (rs2069514) (HR 2.02, 95%CI 0.98-4.15; p=0.057). Of these, only the CYP1A1 SNP was found to be possibly predictive of greater benefit from maintenance therapy. A SNP in ABCA1 (rs363717), previously associated with thalidomide-induced neuropathy,‎ was prognostic in this study (HR 1.44, 95%CI 1.03-2.02; p=0.033) but not predictive of treatment benefit. Table 1 lists SNPs associated with a differential level of benefit from maintenance therapy, including SNPs in FAM179a and ICAM1 that were possibly associated with harm from maintenance therapy. Table 1. SNPs and treatment interaction with significant impact on PFS. HR represent hazard ratio of treatment versus observation for a given genotype group. Asterisk Indicates trend toward significance. Wildtype Heterozygote & mutant p-value interaction Gene dbSNP ID SNP HR 95% CI HR 95% CI FAM179A rs1053667 T>C 0.46 0.33, 0.66 2.28 0.78, 6.65 0.003 ICAM1 rs1799969 G>A 0.51 0.36, 0.73 1.75 0.83, 3.70 0.007 CASP3 rs1049216 A>G 0.82 0.54, 1.25 0.41 0.25, 0.69 0.029 IRF4 rs12203592 C>T 0.69 0.47, 1.02 0.38 0.21, 0.69 0.062* CYP1A1 rs1048943 A>G 0.62 0.44, 0.87 0.11 0.02, 0.52 0.079* Conclusion: Previously identified SNPs in drug metabolism and drug efflux genes were validated to be prognostic in this cohort. The prognostic but not predictive significance of a SNP in CRBN suggests a possible role for CRBN in multiple myeloma disease biology independent of immunomodulatory therapy. SNPs predictive of differing degrees of benefit from immunomodulatory maintenance were found in genes involved in immunomodulatory activation, drug action and cell adhesion mediated drug resistance; SNPs in FAM179A and ICAM1 were possibly associated with harm from thalidomide maintenance and could potentially be used to identify patients unsuitable for immunomodulatory maintenance therapy. These results may be applicable to lenalidomide and pomalidomide, since immunomodulatory compounds exhibit similar chemical structures and mechanisms of action. Validation of these SNPs in prospective clinical trials involving other immunomodulatory can test this hypothesis. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings. Disclosures Off Label Use: thalidomide and prednisone maintenance for multiple myeloma. Bahlis:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy; Johnson & Johnson: Speakers Bureau; Johnson & Johnson: Consultancy; Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding. Song:Celgene Canada: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. White:Celgene Canada: Honoraria, Research Funding. Chen:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Seftel:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Howsen-Jan:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Reece:Amgen: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy; Millennium Takeda: Research Funding; Lundbeck: Honoraria; Otsuka: Research Funding; Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Shepherd:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Chen:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Djurfeldt:Celgene: Research Funding. Reiman:Soricimed Biopharma Inc: Consultancy, Other: Scientific Advisory Board for Soricimed.
Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
Call, Timothy G. , Jerry, Brewer D, Schwager, Susan M., Bowen, Deborah A., Leis, José F., Rabe, Kari G. , Kay, Neil E. , Zent, Clive S. , Tun, Han W. , Markovic, Svetomir N. , Slager, Susan L. , Shanafelt, Tait D.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1268-1268

10.1182/blood.v114.22.1268.1268 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1268 Poster Board I-290 Purpose There are reports of an increased risk of skin cancers in patients with B-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). These skin cancers include basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. This analysis was performed to more completely define the prevalence of skin cancers in patients in the Mayo Clinic Rochester CLL database and to look for contributing factors. Methods The Mayo Clinic Rochester CLL Database includes all patients with a diagnosis of CLL since January 1995 seen in the Division of Hematology and who have signed institutional review board approved consents for research. For this study, 2240 patients were analyzed to compare differences in characteristics between CLL patients with and without skin cancer. Chi-square statistics were used to compare qualitative variables (age categories, gender, referral status, ALC categories, CD38, ZAP-70, IgVH gene mutation status, FISH categories, Rai stage), and t-tests were used for quantitative variables (age at diagnosis, ALC values). Overall survival (OS) and time to first treatment (TFT) analyses were performed with results being displayed using Kaplan-Meier curves and p-values calculated using a log-rank test. Prevalence of melanoma among CLL patients was compared to the age-adjusted prevalence of melanoma in individuals in the Iowa SEER registry. Results Median follow-up for the 2240 patients diagnosed between 1/1/1995 and 8/11/2009 was 4.6 years. In aggregate, 293 (13.1%) patients were found to have non-melanoma skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma) cancer. The diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer occurred before the CLL diagnosis in 39% and at or after the diagnosis of CLL in 61%. There were 57 (2.5%) cases of melanoma in association with CLL. The diagnosis of melanoma occurred before the CLL diagnosis in 38% and at or after the diagnosis of CLL in 62%.The prevalence of non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma skin cancer were both higher in non-referred (geographically regional) CLL patients than referred CLL patients (16.6% vs. 11.4%, p<0.001 for non melanoma; 2.0% vs. 3.6%, p=0.03 for melanoma). The prevalence of melanoma in CLL patients was higher than that of age-adjusted prevalence for individuals in the Iowa SEER registry (2.5% vs. 0.03%; p<0.001). We next evaluated the relationship between CLL patients with skin cancer and demographic characteristics, prognostic parameters, and CLL related treatment. The risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in CLL was found to be associated with age (median age at diagnosis with skin cancer 67.6 vs. without skin cancer 63.3, p<0.001) and with sex (males 15.1% vs females 8.9%, p <0.001). There was no statistical significant difference in frequency of non-melanoma skin cancer associated with absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), Rai stage, CD 38, Zap 70, IgVH gene mutation status, FISH, or treatment history. The risk of melanoma in CLL was found to be associated with age at diagnosis (median age with melanoma 69.9 vs. without melanoma 63.8, p=0.002) and CD38 (positive 1.3% vs negative 3.1%, p=0.03). There was no statistically significant difference associated with gender, ALC, Rai stage, Zap 70, IgVH gene mutation status, FISH, or treatment history. Since the presence of skin cancer could be a marker of immune dysregulation we hypothesized skin cancer may be associated with clinical outcome of CLL. Accordingly, we evaluated the relationship between non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma skin cancer and TFT and OS. Contrary to our hypothesis, TFT (median 6.0 years vs. 4.9; p=0.04) and OS (median 10.8 years vs. 9.7; p=0.02) of patients with non-melanoma skin cancer were both longer than those without non-melanoma skin cancer. No differences in TFT (p=0.06) or OS (p=0.66) were observed among patients with melanoma compared to those without melanoma. Conclusions We find in our cohort of CLL patients a higher prevalence of melanoma than the general population. Risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer among patients with CLL does not appear to be related to CLL characteristics, with the exception of CD 38, or CLL outcome. The diagnosis of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer in patients with CLL does not appear to be a risk factor for either CLL specific outcomes (TFT) or shorter survival. Disclosures Kay: Biogenc-Idec, Celgene, Genentech, genmab: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech, Celgene, Hospira, Polyphenon Pharma, Sanofi-Aventis: Research Funding. Zent:Genentech, Bayer, Genzyme, Novartis: Research Funding. Shanafelt:Genentech: Research Funding; Hospira: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Polyphenon E International: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.
ATM Gene Point Mutation and Frameshift Mutation Are Found In High-Risk, Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients with Interstitial Deletion of Chromosome 11q and Uniparental Disomy of Chromosome 11q
Schichman, Steven A., Saldivar, Juan‐Sebastian, Stone, Annjanette , Winters, Maria, Carter, Weleetka , Frederick, Lori, Viswanatha, David S., Schichman, Steven A. , Han, Jennifer , Zent, Clive S.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2420-2420

10.1182/blood.v116.21.2420.2420 Get It

Abstract Abstract 2420 Introduction: Interstitial deletion of chromosome 11q (11q-) detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an unfavorable prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CLL patients with 11q- often have younger age of onset, bulky lymphadenopathy, and poorer overall survival. The ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene, which encodes a protein kinase central to DNA damage response, is thought to be the critical gene in CLL 11q- through loss of ATM function. A subgroup of CLL patients with 11q- has been shown by other investigators to have a mutation in the remaining ATM allele, supporting a loss-of-function hypothesis. In an ongoing study, we are using SNP-based whole genome copy number variation (CNV) analysis to characterize in detail the 11q deletions in CLL patients. In addition, we have reported uniparental disomy (UPD) of 11q in CLL patients negative for FISH abnormalities. Here we report direct DNA sequence analysis of the ATM gene in CLL patients with 11q- and with UPD of 11q. Patients and Methods: We performed CNV analysis and ATM sequencing on 10 patients aged 29–67 with early-intermediate stage, untreated CLL who had high risk for disease progression based on molecular and immunophenotypic markers. Eight patients had 11q- and 2 patients had UPD of 11q. CLL cells and normal cells were separated from patient peripheral blood samples by immunomagnetic beads. CNV analysis was performed on purified genomic DNA from CLL and normal cells for each patient to distinguish acquired copy number changes in malignant cells from polymorphic CNVs in the human genome. We used the Illumina 660w-quad beadchip, a SNP-based microarray for CNV analysis. CNV data was analyzed by CNV partition and PennCNV software. DNA sequence analysis of the ATM gene was performed by the dideoxy chain termination method using an ABI 3730 DNA Analyzer. All coding regions of the ATM gene (exons 4–65) and associated splice site junctions were amplified by PCR using purified genomic DNA from CLL cells. DNA sequence of the PCR products was determined on both strands. Sequence data was analyzed by Sequencher software. Results: In the 8 CLL patients with 11q−, CNV analysis demonstrates hemizygous interstitial deletions that vary from 980 Kb to 43.2 Mb. All deletions include the region of the ATM gene at 11q22.3. Two out of these 8 patients have a mutation in the residual ATM allele. One patient (CLL010) has a point mutation in exon 61 of ATM (c.8600G>A (gly2867glu)) that likely involves the substrate-binding region of the PI3-kinase domain. One patient (CLL029) has a frameshift mutation in exon 12 of ATM (c.1401_1405delCAAGA; asp467fs) that causes a premature stop signal at codon 484, presumably resulting in a truncated protein. In the 2 CLL patients with UPD of 11q, CNV analysis demonstrates copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity that extends from either 11q12.1 (CLL008) or 11q13.1 (CLL009) to the terminus of 11q. Both patients with UPD of 11q display homozygous mutation of the ATM gene. One patient (CLL008) has a point mutation in exon 58 of ATM (c.8161G>A (asp2721asn)) that likely involves the ATP binding site in the catalytic domain. One patient (CLL009) has a frameshift mutation in exon 24 of ATM (c.3238_3247del10bp/ins11bp; asp1080fs) that creates a premature stop signal at codon 1095, presumably resulting in a truncated protein. Conclusions: We report a new finding that ATM gene mutation occurs in CLL patients with UPD of 11q. Our study further expands observations reported by others concerning the role of ATM mutations in CLL. ATM mutations that we characterized include point mutations that may interfere with kinase activity and frameshift mutations that may result in a truncated ATM protein. Our sequence analysis supports a loss-of-function mechanism for ATM in a subgroup of high-risk, untreated CLL patients. The absence of detectable ATM mutations in the majority of CLL patients with 11q- may imply the existence of hidden ATM mutations not found by our targeted exon sequencing approach or epigenetic mechanisms that result in loss of gene expression. The finding that untreated CLL patients with UPD of 11q have homozygous ATM mutation supports a clonal selection hypothesis for identical alleles of mutated ATM in the absence of mutagenic chemotherapy. Selection of a CLL subclone with mutated ATM may confer a proliferative advantage through increased cell division and/or resistance to apoptosis following DNA damage. Disclosures: Zent: Genzyme: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; G.S.K.: Research Funding.
Efficacy of Conventional Cytogenetics and FISH for EGR1 To Detect Deletion 5q in Hematological Disorders and To Assess Response to Treatment with Lenalidomide.
Fink, Stephanie, Stockero, Kimberly J., Paternoster, Sarah F., Smoley, Stephanie A., Reeder, Craig B. , Tefferi, Ayalew , Dewald, Gordon W., Zou, Ying , Tun, Han W.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 108 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 2351-2351

10.1182/blood.v108.11.2351.2351 Get It

Abstract Background: In 2006 Lenalidomide received FDA approval for myelodysplasia (MDS) with interstitial deletion 5q [del(5q)] based on conventional cytogenetic (CC) results before and after treatment. In clinical practice, FISH studies of interphase nuclei with probes for EGR1 are widely used to detect del(5q), but it is not known whether this method has similar efficacy as CC. Thus, we compared CC and FISH results for various forms of del(5q). Methods: We selected 145 patients (pts) in our cytogenetic database with del(5q). These pts had various forms of del(5q) and were representative of our clinical practice. This series included 9 pts with MDS that were studied before and after treatment with Lenalidomide. CC studies were done using standard procedures to analyze 20 metaphases from bone marrow. FISH studies were done on the same specimens using stored left-over cells and standard procedures for EGR1 (5q31.2) and D5S23/D5S721 (5p15.2). The cutoff for del(5q) for FISH was <6.0% based on 200 nuclei. Results: Among 145 pts, 104 were referred for MDS, 9 acute myeloid leukemia, 9 lymphoproliferative disorders, 7 myeloproliferative disorders and 16 without clinical information. A total of 116 pts had breakpoints at del(5)(q13q33), 17 del(5)(q15q33), 8 del(5)(q11.2~q31q31~q35), 3 del(5)(q22q33) and 1 del(5)(q13q22). Del(5q) was detected in 144 pts by both CC and FISH. One pt had del(5)(q13q22) in 20/20 metaphases but was normal by FISH. Percent abnormal cells by FISH was lower in 135/145 pts compared to CC (mean difference 22.5 ± 19.6, range −42 to 98). For 9 pts with MDS, 29 specimens were collected before and after treatment with Lenalidomide: 7 achieved complete cytogenetic remission (four relapsed) and 2 showed a decrease in percent abnormal metaphases. Results of CC and FISH for these 9 pts were concordant for detection of del(5q) and trend of tumor burden due to treatment for 28/29 specimens. The discordant specimen was collected 222 days after treatment; results of CC were normal but FISH was abnormal in 19% of nuclei. Among the 29 specimens, percent abnormal cells by FISH was lower than CC in 27 (mean difference 13.9% ± 22.5, range −19.0 to 73.5). Each of the 9 treated pts had only del(5q) prior to treatment, and was detected by both FISH and CC. After treatment, FISH did not detect a separate cytogenetic clone involving deletion 20q without del(5q) in 2 pts nor did it identify development of other anomalies in 3 pts. Conclusions: Results of CC and FISH were mostly concordant, but differed in 4 respects. First, 1/145 pts was normal by FISH but had del(5q) by CC. This pt had unusual breakpoints that did not result in loss of EGR1. Second, percentage of cells with del(5q) was usually lower by FISH than CC. This observation is likely related to a different mitotic rate of cells with del(5q) versus normal cells. Third, 1 specimen was abnormal by FISH but normal by CC after treatment, but 2 subsequent specimens were concordant. This discrepancy was likely due to interference of mitosis of del(5q) cells and residual non-proliferating disease. Fourth, 2 treated pts developed a separate cytogenetic clone without del(5q) and 3 developed other anomalies that could not be detected by FISH. We believe FISH for EGR1 is useful in clinical practice, but not a substitute for CC.
Expression of MYC but Not pSTAT3 Is an Adverse Prognostic Factor for Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Treated with Epratuzumab/R-CHOP
Wellik, Linda, Micallef, Ivana N. , Gupta, Mamta , Maurer, Matthew J. , Law, Mark E, Han, Jing , Doǧan, Ahmet , Witzig, Thomas E.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1575-1575

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1575.1575 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1575 We recently demonstrated in a phase II study that the anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody epratuzumab added to RCHOP improved DLBCL survival parameters. Despite these advances, 30–40% of DLBCL patients still relapse and die of disease. Recent advances have led to the identification of a variety of intracellular oncogenic pathways as potential targets for lymphoma therapy. Specifically, many studies have found that activation of the Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway promotes tumor cell survival in various types of cancers. STAT3 is a transcription factor and exerts its anti-apoptototic effect through several downstream targets such as MYC. MYC protein can be expressed in lymphoma cells with or without the presence of MYC translocation. The frequency of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) and MYC expression and their prognostic relevance are unknown within diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non-GCB subtypes. This study studied the tumor cell expression of pSTAT3 and MYC by IHC paired with serum cytokine levels in a DLBCL patient population uniformly treated on N0489. DLBCL tumor samples (n=38) were stained for detection of nuclear pSTAT3 expression. Using a threshold of ≥30% of tumor nuclei staining positive, 35 % (14/40) of tumors were pSTAT3+. An additional 17% (7/40) had between 10–30% pSTAT3+ cells. Non-malignant tonsil tissues (n=10) were positive for tSTAT3 in all cases but all but one case were pSTAT3 negative. Twenty-four of the same DLBCL tumors used for pSTAT3 expression were stained for MYC and 50% (12/24) were MYC positive (all nuclear) as defined by the criteria of ≥30% of cells staining positive. In cases (n=23) where both MYC and pSTAT3 IHC were performed, a positive pSTAT3 was more likely to have MYC expression whereas a positive MYC stain did not inform pSTAT3. By using a break apart probe for the MYC gene, MYC translocations in the major breakpoint regions were found in 10% (3/29) of cases. When MYC FISH was correlated with MYC IHC in the 24 DLBCL cases that had both techniques performed, all 3 MYC translocation cases were GCB by IHC, two were strongly positive for MYC by IHC, and 1 was negative. Among the 21 MYC FISH negative cases, 10 were MYC positive by IHC. These data suggest that MYC expression in lymphoma is not only controlled by genetic events such as translocations but also by other signaling pathways such as STAT3. pSTAT3 expression was correlated with an elevated serum LDH (p=0.0007). Neither MYC or pSTAT3 tumor expression correlated with other clinical or pathological features. Survival analysis revealed a trend toward shorter EFS for DLBCL patients whose tumors expressed MYC protein by IHC (p=0.2) or had a MYC translocation (p=0.09) by FISH; pSTAT3 expression status did not predict EFS (p=0.9). Within the GCB group 10 cases were MYC negative (10/17; 59%) and 7 cases were MYC positive (7/17; 41%). Among the non-GCB group 83% (5/6) were MYC positive. These data clearly suggest a trend of higher MYC positivity in the non-GCB DLBCL group (p=0.07). MYC positive cases had a clear trend of inferior EFS in both GCB (p=0.2) and in non-GCB (p=0.5) groups. The distribution of pSTAT3 (n=38) expression was also evaluated in the GCB (n=26) and non-GCB (n=12) DLBCL. In the GCB group 27% (7/26) were pSTAT3 positive compared to 58% (7/12) in the non-GCB group. Thus, there was a clear trend toward higher pSTAT3 positivity in non-GCB DLBCL tumors (p=0.06); however, pSTAT3 status did not correlate with EFS in either GCB or non-GCB DLBCL patients. In the present study we correlated pretreatment serum cytokines levels of these patients with pSTAT3 and MYC tumor cell expression. Out of the 30 cytokines tested, the only pre-treatment cytokines that were significantly correlated with pSTAT3 expression were IL-10 (p=0.05), G-CSF (p=0.03) and TNFa (p=0.04); none were correlated with MYC expression. Overall, our data provide evidence that over-expression of pSTAT3 and MYC is common in DLBCL. These biomarkers have potential as prognostic factors in the case of MYC and as a tool for selecting therapy for pSTAT3. MYC may be especially useful to further identify an adverse group of DLBCL patients within the otherwise favorable GCB tumor group. The availability of JAK/STAT and STAT-specific inhibitors provides the rationale to incorporate pSTAT3 staining in tumors from patients who are participating in these trials to learn if this biomarker can predict response Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Therapy with Ibritumomab Tiuxetan (Zevalin®) in Patients with Previously Untreated and Relapsed Low Grade Follicular Lymphoma: The Mayo Clinic Florida Experience, 2000-2016
Frank, Ryan D. , Peterson, Jennifer , Soyano, Aixa , Tun, Han W.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 5324-5324

10.1182/blood.v128.22.5324.5324 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin¨) is a radioimmunoconjugate agent that targets CD20-expressing B cell lymphomas. Currently, it is the only radioimmunoconjugate agent available on the market and is FDA approved for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (FL). A retrospective study of patients with low grade FL (WHO grade 1 and 2) treated with ibritumomab tiuxetan at Mayo Clinic Florida from 2000 to 2016 was performed. Methods: The patient population consisted of previously untreated as well as relapsed low grade FL. We evaluated patient characteristics, response rate, duration of response, progression free survival, overall survival and time to next treatment. Previously untreated patients were treated with ibritumomab tiuxetan due to ineligibility for standard chemotherapy and prolonged immunotherapy, or their preference. Comparison between previously untreated FL patients treated with ibritumomab tiuxetan as the first line of treatment versus patients with relapsed FL treated with ibritumomab tiuxetan as second, third or fourth line therapy was made. Results: Low grade FL patients (n=41) that received ibritumomab tiuxetan were identified; 13 patients (32%) with previously untreated FL and 28 patients (68%) with relapsed FL. The data on response to treatment is presented in Table 1. Ibritumomab tiuxetan use in previously untreated FL was associated with more complete responses than in the relapse setting (92% vs 50% at 6 months, p=0.036). Previously untreated FL patients that received ibritumomab tiuxetan as first line therapy had better progression free survival (80% vs 35% at 3 years). Ibritumomab tiuxetan use in relapsed FL was associated with significant shorter time to relapse compared to previously untreated FL (median 1.3 years vs 4.8 years, p=0.017, figure 1) and shorter time to next treatment (65% at 4 years compared to 0% in previously untreated, p=0.007). 15% of newly diagnosed FL treated with ibritumomab tiuxetan relapsed compared to 64% of relapsed FL patient. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups. The incidence of grades 3-4 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count <1000 x109/L), Anemia (Hb <8 g/dL) and Thrombocytopenia (Platelets <25 x109/L) were 47%, 7.7% and 48.7% respectively. Only 6/41 patients (15%) had cytopenias that required transfusion of blood products. More significant cytopenias were seen in relapsed group compared to previously untreated group. Conclusions: Ibritumomab tiuxetan as first line treatment in previously untreated FL patients at our institution was associated with improved response rate, better progression free survival and shorter time to next treatment when compared to its use in relapsed FL. Ibritumomab tiuxetan has significant therapeutic efficacy for both previously untreated as well as relapsed low grade FL. It was well tolerated without significant treatment-related morbidity or mortality. Moreover, treatment schedule was very convenient for the patients. Our results suggest that treatment with ibritumomab tiuxetan is an effective option for those previously untreated low grade FL patients who cannot take standard chemoimmunotherapy. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Pre-Clinical Activity of the Novel, First-in-Class p97 Inhibitor, CB-5083, in Multiple Myeloma
Moigne, Ronan Le , Djakovic, Stevan, Dhimolea, Eugen , Murnane, Megan, Rice, Julie , Wong, Steve , Kumar, Brajesh, Menon, Mary-Kamala, Soly, Szerenke Kiss Von, Wang, Jinhai , Soriano, Ferdie, Alcost-Alvear, Diego, Chesi, Marta , Bergsagel, Leif, Yakes, F. Michael, Zhou, Han-Jie , Wustrow, David J., Wolf, Jeffrey L. , Mitsiades, Constantine S. , Rolfe, Mark , Aftab, Blake T. , Anderson, Daniel J. , King, Emily M. , Rice, Julie, Valle, Eduardo, Yao, Bing , Kampmann, Martin , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Martin, Thomas G.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4701-4701

10.1182/blood.v124.21.4701.4701 Get It

Abstract Hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma (MM) have an increased reliance on the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) presumably as a consequence of their high protein synthetic and secretory burden. Chemical agents that target the proteasome, such as bortezomib and carfilzomib, have been successful in treating multiple myeloma; however patients treated with these drugs ultimately relapse. The AAA-ATPase p97/VCP (p97) facilitates ATP-dependent extraction and degradation of ubiquitinated proteins destined for proteasomal elimination. In addition to ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation, p97 is also closely involved in other aspects of protein homeostasis, including endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) and autophagy. Pharmacologic inhibition of p97 provides a compelling therapeutic approach for hematological malignancies that rely on tight regulation of protein homeostasis as a component of their survival. CB-5083 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of p97 ATPase activity with nanomolar enzymatic and cellular potency. Treatment of cancer cells with CB-5083 causes a dramatic increase in poly-ubiquitinated proteins as well as an accumulation of substrates of the UPS and ERAD. CB-5083 causes a profound induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) with consequent activation of the DR5 death receptor, caspase 8, caspase 3/7 and ultimately cell death. Induction of the UPR occurs to a greater magnitude with CB-5083 when compared to the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, suggesting the potential for increased efficacy in cancers with sensitivity to UPR-mediated cell death. In addition, activation of apoptosis and cell death occur more rapidly with CB-5083 than with bortezomib. Sequencing of cell lines made resistant to CB-5083 reveals missense mutations mapping to the D2 ATPase site in p97, supporting on-target association with cytotoxicity. In an expanded panel of MM cell lines there is no correlation between the cytotoxic sensitivity to CB-5083 and the cytotoxic sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors, suggesting differential mechanisms of cytotoxicity and potential activity of CB-5083 in proteasome inhibitor resistant settings. Compared to myeloma cell lines, CB-5083 has reduced cytotoxic potency in immortalized stromal cell lines and in patient-derived CD138-negative bone marrow mononuclear cells. Furthermore, unlike the reduced potency demonstrated by carfilzomib in the context of MM cell-bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) interactions, the cyto-reductive potential of CB-5083 is unaffected in co-cultures of MM cells with patient-derived BMSCs or immortalized BMSCs from healthy donors. In vivo, CB-5083 is orally bioavailable, shows a pharmacodynamic effect in tumor tissue (as measured by poly-ubiquitin accumulation) and demonstrates robust anti-tumor activity across several MM models. CB-5083 treatment of mice bearing subcutaneous xenografts leads to tumor stasis and regression in RPMI8226 and AMO1 MM models, respectively. In advanced models of disseminated, ortho-metastatic disease, intermittent oral administration of CB-5083 demonstrates significant inhibition of myeloma burden and improves survival, with an overall efficacy profile that compares favorably to that of clinically approved proteasome inhibitors. Furthermore, in the Vk*Myc genetically engineered mouse model of MM, treatment with CB-5083 results in a significant reduction in M-spike by 55%. Combination treatment of mice bearing the RPMI8226 subcutaneous xenograft model with CB-5083, dexamethasone and lenalidomide results in tumor regression. Taken together, these data demonstrate that CB-5083 is a potent and selective inhibitor of the p97 ATPase with robust activity in vitro and in vivo in numerous MM models and strongly support clinical evaluation. Based on these observations, a phase 1 dose-escalation trial has recently been initiated and is currently underway in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Disclosures Anderson: Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Le Moigne:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Djakovic:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Rice:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Wong:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Kumar:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Valle:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Menon:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Kiss von Soly:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Wang:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Yao:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Soriano:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Bergsagel:ONYX: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding. Yakes:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Zhou:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Wustrow:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Rolfe:Cleave Biosciences: Employment.
SHP1 Suppression In Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Is Regulated Through Promoter Hypermethylation At Novel CpG2 Island and H3K27 Trimethylation Histone Mark
Hu, Guangzhen , Wellik, Linda, Stenson, Mary, Gupta, Mamta , Han, Jing , Doǧan, Ahmet , Witzig, Thomas E.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 632-632

10.1182/blood.v122.21.632.632 Get It

Abstract Epigenetic silencing of tumor-suppressor genes has potential therapeutic relevance if the diagnostic and prognostic utility of particular DNA methylation patterns could be established. SHP1 is a tumor-suppressor gene that can be downregulated in various neoplasms. The aims of this study are (i) whether SHP1 was lost/ suppressed in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (ii) Understanding the role of various epigenetic mechanisms including CpG hypermethylation and histone modifications in SHP1 loss, and (iii) whether SHP1 in DLBCL can be re-expressed with epigenetic therapy. We initially analyzed SHP1 mRNA expression in DLBCL (n=9) patient specimens and normal B-cells by QRT-PCR. Decreased expression of SHP1 mRNA was observed in all the DLBCL patient samples as compared to normal B cells. DLBCL tumor samples (n=37) along with normal tonsils (n=10) were stained for SHP1 protein by immunohistochemistry (IHC). SHP1 expression was lost or suppressed in 53% of DLBCL tumors compared to normal controls. These data, when taken together, confirm that SHP1 is strongly expressed in normal B-cells and can be lost or suppressed in DLBCL tumors. We performed epigenetic studies of SHP1 CpG promoter 2 (named CPG1 P2) in 37 DLBCL tumors and 6 DLBCL cell lines by methylation specific (MSP1) PCR and pyrosequencing methods. Surprisingly, SHP1 CpG1 P2 hypermethylation (0/37) was not detected in patient samples or cell lines by both methods. Our data conclusively demonstrate that SHP1 CpG1 P2 hypermethylation is absent in DLBCL tumors. The finding that SHP1 was lost or silenced in many of the clinical samples without finding any CpG1 P2 hypermethylation led us to extend our methylation studies to a novel, more proximal CpG island within P2 (named CpG2) that has not been previously studied in any hematological malignancies. We designed the primers specific for these CpG2 sites and ran the pyrosequencing on the same 37 DLBCL tumors as used above for CpG1 methylation. Using a cut off of >25% (intermediate to high methylation) 57% (21/37) of patient samples were methylated. The Ly3, Ly10, and DHL2 DLBCL cell lines were also hypermethylated at CpG2. To confirm the role of CpG2 methylation in SHP1 expression, we treated the Ly3 and DHL2 cells with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-Azacytidine (Aza). We observed increased SHP1 expression compared to untreated control cells in Ly3 and DHL2 cells followed by a progressive demethylation of SHP1 CpG2, as shown by positive U-MSP with increasing amplification intensity. This resulted in a corresponding down-regulation of activated STAT3 in a similar time dependent manner. Treatment of Ly3 and DHL2 cells with 5-Aza for 0-6 days significantly (p=0.0008 for Ly3 and p=0.03 for DHL2) reduced the cell survival (40% decrease at day 6). To further investigate epigenetic control of SHP1 in DLBCL, we proceeded to study whether histone modifications in the SHP1 promoter were involved in the regulation of SHP1 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed in the Ly3, Raji cell line and normal B cells, by using antibodies to repressing marks on histones. We observed that the SHP1 promoter in the Ly3 and Raji cells was enriched for both H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 repressing marks as compared to normal B cells. To confirm the role of histone modifications in SHP1 expression, we treated Ly3 cells with the histone methyltransferase inhibitor (HMT) DZNEP and the HDAC inhibitor LBH589 (Novartis Pharmaceuticals). DZNEP has been shown to be very specific for histone suppressive marks H3K27me3 that are mediated through EZH2. Treatment with DZNEP partially reverted the H3K27me3 histone marks in the SHP1 promoter followed by increased the SHP1 expression in Ly3 cells. LBH589 treatment was not able to inhibit H3K27me3 marks, but was able to inhibit the CpG2 methylation within the SHP1 promoter 2 alone or in combination with 5- Aza. In conclusion, these data provide a comprehensive characterization of the epigenetic mechanisms leading to SHP1 deregulation in the DLBCL tumors. These findings support the notion that control of SHP1 P2 in DLBCL tumors is associated with both DNA promoter methylation and histone methylation, which explains our results that treatment with 5-Aza, DZNEP and LBH589 could reactivate SHP1 expression and inhibit DLBCL cell survival. Therefore, SHP1 may prove useful diagnostic and prognostic marker and provide a rationale to use epigenetic therapy for patients with DLBCL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.