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Abstract Abstract 4078 Background: Cytokine stimulated signaling pathways contribute to multiple myeloma (MM) disease progression and in acquired resistance to current treatment options making MM an incurable malignancy. It is very well documented that HGF is a cytokine that is secreted by bone marrow stromal cells which has an autocrine and paracrine role in the disease progression in a myeloma setting. HGF binds to its receptor tyrosine kinase on MM cells, MET and this binding at the extracellular domain results in activation of MET which interacts with several of its target proteins resulting in increased survival, increased proliferation, cell cycle progression, motility, migration and invasion. In normal bone marrows, co-expression of MET and its ligand HGF is a rarity whereas co-expression is a common feature of MM. Elevated levels of HGF have been observed in serum and bone marrows of MM patients with a negative correlation to disease progression. In addition, increased HGF levels cause abnormal and reduced bone formation in patients. HGF gene levels in MM samples have been observed to be significantly up regulated in myeloma cells when compared to normal cells. Recently, studies have identified that HGF facilitates the MM cells to adhere to fibronectin, a bone marrow matrix protein, thereby positively impacting MM cell invasion and proliferation. Overall, HGF and its receptor mediated pathway influences tumor progression in myeloma by targeting several different aspects of the disease biology and hence is a very attractive and potentially very important target for improving treatment regimens in a myeloma setting. Methods: MK2461 was synthesized by Merck Inc. (Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA). Stock solutions were made using DMSO and working stock solutions were made using RPMI 1640 media containing 10% fetal bovine serum (20% serum for primary patient cells) supplemented with L-Glutamine, penicillin, and streptomycin. MTT assay was performed to study drug induced cytotoxicity and thymidine uptake was used as a measure to study differences in proliferation. Flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) was used to measure drug induced apoptosis in cell lines and patient cells. In order to study the mechanism of action of the drug, immunoblotting studies were performed on lysates made from cell lines incubated with the drug for various durations. Results: MK2461 treatment led to dose and time dependent cytotoxicity in a few myeloma cell lines (OPM2, DOX40, RPMI8226 and LR5) but not in others (MM1S, MM1R, H929 and U266). The IC50 values for the sensitive lines varied from 1μ M (OPM2) to 10μ M (DOX40, RPMI8226 and LR5). However, MK2461 significantly inhibited the proliferation of MM cells at sub IC50 concentrations in all cell lines tested except MM1S. This inhibition of proliferation was observed when cells were co-cultured with stromal cells or cytokines, namely VEGF, IL6 or HGF. Culturing MM cells with increasing doses of HGF was still unable to protect them from drug induced inhibition of proliferation. MK2461 was able to induce time dependent increase in apoptosis (as measured by annexin/PI), decrease in proliferation (as measured by BrdU assay) and induction of cell cycle arrest in the drug sensitive cell lines. This effect was not observed in MM1S cells. Exploring the mechanism of action of the drug indicated that MK2461 treatment led to down regulation of pc-Met, pGab1, pAkt and pErk in both the drug sensitive (OPM2) and drug resistant (MM1S) cell lines. However, proteins down stream of Akt in the PI3K/Akt pathway, namely pGSK3β, p70S6K, Bcl2, cyclin E and cyclin D3 were down regulated only in OPM2 cells. On the contrary, we observed up-regulation of these proteins in the drug resistant cell line offering a possible explanation for the drug resistant phenotype. We have also examined combinations of MK2461 with inhibitors of PI3K/Akt pathway. Conclusion: These studies demonstrate significant in-vitro activity of MK2461 in MM. Our results suggest the presence of two populations one very sensitive to MK2461 and one insensitive. Differential effects on the signaling pathways provide important clues to the mechanisms of action of c-met inhibitors in myeloma. The results form the basis for clinical evaluation of MK2461 in MM. Disclosures: Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 4125 Background: With the exception of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas, which are thought to derive from follicular helper T cells, little is known about the cell of origin for the most common peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), PTCL-unspecified (PTCL-U). Following appropriate antigenic stimulation, naïve CD4+ T helper (TH) cells differentiate into effector cells that secrete TH cytokines under the transcriptional regulation of subset-specific transcription factors. Methods: PTCL-U patients (n=53) from a single institution were retrospectively identified and immunohistochemical analysis of Foxp3, T-bet and GATA-3 expression performed on diagnostic biopsy specimens. Immunohistochemical staining was reviewed in a blinded fashion by a hematopathologist and all specimens with greater than 10% staining were scored as positive. Transcription factor expression was correlated with patient characteristics and clinical outcomes. Results: GATA-3 expression was observed in 22 (42%) patients, T-bet expression in 17 (32%) patients and Foxp3 expression in 4 (7%) patients. In order to determine the prognostic significance of GATA-3 or T-bet expression, overall survival was compared between patients with GATA-3 (or T-bet) positive or negative tumors. The median overall survival (OS) was 2 years (95% confidence interval 0.7–12.8 years) for patients with GATA-3 negative tumors, compared with a median OS of 0.9 years (95% confidence interval 0.5–1.2 years, p=0.02) for GATA-3 positive cases. The median overall survival was 1.6 years (95% confidence interval 1.0–6.8 years) for patients with T-bet negative tumors, compared with a median overall survival of 0.7 years (95% confidence interval 0.3–0.9 years, p=0.005) for T-bet positive cases. As a subset of tumors coexpressed GATA-3 and T-bet, both of which are adverse prognostic factors, we examined survival outcomes between those patients with tumors expressing either GATA-3 or T-bet (n=29) and those with tumors which do not express either transcription factor (n=24). The median OS and PFS observed for patients with positive tumors was 0.7 years (95% confidence interval 0.6–1.1 years) and 0.7 years (95% confidence interval 0.5–0.9 years), respectively. In contrast, patients with GATA-3/T-bet negative tumors experienced markedly superior survival, with a median OS and PFS of 3.8 years (95% confidence interval 1.6–12.9 years, p<0.0001) and 2.0 years (95% confidence interval 1.5–12.8 years, p<0.0001), respectively. Four-year estimates of overall and progression-free survival were less than 10% for patients with GATA-3/T-bet positive tumors, whereas 4-year OS and PFS were 49% and 32%, respectively, for those with negative tumors. Both GATA-3 and T-bet expression were associated with advanced age and tumor stage. Therefore, we analyzed GATA-3/T-bet expression as a prognostic factor for survival on both univariate and multivariate analyses, adjusting for pertinent risk factors, including patient age and tumor stage. On univariate analysis, GATA-3/T-bet expression was associated with inferior overall survival (hazard ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval 2.1–10.4, p<0.0001). Patient age (>60 years), poor performance status (ECOG performance status >1), and stage III/IV disease were also associated with inferior overall survival on univariate analysis. However, when adjusting for these latter adverse prognostic factors on multivariate analysis, GATA-3/T-bet expression remained an independent predictor of poor overall survival in PTCL-U (adjusted hazard ratio 3.2, 95% confidence interval 1.4–8.5, p=0.008). Similarly, when adjusting only for high-risk features (>2 adverse prognostic factors), as defined by the Prognostic Index in PTCL-U (PIT), GATA-3/T-bet expression remained an independent predictor of inferior overall survival on multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 4.9, 95% confidence interval 2.2–11.5, p<0.0001). Conclusions: GATA-3 and T-bet expression identify subsets of high-risk PTCL-U patients who may benefit from alternative treatment strategies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract A new method is described for the graded estimation of G6PD activity in individual erythrocytes. The method appears to offer some technical advantages over other methods. It requires reagents that are neither hazardous nor unstable and such equipment as might be found in the usual hematology laboratory. It appears to be more sensitive than conventional methods for identification of women heterozygous for G6PD deficiency and further substantiates the existence of erythrocyte mosaicism in such individuals.

Abstract Abstract 2998 Background: Multiple myeloma remains incurable with current therapies and novel approaches based on disease biology are needed. Inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) proteins represent a conserved group of proteins that are important regulators of apoptosis. X-linked IAP (XIAP) is the best studied IAP and inhibits pro-apoptotic caspases 3, 7 and 9. Multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines express high levels of XIAP and levels are further increased when stimulated by cytokines IL6 and IGF-1, both secreted in copious amounts in the myeloma microenvironment. IL6 and IGF1 up-regulate XIAP by activating the NF-κB, MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways that are commonly aberrant in MM and other tumors. XIAP mRNA contains an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) sequence in the 5` untranslated region. IRES sequences enable direct ribosome recruitment and aid in translation that is independent of cap-mediated translation. Thus, molecules like mTOR inhibitors might not lead to XIAP downregulation. This was observed when rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, was used on MM cell lines. XIAP protein levels were not reduced due to the IRES sequence which leads to translation that is independent of the 5` cap and 4EBP1. Thus XIAP inhibitors might be able to overcome resistance associated with rapamycin treatment. Methods: LC161 was synthesized by Novartis Inc. (Basel, Switzerland). Stock solutions were made in DMSO, and subsequently diluted in RPMI-1640 medium for use. MM cell lines were cultured in RPMI 1640 containing 10% fetal bovine serum (20% serum for primary patient cells) supplemented with L-Glutamine, penicillin, and streptomycin. Cytotoxicity was measured using the MTT viability assay and proliferation using thymidine uptake. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry upon cell staining with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI). Immunoblotting was done on cell extracts at various time points following incubation with the drug in order to study the cell signaling pathways. Results: LC161 treatment resulted in a dose and time dependent inhibition of cell growth in the MM cell lines tested. Most of the cytotoxicity was evident by 72 hours, with minimal increase seen up to 96 hours of incubation. At 72 hours of incubation, the median inhibitory concentration varied considerably between various cell lines with an IC50 range of 2.5–25μ M. The IC50s were maintained when the cells were treated in co-culture with stromal cells or in the presence of IL6, IGF or VEGF. Dose-dependent decrease in proliferation of the cell lines was evidenced by decreased thymidine incorporation. Apoptotic changes in cells following drug treatment was confirmed by flow cytometry for Annexin and PI. Cleavage of caspases 3, 8 and 9 were confirmed on flow cytometry. Primary myeloma cells from patients were treated with increasing doses of the drug and dose dependent increase in apoptosis was observed. Immunoblotting studies demonstrated dose dependent significant down regulation of Xiap, cIAP1, cIAP2 and surviving and up-regulation of activated caspases 3, 8 and 9 and PARP. Furthermore, LC161 resulted in down regulation of pAkt, canonical and non-canonical NF-κB, pJNK, p-p38MAPK, c-Myc, Bcl-xL and Mcl1 and up-regulation of pErk and Bcl-2. We are currently examining basal levels of expression of the IAP proteins (Xiap, cIAP1 and cIAP2), pAkt and pErk in various MM cell lines to identify marker proteins that might predict response to this class of drug. In addition, our initial studies of LC161 in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib demonstrated synergy in killing MM cells in vitro. Additional combinations including inhibitors of the Akt/mTOR pathway and MEK/Erk pathway are currently been done. Conclusion: These studies demonstrate significant in vitro activity of LC161 in MM. Our results suggest the presence of two populations one very sensitive to IAP inhibition and one relatively less sensitive. Our current studies will help identify marker proteins that might predict response to LC161 treatment. We are currently testing LC261 in combination with known inhibitors of the other important signaling pathways implicated in MM disease biology as well as in-vivo experiments in mouse models. Performing these experiments will further validate the efficacy of LC161 as an anti-MM agent and form the basis for it to be taken up for clinical evaluation either as a single agent or in combination with other agent(s). Disclosures: Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding.

Abstract Background Momelotinib (MMB, GS-0387, CYT387) is a JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of myelofibrosis. Preliminary results of a phase I/II core study (n=166) were previously reported. Subjects who achieved at least stable disease in the core study could continue MMB treatment in an extension study (n=120). Final data from the phase I/II core study and updated data from the extension study are presented. Methods Subjects with myelofibrosis categorized as IPSS intermediate-2 or high risk, or intermediate-1 risk with symptomatic splenomegaly or hepatomegaly and/or unresponsive to available therapy, were enrolled. Following a dose escalation phase, subjects were treated on a dose expansion phase in the core study with MMB at either 150 mg or 300 mg once-daily, or 150 mg twice-daily for 9 months. In the extension study, MMB was at the same dose the subject tolerated and derived clinical benefit from in the core study. Clinical responses were adjudicated according to IWG-MRT criteria. Spleen Response was defined as ≥ 50% reduction in palpable splenomegaly that lasted ≥ 8 weeks (wks) for baseline splenomegaly ≥ 10 cm, plus resolution of palpable splenomegaly that lasted ≥ 8 wks for baseline splenomegaly > 5 to < 10 cm. Anemia Response was defined as transfusion-free interval of ≥ 12 wks for baseline transfusion dependence, plus ≥ 2 g/dL rise in hemoglobin (Hb) for baseline transfusion independence and Hb < 10 g/dL. Baseline transfusion dependence was defined as ≥ 2U RBC transfusion in the 30 days prior to first dose of MMB or identified as transfusion dependent in medical history. Results As of April 2013, 58 of 120 subjects remained on treatment in the open-label extension study, with median treatment duration of 507 days (range 23-1036) for both core and extension studies. Based on interim analysis, the most common reasons for discontinuation from the extension study were disease progression (n=13), investigator's decision (n=12), and consent withdrawal (n=10), with 2 drug-related adverse events (both peripheral neuropathy) that led to study discontinuation. Efficacy data for the core and extension studies are depicted in table below. Median time to onset of Spleen Response was not yet reached (range 6-693 days), median duration of Spleen Response was 324 days (range 56-936). Median duration of 12-week transfusion independence was not yet reached (91-987 days), median duration of Anemia Response was not yet reached (57-987). Constitutional symptoms assessment at 3 months for the core study showed ≥ 50% improvement in 72%, 46%, 77%, 100%, and 74% of subjects with pruritis, cough, bone pain, fever, and night sweats respectively. Most common Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related events were thrombocytopenia (29%), neutropenia (5%), and elevated lipase (4%) without clinical pancreatitis. Peripheral neuropathy was reported by 38% of subjects, all ≤ Grade 2, with 17 subjects experiencing neuropathy at baseline. Four subjects transformed into acute leukemia (1 in core study, 3 in extension study). There was no treatment-related death. Conclusion Prolonged administration of MMB for treatment of myelofibrosis is well tolerated and has an acceptable safety profile. MMB is efficacious in durably reducing myelofibrosis-related splenomegaly as well as improving transfusion requirement and disease-related symptoms. These data form the basis for the phase 3 randomized study of MMB in myelofibrosis. Disclosures: Gupta: Novartis: Lecture fee, Lecture fee Other; Novartis: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding. Bavisotto:YM Biosciences: Consultancy. Kawashima:Gilead Sciences: Employment. Lee:Gilead Sciences: Employment. Kowalski:Gilead Sciences: Employment. Deng:Gilead Sciences: Employment. Niforos:Gilead Sciences: Employment.

Abstract Abstract 2848 Poster Board II-824 Background: Multiple myeloma remains incurable with current therapies and novel approaches based on disease biology are needed. IL-6 is a critical cytokine involved in myeloma cell proliferation and survival and exerts its activity primarily through the JAK/STAT pathway. In addition to IL6, other cytokines are also believed to cross talk with the JAK/STAT pathway, making it a crucial interface for survival signals. It has been implicated in myeloma cell interaction with the microenvironment and resistance to apoptotic stimuli from different drugs, and represents a potential therapeutic target. We examined the pre-clinical activity of a novel JAK2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor TG101209. Methods: TG101209 (N-tert-butyl-3-(5-methyl-2-[4-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-phenylamino]-pyrimidin-4-ylamino)-benzenesulfonamide) was synthesized by TargeGen Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA). Stock solutions were made in DMSO, and subsequently diluted in RPMI-1640 medium for use. MM cell lines were cultured in RPMI 1640 containing 10% fetal bovine serum (20% serum for primary patient cells) supplemented with L-Glutamine, penicillin, and streptomycin. Cytotoxicity was measured using the MTT viability assay and proliferation using thymidine uptake. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry upon cell staining with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) for cell lines and using Apo2.7 in primary patient cells. CD45 expression was estimated using flow cytometry and cells were gated by their CD45 expression to assess differential effects of the drug. Immunoblotting was done on cell extracts at various time points following incubation with the drug in order to study the cell signaling pathways. Results: TG101209 resulted in a dose and time dependent inhibition of cell growth in the MM cell lines tested. Most of the cytotoxicity was evident by 48 hours, with minimal increase seen up to 96 hours of incubation. At 48 hours of incubation, the median inhibitory concentration was between 2 and 4uM with similar IC50 seen for myeloma cell lines sensitive or resistant to conventional therapies. The IC50s were maintained when the cells were treated in co-culture with stromal cells or in the presence of IL6, IGF or VEGF. Increasing doses of IL6 was not able to rescue the cells from the drug. Dose dependent decrease in proliferation of the cell lines was evidenced by decreased thymidine incorporation. Apoptotic changes in cells following drug treatment was confirmed by flow cytometry for Annexin and PI. Cleavage of caspases 3, 8 and 9 were confirmed on flow cytometry. Addition of the pan-caspase inhibitor zvad-fmk did not prevent drug-induced apoptosis confirming non-caspase mediated mechanisms of cell death as well. Primary myeloma cells from several patients were treated with increasing doses of the drug and IC50 similar to cell lines were seen in 8/10 patient samples tested. Interestingly, evaluation of U266 cell lines, which have a mix of CD45+ and negative cells as well as primary patient cells demonstrated more profound cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative activity of the drug on the CD45+ population relative to the CD45- cells. Immunoblotting studies demonstrated significant down regulation of IL-6 induced pSTAT3 with minor effects on the pERK and pAkt. The effect on pSAT3 was sustained compared to that on pERK and pAkt. This was accompanied by significant down regulation of Bcl-xL. Studies in a mouse model of myeloma are planned. Conclusion: These studies demonstrate significant in-vitro activity of JAK2 inhibition in multiple myeloma. In particular, the preferential targeting of CD45 cells, considered to reflect the proliferative compartment in myeloma holds out the promise for more sustained impact on the disease from a therapeutic standpoint. This is likely explained by the increased sensitivity of the CD45 cells to cytokines as a result of higher expression of different cytokine receptors as has been previously shown. This leads to increased activity of and dependence of the cells on the JAK-STAT pathway and likely explains the increased effect of the pathway inhibition. These studies form the framework for clinical evaluation of the drug in the setting of myeloma. Disclosures: Kumar: CELGENE: Research Funding; MILLENNIUM: Research Funding; BAYER: Research Funding; GENZYME: Research Funding; NOVARTIS: Research Funding.

Abstract Background: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol extracted from green tea that has been studied for cancer prevention and treatment. Green tea and its extracts have been an integral part of traditional medicines from Asia and are thought to have considerable medicinal value. EGCG has been studied in many tumor types and in vitro studies have been encouraging. It is currently in Phase I/II clinical trial in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Here we examined the activity of EGCG in the setting of myeloma and its potential mechanisms of action. Methods: MM cell lines were cultured in RPMI 1640 containing 10% fetal bovine serum supplemented with L-Glutamine, penicillin, and streptomycin. The KAS-6/1 cell line was also supplemented with 1 ng/ml IL-6. Cytotoxicity of EGCG was measured using the MTT viability assay. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry upon cell staining with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI). Fresh myeloma cells were obtained from bone marrow aspirates and subjected to ACK lysis to remove red cells. These cells were cultured in RPMI1640 with or with out EGCG and apoptotic rates were determined by Apo 2.7 expression on gated plasma cells. Flow cytometry was used for determining the phosphorylation state of various signaling proteins. Anti-angiogenic activity of EGCG was measured using a human in vitro angiogenesis kit (Angiokit). Results: EGCG treatment of myeloma cell lines resulted in dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity to the cells. EGCG was cytotoxic to several myeloma cell lines, including IL-6 dependent cell lines KAS-6/1 and ANBL-6 as well as drug resistant cell lines MM1.R, Dox40 and LR5. The effect was maintained when the cells were grown in co-culture with marrow stromal cells, indicating the ability to overcome microenvironment mediated resistance. EGCG induced apoptosis of myeloma cell lines, apoptotic cells being measured as Annexin (+)/PI (−) cells by flow cytometry. It induced a dose-dependent apoptosis of freshly isolated myeloma cells with increased effect seen on the CD45+ myeloma cells compared to CD45- cells, reflecting increased activity on the proliferative fraction. Down regulation of Akt phosphorylation was seen following treatment of myeloma cells with EGCG. Using the Angiokit, we were able to demonstrate inhibition of tubule formation by EGCG at concentrations lower than those cytotoxic to myeloma cells. It was also able to overcome the angiogenic activity of VEGF. Conclusion: We demonstrate potent anti-myeloma activity of EGCG in vitro. In vivo studies in animal models of myeloma are ongoing. We demonstrate, as in other cell lines, inhibition of Akt pathways as a potential mechanism of action of EGCG. Ongoing studies are exploring other mechanisms. Most importantly, we demonstrate anti-angiogenic activity of this compound in the setting of myeloma, a finding in concordance with the inhibition of VEGF activity seen with other tumor systems.

Abstract Background: Multiple myeloma remains incurable with current approaches and newer therapies are needed to improve the outcome of these patients. While monoclonal antibody based therapies have been successful in some of the hematological malignancies, such approaches have had limited efficacy in the setting of myeloma. Thymoglobulin (polyclonal rabbit antithymocyte globulin, Genzyme) (Thymo) has been extensively evaluated in the setting of allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation and solid organ transplants. Given the polyclonal nature of this product, with antibodies against different B cell antigens, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo activity of Thymo in myeloma. Methods: MM cell lines were cultured in RPMI 1640 containing 10% fetal bovine serum supplemented with L-Glutamine, penicillin, and streptomycin. The KAS-6/1 cell line was also supplemented with 1 ng/ml IL-6. Cytotoxicity following drug treatment was measured using the MTT viability assay. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry using Annexin V/PI in cell lines and Apo 2.7 in primary patient plasma cells. Shifts in expression of a variety of different B cell and plasma cell antigens were examined on several different myeloma cell lines following Thymo treatment in order to identify the potential antigenic targets. In vivo activity of thymo was evaluated in a SCID plasmacytoma model injected with RPMI myeloma cell lines. Results: rATG was cytotoxic in vitro to several MM cell lines (RPMI 8226, U266, OPM1, OPM2) including the IL-6 dependent cell line Kas6/1 with LC50 of around 1 mg/mL. Additionally, thymo was cytotoxic MM cell lines resistant to conventional agents such as doxorubicin (Dox40), melphalan (LR5) and dexamethasone (MM1R). Thymo induced apoptosis in MM cell lines and in patient derived primary myeloma cells. When tested in combination with other anti-myeloma agents an additive effect was seen with doxorubicin, PS341 and melphalan. Using competitive flow cytometry, we identified CD138, CD38, Cd45, CD126, CD49d (VLA4), as well as CD20 as antigens likely to be targeted by Thymo. Tumor bearing mice injected with Thymo at two different doses (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg for five days) had significantly delayed tumor growth compared to non-injected mice, and this translated into a better survival for these mice. Mice receiving 10 mg/kg dose had a slower tumor growth compared to 5 mg/kg dose (Figure). Conclusions: Thymoglobulin has promising in vitro and in vivo activity in the setting of myeloma. These studies will provide the rational for future clinical development of this agent in myeloma alone or in combination with other agents. Based on these results, we are in the process of initiating a clinical trial combining Thymo with Melphalan. Figure Figure

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.

Abstract Abstract 178 Background: CYT387 is a potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of JAK 1 and JAK 2 which is in clinical development for the treatment of myelofibrosis. Previously reported preliminary results from a phase I/II multicenter study demonstrated improvements in splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms as well as in RBC transfusion requirements. Enrollment has been completed and all subjects have now reached a minimum of 9 months on study. Updated safety and efficacy results are presented. Methods: Subjects with high or intermediate-risk primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and post-polycythemia vera (post-PV) or post-essential thrombocythemia (ET) myelofibrosis were enrolled. Following an initial dose expansion phase, subjects were treated in a 9 month core study at an initial dose of 150 mg QD, 300 mg QD or 150 mg BID. Continued treatment with CYT387 was permitted in an extension phase for subjects who maintained at least stable disease. Responses were assessed by International Working Group (IWG) criteria with transfusion independence response defined as achieving a minimum 12 week transfusion-free period. Results: Enrollment of 166 subjects was completed at 6 study sites. Initial doses included 52 subjects at 150 mg QD, 60 subjects at 300 mg QD and 42 subjects at 150 mg BID. An additional 12 subjects were enrolled in other dose groups (100 mg QD, 200 mg QD, 400 mg QD) during the initial dose escalation phase. The median duration (range) of follow-up is 16.1 months (0.7 to 31.0 months). Durable transfusion independence responses were observed in more than half of the RBC transfusion dependent subjects with a maximal transfusion-free period exceeding 2 years and ongoing. In addition, the percentage of all subjects requiring RBC transfusions substantially decreased over the treatment period. Treatment with CYT387 resulted in rapid and sustained reductions in splenomegaly with a maximal response duration approaching 2 years. The majority of subjects reporting constitutional symptoms at baseline experienced complete resolution or marked improvement by 6 months with measurable improvement within the first month of therapy. Higher transfusion independence and spleen response rates were seen in the 300 mg dose group compared to the 150 mg QD or 150 mg BID dose groups. For the first 60 consecutively enrolled subjects for whom the most mature data is available, the median follow-up period (range) is 21.5 months (2.9–31.0 months). The anemia and spleen response rates in these subjects, per IWG-MRT, were 59% and 48%, respectively; among 33 of these subjects who were RBC transfusion dependent by IWG-MRT criteria, 70% achieved a minimum 12-week period without transfusions with a maximal transfusion-free period of greater than 2 years and ongoing. While 90% of subjects reported at least one treatment-related AE, the majority were reported as Grade 1. The most common treatment-related AEs were thrombocytopenia, peripheral neuropathy, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Treatment-related peripheral neuropathy was sensory, with almost all events reported as Grade 1. The most common Grade 3–4 treatment-related AEs included thrombocytopenia and hyperlipasemia. Only 5% of subjects reported treatment-related AEs resulting in study drug discontinuation. There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: CYT387 has proven safe and well tolerated even with prolonged administration for over 2.5 years. Treatment with CYT387 results in clinical improvement by effecting a rapid, meaningful and durable reduction of splenomegaly and the achievement of sustained RBC transfusion independence in a substantial number of subjects. CYT387 is also effective in improving constitutional symptoms. These results support the development of CYT387 at a dose of 300 mg QD for the treatment of myelofibrosis. Final analyses of safety and efficacy will be available at the time of the meeting. Disclosures: Pardanani: Bristol-Myers Squibb: Clinical trial support, Clinical trial support Other; YM BioSciences: Clinical trial support, Clinical trial support Other; Sanofi-Aventis: Clinical trial support Other. Off Label Use: Data from the ongoing Phase-1/2 study of CYT387 use in myelofibrosis treatment will be described. Gotlib:YM Biosciences: Research Funding. Gupta:Celgene: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; YM Biosciences: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Roberts:YM BioSciences: clinical trial support Other. Wadleigh:Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Sirhan:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria. Bavisotto:YM BioSciences: Consultancy. Kawashima:YM BioSciences: Employment. Kowalski:YM BioSciences: Employment.