Citations 226

A Phase I Trial of Zevalin Radioimmunotherapy with High-Dose Melphalan (HDM) and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) for Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3095-3095

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3095.3095

Abstract Abstract 3095 Background: Although HDM is the standard conditioning for pts with MM undergoing ASCT, it is not sufficient for cure. In an effort to improve upon this standard, we added escalating doses of Y-90 Zevalin (a murine IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody Ibritumomab conjugated to Y-90) to HDM in a standard 3+3 phase I trial design. Y-90 is a beta-emitting radioisotope with a path length of 5 mm allowing it to target CD20+ cells and bystander cells within 5 mm. Methods: Eligibility included being a candidate for ASCT. Consenting patients (pts) received: day -22, rituximab 250 mg/m2 with In2B8 for scanning; day -14, rituximab 250 mg/m2 with escalating doses of Y90-Zevalin; day -2 and -1, melphalan 100 mg/m2/day; day 0, at least 2 × 10(6) CD34/kg stem cells; and GM-CSF until ANC engraftment. The 6 dose levels (DL) were (in Gy): 10; 12; 14; 16; 18; and 20. Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as: sustained pulmonary or liver toxicity (grade3; 96 hours duration or VOD that does not resove by day 30); delayed engraftment (ANC < 500 at day 21 or platelet transfusion dependence at day 35); and non-hematologic grade (gr) 4 toxicity excluding gastrointestinal or constitutional. Responses were according to IMWG criteria. Accrual was between May 2005 and June 2011. Data was frozen as of August 2, 2011. Results: Thirty pts have been accrued: DL1, 3; DL2, 3; DL3, 3; DL4, 6, DL5, 6; DL6, 6. The median age of patients was 59 (range 32, 73), and 70% were male. 60% had ASCT as primary therapy. The other patients were transplanted in chemosensitive relapse (n=3), chemoresistant relapse (n=7), and untested relapse (n=2). Median time from diagnosis to protocol therapy was 10.4 months (range 3.5, 94.3). Five pts had prior radiation therapy, and 11 had prior ASCT. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of Zevalin with fixed dose melphalan 200 mg/m2 was DL 5 (18 Gy) which amounted to 168 mCi (124, 182) administered. No DLTs were observed at DL 1, 2, 3, or 5. There was 1 DLT at DL 4, comprising hepatic failure (gr 5) CMV viremia (gr 3), and delayed engraftment, in a 73 yo patient with chemoresistant relapsed disease, and 2 DLTs at DL 6. These DL 6 DLTs included: 1) fatal bowel necrosis (day 12 post ASCT) in a 67 yo patient with relapsed refractory MM and history of CAD, ischemic colitis, DM; and 2) fatal biopsy proven venoocclusive disease (gr 5), which began day 91 post ASCT in a 62 yo patient with primary refractory MM, peri-mobilization S. aureus bacteremia with septic embolic, and line associated venous thrombosis. Overall, gr 3 or higher AEs were observed in 100% of pts. Non-heme gr 4 AEs were seen in: DL1, 1; DL2, 2; DL3, 0; DL4, 1; DL5, 0; DL6, 4. Median time to ANC >=500 and plts>=50 was 11 (range 8, 17) and 15 days (range 11, 89). Confirmed response rates from immediately pre-protocol to best confirmed response were: CR, 5; VGPR, 5; continued VGPR, 4, and continued PR, 7. If one includes best confirmed response from baseline for those patients using transplant as primary consolidation, 4 PRs are upstaged to VGPRs. Median follow-up for all pts is 24.5 months (0.8, 64.8), and 10 pts have died. The median PFS for pts proceeding to early and delayed ASCT was 30.4 months (95%CI 4.1-NR) and 10.3 months (95%CI 2.8–21.7), respectively. The median OS for pts proceeding to early and delayed ASCT was not attained and 11.4 months (95%CI 2.8-NA), respectively. Conclusions: For patients with multiple myeloma, the MTD of Zevalin with fixed high-dose melphalan is 18 Gy. The combination of a VGPR plus continued VGPR rate of 60%, a median PFS of 13.1 months, and a 73% 1 year OS rate make this a regimen worthy of further study. Disclosures: Kumar: Merck: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Pretreatment Serum Cytokines Predict Early Disease Relapse and A Poor Prognosis In Newly Diagnosed Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) Patients

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 429-429

10.1182/blood.v118.21.429.429

Abstract Abstract 429 BACKGROUND: While standard clinical prognostic factors such as those included in the International Prognostic Score (IPS) predict outcome in cHL patients, predicting the outcome of patients might be further refined using biological factors. We therefore tested whether pretreatment serum cytokines, that measure the biological activity of the tumor as well as the host response, could provide additional prognostic information in cHL patients. METHODS: Newly diagnosed cHL patients were prospectively enrolled in the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic SPORE Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER). Serum cytokines were measured from pretreatment blood draws using a multiplex ELISA (Invitrogen, Camarillo, CA). Thirty cytokines, including pro-inflammatory, Th1 and Th2 associated cytokines, were analyzed using the Luminex-100 system Version 1.7 (Luminex, Austin, TX). Data analysis was performed using the MasterPlex QT 1.0 system (MiraiBio, Alameda, CA). The assay was also performed on research serum draws from 50 non-lymphoma epidemiology controls enrolled on a corresponding lymphoma etiology case-control study. The upper limit of normal for each cytokine was defined as the 95th percentile from the control distribution. Clinical data were abstracted using a standard protocol and all patients were followed systematically for event-free (progression, retreatment, or death due to any cause) and overall survival (EFS and OS, respectively). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between cytokines and outcome. RESULTS: 140 HL patients with cHL diagnosed between September 2002 and February 2008 with available pretreatment serum were included. The median age was 40 years (range 18–89) and 53% were male. Seventy-seven patients (55%) had limited stage disease and 63 (45%) had advanced disease. One hundred and twenty one patients (86%) were treated with ABVD chemotherapy, while the remainder received the Stanford V regimen (9%), BEACOPP (4%) or MOPP chemotherapy (2%). At a median follow-up of 47 months (range 0–87), 25 patients (18%) had an event and 16 patients had died (11%). The serum levels of 12 cytokines (EGF, FGFb, GCSF, HGF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-2R, IP-10, MIG, TNFa and VEGF) were significantly higher in cHL patients than controls. When correlated with clinical factors, IL-2R, IP-10, MIG, IL-6 and HGF were associated with an increased sedimentation rate, B-symptoms, advanced stage and splenic involvement. Elevated IL-8 levels were associated with bulky disease. Elevated levels of HGF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-2R, IP-10 and MIG were all associated with a poorer EFS, however only IL-2R (p=0.002) and IL-6 (p<0.001) were independently prognostic for both EFS and OS. Furthermore, using IL-6 and IL-2R in a 2-cytokine model (see Figure), patients with elevation of both cytokines had a dramatically greater likelihood of early relapse and death than those with normal levels or elevations of only one of the cytokines (1-year EFS 40% compared to 97% and 93% respectively, p<0.0001; 2-year OS 49% compared to 98% and 95%, p<0.0001). While elevated IL-6 and IL-2R levels correlated with the IPS (p=0.002), this 2-cytokine model remained independently predictive of prognosis. In fact, when only good risk patients (IPS 0–3) were considered, the 2-cytokine model remained predictive of patients at risk for early relapse (1-year EFS 54% versus 95% and 97%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Elevated pretreatment serum cytokines are associated with an increased likelihood of disease relapse and an inferior survival in patients with cHL. The pretreatment cytokine profile, particularly serum levels of IL-6 and IL-2R, may identify cHL patients at high risk for early disease relapse who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Predicting Poor Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Mobilization Using Initial Peripheral CD34 Counts in Patients with Lymphoma.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4228-4228

10.1182/blood.v114.22.4228.4228

Abstract Abstract 4228 Background Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) are the preferred graft type for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and mobilization is typically done using growth factor (GF) alone or a combination of chemotherapy (CTX) and GF. The success of mobilization is influenced by several factors such as prior therapy, mobilization strategy, underlying disease, among others. Patients (Pts) failing to mobilize successfully often have GF dose increased and if unsuccessful, mobilization is reattempted with chemotherapy + GF or G-CSF (Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating factor) + GM-CSF (Granulocyte–Macrophage Colony-Stimulating factor). More recently, plerixafor, a CXCR4 inhibitor, has been found to enhance G-CSF based collection allowing potential early intervention in poor mobilizers. However, this approach requires valid cut-points for peripheral CD34 counts (pCD34) for cost efficient use. Methods We studied 656 first time, G-CSF based PBSC mobilizers with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (562; 86%), or Hodgkin's Disease (94; 14%). Salvage attempts were excluded, as were first attempts using CTX+GCSF, plerixafor or GF combinations. Sensitivity-specificity analysis (Receiver operating characteristic) was used to define ideal cut-points for predefined outcomes. We used a CD34 yield of 2 million/kg as the minimum required collection and 5 million/kg as the ideal collection for the current analysis. Our current practice is to initiate collection at a pCD34 of 10/uL. Results We first determined the best day 1 pCD34 cutoff for being able to collect at least 2 million/kg PBSC to be 9/uL. Among those with ≥9/uL, only 6.6 % failed to collect at least 2 million compared to 55% among the rest (P < 0.001). These numbers were 6.3% and 50% respectively using the traditional cutoff of 10/uL. We then examined how the pCD34 on day 2 predicted collection, among those failing to reach the current threshold of 10/uL. Among this group, a pCD34 on day 2 of 9.1/uL was the best cutoff to predict a collection of 2 million/kg. Among those with >=9.1/uL, only 22% failed to collect at least 2 million compared to 79% among the rest (P < 0.001). Among those with day 1 pCD34 < 10, 49% achieved a count of 9.1/uL on day 2. We then examined what pCD34 on day 1 can best predict a pCD34 ≥ 9.1 on day 2 and found this to be 5.2/uL. Among those with day 1 pCD34 ≥ 5.2/uL, 79% reached day 2 pCD34 ≥ 9.1 compared to 24% among the rest (P < 0.001). We then determined cutoffs based on ideal targets using only those patients achieving pCD34 count > 10/uL by day 2, since these patients would have started collection without any change in the mobilization technique. We used a maximum of 5 collections to achieve the goal as being ideal, taking into account the most commonly used practice of collecting during weekdays. We examined cutoffs for a target of 5 million/kg for one transplant. The best day 1 or day 2 pCD34 predicting a 5 million/kg yield in 5 collections was 17/uL. Among those with day 1or 2 pCD34 ≥ 17/uL, 4% failed to reach 5 million in ≤ 5 days compared to 96% among the rest (P < 0.001). Conclusions This study provides an estimate of optimal pCD34 count thresholds for early identification of patients with lymphoma at high risk of collection failure. It is reasonable to use the first or second day pCD34 count, since a substantial proportion of patients will achieve the threshold value by day 2 and these patients appear to have similar outcome as those reaching the threshold by day 1. Based on the results here, interventions such as addition of plerixafor can be considered if pCD34 count is < 6/uL on day 1 or < 10/uL by day 2, to achieve the minimum collection of 2 million/kg. However, in order to achieve the ideal targets, a higher threshold should be considered and the recommendation based on the current study would be 17/uL for a target of 5 million. Such a target-adapted strategy may be more appropriate. Disclosures: Kumar: Celgene,Genzyme,Millenium,Novartis,Bayer,: Honoraria, Research Funding. Gertz:Genzyme: Research Funding. Micallef:Genzyme: Research Funding.
Alemtuzumab Use and Survival After Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL),

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4152-4152

10.1182/blood.v118.21.4152.4152

Abstract Abstract 4152 BACKGROUND: Patients with biologically aggressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) characterized by being refractory to purine nucleoside analogues and/or possessing the cytogenetic abnormality del (17p13) have poor clinical outcomes with a median survival of <3 years. Several groups have reported that nonmyeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT) provides long-term disease control in a subset of high-risk CLL patients. The Seattle group also recently reported that alemtuzumab use prior to alloSCT may increase the risk of early relapse/progression (Sorror, ASH 2010). This is a potentially critical observation since alemtuzumab is one of the few active agents in patients with del(17p13) and is frequently used for pre-transplant debulking in patients with this genetic defect. METHODS: We performed retrospective analysis of 38 CLL patients who underwent nonmyeloablative alloSCT for CLL at the Mayo Clinic between 2003 and 2011. The relationship between transplant outcome and debulking regimen used immediately prior to alloSCT, disease status at the time of alloSCT, post transplant engraftment, GVHD development was explored. The degree of marrow involvement prior to alloSCT was assessed using the leukemia index calculated by multiplying the % involvement by CLL cells and the % cellularity. RESULTS: Median age at the time of alloSCT was 55.5 (range, 29–69) and 13 patients (34%) were female. The median duration from CLL diagnosis to alloSCT was 4.7 years. Thirty-two patients (84%) had received more than 3 prior therapies prior to alloSCT. Thirty-seven patients (97%) had received purine analog-based therapies, 18 (47%) patients had received alkylating agents and 25 (66%) had received alemtuzumab. 33 (87%) patients were purine analog refractory. On cytogenetic evaluation by FISH, 17 (45%) patients had del(17p13), 10 (26%) had del(11q23) and 1 (3%) had del(6q23). Nine patients were in complete remission (CR) by IWCLL 2008 criteria at the time of alloSCT and 7 patients were in complete remission with incomplete marrow recovery (CRi). Of the remaining 22 patients, 20 had either a partial remission or stable disease at the time of alloSCT and 2 had progressive disease. Two (5%) patients had bulky lymphadenopathy (≥ 5cm by CT imaging), 11 (29%) patients had splenomegaly, and 8 (21%) patients had more than 30% CLL involvement by the leukemia index. Fludarabine (F) and 200cGy total body irradiation (TBI) was used as the conditioning regimen for 35 patients (92%). 22 patients received unrelated donor grafts (15 matched, 7 mismatched), and 16 received related donor grafts (all matched). Patients received mycophenolate (MMF) and either tacrolimus (unrelated grafts) or cyclosporin (related grafts) for graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. 31 out of 37 evaluable patients (84%) achieved initial 100% donor chimerism (22 within 100 days) and 24 (63%) developed ≥grade 2 GVHD. After median follow-up of 1 year (range = 0–5.4 years), 26 of 38 patients (68%) are alive, and the median overall survival is 47 months. To date, 13 (34%) have experienced CLL progression/relapse requiring accelerated taper of GVHD prophylaxis (n = 2), donor lymphocyte infusion (n = 5), or chemo/immunotherapies (n= 6). For the 12 deceased patients, causes of death was CLL relapse/progression (n = 5), GVHD (n = 2) and infectious or other complications without CLL relapse/progression (n = 5). Pre-transplant use of alemtuzumab (A) within 3 months of transplant was the only pre-transplant characteristics associated with overall survival (OS). Median OS of patients receiving A within 3 months of alloSCT was 1 year compared to not reached for those who did not receive A within 3 months of alloSCT (p = 0.011; Figure 1a). A trend was also observed between alemtuzumab use within 12 months of alloSCT; however, it did not reach statistical significance (p=0.069; Figure 1b). No statistically significant associations between residual marrow involvement at time of alloSCT (p = 0.93), type of graft (p = 0.65), or presence of del (17p13) (p = 0.13), number of prior treatments (p = 0.45), patient age (p = 0.80) or disease status at time of alloSCT (p = 0.21) were observed. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients with high risk CLL, alemtuzumab use prior to transplant was the greatest predictor of OS after nonmyeloablative alloSCT. Non-alemtuzumab based debulking strategies need to be developed for patients with del (17p13). Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Increasing the Number of Apheresis Collections Increases Lymphocyte Collection and Affects Survival after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 104 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 892-892

10.1182/blood.v104.11.892.892

Abstract Peripheral blood infused total autograft absolute lymphocyte count (A-ALC) correlates with day 15 absolute lymphocyte count and is an independent prognostic factor for survival after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Factors to enhance A-ALC collections are not well defined. We hypothesize that the number of peripheral blood apheresis collections (PBAC) directly correlates with A-ALC. 190 consecutive NHL patients who underwent ASCT at the Mayo Clinic between 1993 and 2001 were analyzed. The primary end point of the study was to assess the correlation between the number of PBAC and A-ALC. The secondary end point was to determine if the number of PBAC affected survival post-ASCT. Of the 190 patients, 18 patients underwent 1 PBAC, 23 patients 2 PBAC, 50 patients 3 PBAC, 37 patients 4 PBAC, 50 patients 5 PBAC, and 12 patients had ≥ 6 PBAC. There was no association between the number of PBAC and the number of CD34+ stem cells collected (p= 0.25). A strong association between number of PBAC and A-ALC (Kruskall Wallis test, p <0.0001)(Figure 1) was identified. Using a cut-off of 4 PBAC, superior overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were observed for patients that underwent 4 PBAC or more compared to patients that underwent less than 4 PBAC (86 months vs 18 months, p <0.0001; 76 months vs 10 months, p <0.0001, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated PBAC ≥ 4 is an independent prognostic factor for OS (RR = 0.654, 95%CI: 0.529–0.804, p< 0.0001) and for PFS (RR = 0.682, 95%CI: 0.561–0.826, p< 0.0001) when compared with other significant factors including performance status, lactate dehydrogenase and extra nodal disease. These data suggest that increasing the number of PBAC beyond the minimum number required to meet CD34+ collection targets may result in improved overall and progression-free survival mediated by an increase in autograft absolute lymphocyte count.
Absolute Lymphocyte Count Assessed During Routine Follow-up Is a Risk Factor for Relapse Post-Autologous Peripheral Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4359-4359

10.1182/blood.v114.22.4359.4359

Abstract Abstract 4359 Routine serial chimerism analysis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT) has been used as a risk factor for post-Allo-SCT cancer relapse. In non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients treated with autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (APHSCT), a specific predictor during routine follow-up that could be used to ascertain risk for post-APHSCT relapse has not been identified. Thus, we set out to investigate if absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) measured at post APHSCT follow-up could serve as a marker of post-APHSCT NHL relapse. ALC was obtained at the time of confirmed relapse at follow-up and at last no evidence of relapse follow-up. From 1993 until 2005, 269 patients treated with APHSCT for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), were included in this study. Patients at last follow-up with no relapse (N=137) had a higher ALC compared with those with confirmed relapsed at follow-up post-APHSCT (N= 132) [median ALC x 109/L of 1.66 (range: 0.13-3.69) vs 0.71 (range: 0.03-4.75), p <0.0001, respectively]. ALC at follow-up was a strong predictor for relapse with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.86 (p<0.0001). An ALC of 1.0 × 109/L was identified as the optimal cut-off point. An ALC < 1.0 × 109/L at the time of confirmed relapse had a positive predictive value of 89% and a positive likelihood ratio of 8.4 to predict relapse post-APHSCT. Patients with an ALC ≥ 1.0 × 109/L (N = 147) had a cumulative incidence of relapse of 19% versus 92% for patients with an ALC < 1.0 × 109/L (N = 122) (p<0.0001) at follow-up post-APHSCT. This study suggests that ALC at follow-up can be used as a marker to assess risk of DLBCL relapse during routine follow-up after APHSCT. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Colon: Surgery for Local Disease Control Does Not Improve Outcome.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 3444-3444

10.1182/blood.v110.11.3444.3444

Abstract Purpose: Primary colorectal large B-cell lymphoma is rare and accounts for less than 1% of all malignancies in the colon. Standard treatment for limited stage diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) includes systemic therapy combined with involved field radiation therapy. However, radiation therapy may often not be feasible in patients with primary colon lymphoma. For primary DLBCL of the colon particularly the cecum, surgical resection prior to the administration of systemic chemotherapy has been considered to improve local control. The goal of this study was therefore to determine whether surgical resection improves the outcome of patients with primary DLBCL of the colon. Methods: Clinical information and outcomes on all the patients with primary DLBCL of the colon seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, between January 1980 and June 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: There were 28 patients identified with primary colon DLBCL. Pre-existing conditions like colon polyps, Crohn’s disease and diverticulosis were uncommon. The most common presenting symptom was bleeding per rectum seen in 13 patients (46.5%). Other symptoms included abdominal pain, diarrhea and anemia. All patients had early stage disease (stage1–22 patients, stage2–6 patients) at diagnosis. Of the 28 patients, 16 underwent initial surgery followed by chemotherapy, 7 were treated with chemotherapy alone, and 5 patients had inadequate data to determine time to progression or overall survival. Chemotherapy was anthracycline based, with the most common regimen being CHOP (Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Prednisone). There was no difference in overall survival or time to progression between the 16 patients who received combined modality therapy compared to the 7 patients who received chemotherapy alone. Of the 16 patients who underwent surgical resection followed by chemotherapy, all 5 patients who relapsed, relapsed at other sites in the colon. Conclusion: Surgery as part of combined modality therapy did not appear to improve the outcome of patients with primary DLBCL of the colon. Systemic chemotherapy with an anthracycline-based regimen in combination with rituximab is therefore likely to be sufficient treatment for these patients. Follow-up for these patients should include a colonoscopy to monitor for recurrences at other sites in the colon.
A Phase II Trial of the Oral mTOR Inhibitor Everolimus (RAD001) in Relapsed Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL).

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 121-121

10.1182/blood.v110.11.121.121

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.
A Phase I Trial of CpG-7909, Rituximab Immunotherapy, and Y90 Zevalin Radioimmunotherapy for Patients (Pts) with Previously Treated CD20+ Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL).

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 124-124

10.1182/blood.v110.11.124.124

Abstract Background: CpG 7909 is a synthetic 24 mer oligodeoxynucleotide designed to provide optimal activation of immune mechanisms through the TLR9 receptors on B-cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. In vitro CpG can upregulate CD20 expression as well as stimulate the immune system. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with anti-CD20 radioimmunoconjugates such as Zevalin produces responses in approximately 80% of patients with relapsed indolent lymphoma; however, only 30% obtain a complete response and 20% have long-term disease free survival. Objectives: To combine CpG 7909 with rituximab and Zevalin to enhance the response to RIT. Patients and Methods: Patients were eligible if they had biopsy proven relapsed, refractory, or residual CD20+ NHL. Disease types included relapsed indolent and aggressive B-cell NHL. Patients were required to have measurable disease, a platelet count >150,000, and an absolute neutrophil count >1,500. This was a phase I study where all patients received a standard dose of Zevalin (0.4mCi/kg with a maximum of 32mCi for patients over 80kg) along with a phase I dose of CpG 7909. Four dose levels were studied—0.08mg/kg; 0.16mg/kg; 0.32mg/kg; and 0.48mg/kg. CpG was dosed on Day 6, 13, 20, and 27; rituximab was provided Day 1, 8, and 15; indium-111 Zevalin on Day 1 and 8 (followed by indium-111 Zevalin imaging); and yttrium-90 Zevalin on Day 15. Response was assessed at week 4 and week 12. Patients are also being assayed pre- and post-CpG and at multiple time points up to 1 year following treatment for changes in T-cell, NK-cell, and cytokine levels. Results: A total of 30 patients have now been enrolled—6 at each of the first 3 dose levels and 12 at dose level 4. Three pts had relapsed diffuse large cell (DLC) and 27 pts were relapsed indolent. One of the first 6 patients at dose level 4 (0.48mg/kg) had a dose limiting toxicity (DLT - hematologic with full recovery). The other 5 patients at dose level 4 did not have DLT; and thus, 0.48mg/kg was determined to be the dose for further studies. An additional 6 patients at dose level 0.48mg/kg were accrued. Response information is available on the first 26 pts and the median follow-up is 12.4 months (range, 0–30.8). The overall response rate, to date, is 92% (24/26) – 66% (2/3) for the DLC pts and 96% (22/23) for the indolent pts. The complete remission rate is 58% (15/26). After follow-up, 7 of the 26 patients have progressed and one has died of relapsed NHL; therefore, 73% (19/26) remain in response and overall survival is 97% (29/30). As part of the study, we performed indium-111 Zevalin imaging before CpG and after 1 dose of CpG (prior to the yttrium-90 Zevalin) to evaluate the effect of CpG on the biodistribution of the radioimmunoconjugate. In the first 24 patients treated to date, review of the paired gamma camera images does not show any significant effects of CpG on tumor or normal organ biodistribution. To date, there has been no significant differences in T-cell, NK-cell, and cytokine activation by CpG dose level. Summary: CpG 7909 can be safely combined with Zevalin RIT in patients with advanced stage relapsed B-cell NHL.
Engraftment Syndrome Is Common in Patients with POEMS Syndrome Undergoing PBSCT.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 2995-2995

10.1182/blood.v110.11.2995.2995

Abstract Background: POEMS syndrome is a devastating syndrome, characterized by peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cells, skin changes, papilledema, volume overload, sclerotic bone lesions, thrombocytosis, & high VEGF. We noted an unexpectedly high transplant related morbidity, which we have since postulated to be ES. Methods: 30 patients with POEMS were treated with PBSCT at Mayo Clinic Rochester. We retrospectively studied outcomes, with an emphasis on treatment related morbidity. Two definitions of ES were used: Spitzer (BMT 2001) and Maiolino (BMT 2003). Results: Two-thirds were male. Median age was 48, range 20–70. Time from first symptoms and diagnosis was 26 and 4 months, respectively. To mobilize stem cells, CTX/G-CSF was used in 5 & G-CSF in the remainder. Conditioning was Mel200 (n=19), Mel140 (n=10), and BEAM (n=1). Post-transplant 15 had GM-CSF begun day+6. Only 10% remained outpatient, and median time to discharge from hospital was transplant day 17 (range 0–175). Factors predicting for later dismissal included age (p=0.04), abnormal CXR 7 to 17 days post transplant (p<0.0001), & bolus corticosteroids (CS) beyond day 12 post-transplant (p=0.006). Ninety-three percent had fever, although only 9 had bacteremia. Eight satisfied criteria for ES according to Spitzer and 14 according to Maiolino. Another 3 patients received steroid bolus days 8, 12, and 11 for presumed ES but did not meet criteria because of delayed ANC recovery (days 16, 18, and 20, respectively). Of the 5 patients requiring endotracheal intubation, 3 satisfied Maiolino’s criteria for ES. Although these 3 received bolus CS during their course, administration was delayed at 18, 14, and 18 days. The patient whose CS bolus antedated intubation only received prednisone 30 mg/day. In toto, fourteen patients received bolus CS (daily doses between 20 and 1200 mg prednisone equivalents) commencing day 8 to 59. Those 7 patients who received CS before day 13 did better than the 7 who received them day 13 or later (Table). Conclusions: It is essential to recognize that nearly 50% of patients satisfied formal criteria for ES as defined by Maiolino. In these patients ES may run a self-limited course or lead to catastrophe. No Steroid (n=16) Steroid ≤ D12 (n=7) Steroid > D12 (n=7) P *Engraftment syndrome according to definition of Maiolino (M) or of Spitzer (S). ES M / S, n* 5 / 2 4 / 4 5 / 2 NA Wt change, % 0.6 (−.4.2–6.7) 6.7 (3.6–27.2) 11.2 (–2.1–23.2) 0.005 Rash, % 27 71 43 0.13 Diarrhea, % 73 86 86 0.71 Tmax, C 39 (37.8–41) 40.1 (39–41.1) 38.9 (38.7–40.8) 0.08 1st fever, day 10 (6–15) 8 (7–9) 12 (8–146) 0.007 Abn CXR1, % 13 71 71 0.03 Ventilator, % 0 14 71 0.004 First WBC, day 12 (8–21) 14 (12–14) 14 (12–17) 0.03 ANC500, day 15 (12–29) 16 (14–115) 18 (15–45) 0.08 PLT20, day 12 (8–41) 20 (11–115) 24 (9–170) 0.05 PLT50, day 15 (11–192) 32 (16–115) 56 (13–551) 0.03 RBCs, units 3 (2–8) 6 (4–31) 11 (6–64) 0.0008 PLTS, aph. units 2 (1–9) 9 (4–51) 18 (4–60) 0.0004 Hosp dsm, day 15 (13–36) 21 (15–69) 41 (16–175) 0.009