Ansell, Stephen M.

Abstract Background : Ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor was approved for the treatment of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM) in January, 2015 based on the results of a clinical trial of 63 previously-treated patients with WM. Data on outcomes with ibrutinib outside of clinical trials are limited. Methods : Medical records of patients with WM seen consecutively between 02/01/2015 and 06/01/2018 at Mayo Clinic, MN, FL and AZ were reviewed and those treated with ibrutinib at any point during their disease were included. Refractoriness to prior therapy was defined as disease progression on therapy or within 2 months of stopping treatment. The response rates were assessed by WM VI International Workshop Criteria. Adverse events were graded using National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (AEs) v4.03. All time-to-event analyses were performed from the time of initiation of ibrutinib. Results : Eighty patients [previously treated, n=67 (84%), treatment-naïve, n=13 (16%)] received ibrutinib for active WM. Median follow-up was 18 months (95% CI: 12-19) and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached (NR) (95% CI: 27-NR) for the entire cohort at the date of last follow-up. The median age was 67 years (range: 50-88) and the median ECOG performance score was 1 (range: 0-3) at the time of ibrutinib initiation. Median lines of therapies prior to ibrutinib for the previously-treated patients was 2 (range: 1-9) and 35 patients (44%) had received ≥3 prior lines of therapy. Of the 80 patients, 52 patients (43 previously treated, 9 treatment-naïve) had data for response assessment. The baseline characteristics and laboratory parameters at initiation of ibrutinib are outlined in Table 1a and prior therapies are mentioned in Table 1b. Overall response rate (ORR) was 90% (100% in patients with ibrutinib as primary therapy and 88% in salvage therapy setting); major-response rate (MRR) was 77%. Median time to first and best response was 2.1 months (95% CI: 1.5-3.5) and 5.4 months (95% CI: 3.5-13), respectively. Other clinically relevant endpoints and AEs related to ibrutinib therapy are outlined in Table 2 and 3, respectively. The median time-to-next therapy was 33 months (95% CI: 28-NR). At last follow-up, 25 (32%) patients had discontinued ibrutinib therapy. The reasons for discontinuation was progression (n=8), elevated liver enzymes (n=4), cognitive changes (n=1), inability to achieve better than MR (n=1), atrial fibrillation (n=3), consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation after PR with ibrutinib (n=1), transition to hospice care due to progressive head and neck cancer (n=1), infection in lower extremity (n=1), transformation to DLBCL (n=1), blistering rash which resolved after ibrutinib discontinuation (n=1), obscure GI bleed that resolved after ibrutinib discontinuation (n=1), fatigue (n=1) and for unclear reasons recorded as treatment intolerance (n=1). Following discontinuation of ibrutinib, 21 patients received salvage therapy. Of these, data regarding the response to salvage therapy was available in 9 (43%) patients (VGPR=2, PR=3, SD=3 and progressive disease=1); median PFS from the salvage therapy following ibrutinib discontinuation was 18 months (95% CI: 2-25). Of the 4 patients who were not treated following ibrutinib discontinuation; 1 elected hospice care due to concurrent head and neck cancer progression, and the other 3 patients elected to be monitored off therapy (one had achieved SD and two had PR from ibrutinib). Fourteen patients were evaluable for IgM rebound following ibrutinib discontinuation. Of those, 5 (36%) had sudden increase in IgM level [median: 158% from the IgM level after ibrutinib discontinuation (range: 22%-1368%)] within a median of 2 months (range: 1-3 months) and 1 patient required plasmapheresis for symptomatic hyperviscosity. Four of 5 patients received salvage therapy between 0-15 months. At last follow-up, 11 patients (14%) had died of whom 3 were on ibrutinib at the time of death [CNS involvement, (n=1), causes unrelated to WM, (n=2)]. Conclusions : Ibrutinib is an effective agent in WM patients with MYD88L265Pmutation. Our data regarding outcomes in non-trial setting appear comparable to the results observed in the pivotal clinical trial. Hematologists should be aware of unique ibrutinib associated toxicities and clinically relevant IgM rebound phenomenon following abrupt discontinuation of ibrutinib. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy. Gertz:janssen: Consultancy; Prothena: Honoraria; Medscape: Consultancy; Teva: Consultancy; celgene: Consultancy; annexon: Consultancy; Alnylam: Honoraria; Physicians Education Resource: Consultancy; spectrum: Consultancy, Honoraria; Apellis: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Ionis: Honoraria; Research to Practice: Consultancy. Kumar:Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; KITE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; KITE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Celgene, Takeda, Prothena, Jannsen, Pfizer, Alnylam, GSK: Research Funding. Witzig:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Dingli:Millennium Takeda: Research Funding; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Participates in the International PNH Registry (for Mayo Clinic, Rochester) for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Participates in the International PNH Registry (for Mayo Clinic, Rochester) for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Millennium Takeda: Research Funding. Kapoor:Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding.

Abstract Introduction This phase 1/2 study evaluated the safety and antitumor activity of brentuximab vedotin (BV) administered in combination with nivolumab (Nivo) in adult patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R cHL) who have failed frontline therapy (NCT02572167). Results from Parts 1 & 2 have been previously reported, wherein safety, efficacy, and biomarkers consistent with immune activation were observed in pts with R/R cHL (Herrera et al., Blood 2018). In Part 3, patients were treated with BV + Nivo on Day 1 of each cycle. In contrast, pts in Parts 1 & 2 received BV on C1D1 and Nivo on C1D8 with concurrent admin on subsequent cycles. Herein we present safety, efficacy, and biomarker results for Part 3 and updated progression free survival (PFS) from Parts 1 & 2. Methods Pts in Parts 1 & 2 received up to four 21-day cycles of staggered dosing (day 1 BV 1.8 mg/kg, day 8 Nivo 3 mg/kg in Cycle 1) and concurrent thereafter, with steroid and antihistamine premedication. Pts in Part 3 received up to four 21-day cycles of concurrent BV + Nivo on Day 1 with antihistamine premedication. Following Cycle 4 response assessment (Lugano Classification Revised Staging System with the incorporation of the Lymphoma Response to Immunomodulatory Therapy Criteria [LYRIC, 2016]) responding pts were eligible to undergo autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Results 30 pts were treated in Part 3 and all were evaluable for efficacy. Pt characteristics included the following: median age 31.5 yrs (range; 20 - 66), 63% female, 93% prior ABVD, 37% primary refractory HL, 30% relapsed within 1year of frontline therapy, 30% with extranodal disease and 17% with bulky disease at enrollment. 28 pts completed all 4 cycles. 1 pt discontinued treatment (tx) due to an adverse event (AE; Grade 3 [G3] elevated Gamma-Glutamyltransferase) and 1 pt due to progressive disease (PD). The latter pt eventually died due to PD. All pts are off tx and have been observed through the safety reporting period. 37% of pts experienced a G3 or higher tx emergent AE prior to ASCT. 30% of the pts experienced infusion related reactions (IRRs), which occurred most frequently during Cycle 2. Potential G3 or higher immune-related AEs (IRAEs), excluding IRRs, occurred in 2 pts, one of whom required steroids for G4 pneumonitis, which subsequently resolved. Among the 30 efficacy evaluable pts, the complete response (CR) rate was 80% (24/30), with an objective response rate (ORR) of 93%. 47% of pts (14) had a Deauville ≤2, and 17% (5) had Deauville 3. 5 pts with CR had a Deauville >3 and met LYRIC criteria for IR-2. 4/5 pts had a negative follow-up biopsy that confirmed CR and in 1 pt the PET finding was considered to be a false positive as contrast enhanced CT did not reveal any abnormality. All 5 pts proceeded directly to ASCT and remain in CR at follow-up. Among all treated patients, 25 went directly to ASCT after completing BV + Nivo tx with a median 6.8 x 106 CD34+ cells/kg (range 1-20) collected. Median times to neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 12 and 14 days, respectively. 4 pts required additional salvage therapy subsequent to study tx. Patients were followed for a median of 6 months from ASCT (N=25, range 0.8-8.8) and 10 months from first dose (N=30, range 1.8-12.7). The estimated 9-month PFS rate in all-treated pts was 88%. This is comparable to all-treated pts in Parts 1 & 2, whose estimated 9 and 15 month PFS were 86% and 82%, respectively (Fig 2). Biomarker testing was performed on peripheral blood samples, included immunophenotyping, serum cytokine analysis, and TCRβ sequencing. Concurrent dosing of BV+ Nivo resulted in increased levels of both activated and dividing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as increased regulatory T-cells and circulating plasmablasts. Cytokines and chemokines associated with innate and adaptive immune activation, including Type I and Type II interferons, IL-18, and IP-10, were significantly upregulated following BV + Nivo, while TARC levels were significantly diminished following therapy. TCRβ sequencing revealed clonal expansion in the periphery following BV + Nivo. Conclusion A concurrent dosing schedule of BV + Nivo was well tolerated with a high CR rate of 80%. Biomarkers evaluated in Part 3 indicate immune activation in the periphery following BV + Nivo. Cumulatively, the results in Part 3, along with the durable remissions noted in Parts 1 & 2, support BV + Nivo combination as an encouraging first salvage therapy prior to ASCT in pts with R/R cHL. Disclosures Advani: Forty Seven: Research Funding; Infinity: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board, Research Funding; Gilead/Kite: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Roche/Genentech: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Agensys: Research Funding; Millenium: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Autolus: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kura: Research Funding; Kyowa: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Bayer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Regeneron: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Cell Medica: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board; Pharmacyclics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Participated in an advisory board, Research Funding. Moskowitz:Bristol Myers-Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria; Merck: Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Bartlett:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; KITE: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Vose:Celgene: Research Funding; Legend Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.: Research Funding; Incyte Corp.: Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Acerta Pharma: Research Funding; Abbvie: Honoraria; Epizyme: Honoraria; Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Ramchandren:Merck: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics LLC an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Feldman:Johnson and Johnson: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Portola: Research Funding; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; KITE: Speakers Bureau. LaCasce:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Other: Data safety and monitoring board; Research to Practice: Speakers Bureau; Humanigen: Consultancy, Honoraria. Christian:Acerta: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Immunomedics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Ansell:LAM Therapeutics: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding; Merck & Co: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding; Trillium: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Moskowitz:Celgene: Consultancy; Merck & Co: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding. Fenton:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ogden:Seattle Genetics, Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Taft:Seattle Genetics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zak:Seattle Genetics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sacchi:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment, Equity Ownership. Galderisi:Seattle Genetics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Herrera:Immune Design: Research Funding; Merck, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; KiTE Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding.

Abstract Introduction: The phase 2 CheckMate 205 study (NCT02181738) of nivolumab (nivo) has demonstrated high objective response rates (ORRs), durable efficacy, prolonged overall survival (OS), and an acceptable safety profile in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R cHL) after failure of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) irrespective of prior brentuximab vedotin (BV) treatment (Armand et al, J Clin Oncol 2018). Atypical response patterns have been observed with checkpoint inhibitors, and clinical benefits may be experienced by pts who are treated beyond progression (TBP) as defined by conventional criteria (Cheson et al, Blood 2016; Younes et al, Ann Oncol 2017). Stable reductions in tumor burden without symptoms of active disease were seen in pts TBP in CheckMate 205, suggesting that pts might continue to derive clinical benefits from nivo beyond disease progression. As TBP was an option for some pts in CheckMate 205, we report here updated outcomes of those pts. Methods: This single-arm, multicenter study enrolled pts (age ≥18 y) with R/R cHL after failure of auto-HCT into 3 cohorts (A: BV naïve; B: BV after auto-HCT; C: BV before and/or after auto-HCT). Nivo was administered at 3 mg/kg IV every 2 wk until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (or after 1 year in complete response [CR] for cohort C). Response was assessed by 2007 International Working Group (IWG) criteria. A protocol amendment allowed pts with stable performance status and perceived clinical benefit to be TBP per investigator assessment. Tumor burden after initial progression was assessed; exploratory analyses included OS and time to next therapy (TTNT). Pts TBP were further categorized as PD-1 resistant (failure to achieve CR/partial response [PR] during initial treatment with nivo or CR/PR with subsequent progressive disease [PD] ≤90 d of response) and non-resistant pts (CR/PR followed by PD >90 d from response). Results: At data cutoff, 130 pts had PD, among whom 80 (62%) were TBP, and 50 (38%) were not (non-TBP). Demographics of pts TBP and non-TBP were similar to the overall study population, although more pts TBP had ECOG performance status of 0 at baseline (59% vs 36%) and stage IV disease at diagnosis (30% vs 22%), but fewer had B symptoms at baseline (23% vs 30%). In pts TBP vs non-TBP, the cause of initial progression was new lesions in 50 (63%) vs 23 (46%), increased total tumor burden in 17 (21%) vs 11 (22%), and non-target lesion progression in 19 (24%) vs 4 (8%) (pts could have multiple reasons for progression). ORR prior to progression was similar between TBP (54%) and non-TBP (64%) pts. At data cutoff, the median (range) doses of nivo given beyond progression was 11 (1-64) and median TBP duration was 5 (95% CI: 3, 7) mo. Nine (11%) pts TBP remained on treatment compared with 2 (4%) non-TBP. The most common reason for discontinuation was further disease progression in 55 (69%) and 28 (56%) pts TBP and non-TBP, respectively. The majority of pts TBP (37/67 evaluable pts) had stable or reduced target lesion tumor burden and most had sustained further reduction compared with the burden presented at the time of disease progression (Figure). There was no discernible difference in the response to TBP between PD-1 resistant vs non-resistant pts. Median OS for pts TBP was not reached; 1- and 2-yr OS (95% CI) was 94% (85, 97) and 87% (77, 93), respectively. Median TTNT was 20 (95% CI: 14, 24) mo for all pts TBP. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 50% of pts after progression vs 68% prior to progression. The most common TRAEs reported after progression were fatigue (8%) and increased lipase (6%). Treatment-related serious AEs after progression were reported in 2 (3%) pts: aspartate aminotransferase increase (n=1) and hypercalcemia (n=1). No deaths occurred in pts TBP. Conclusions: Among pts treated beyond investigator-assessed progression, most commonly due to development of new lesions, continued reductions in tumor burden were observed in a majority with further nivo treatment irrespective of prior PD-1 resistance status. Nivo continued to be well tolerated during TBP with no new safety signals. Pts who have stable performance status despite progression according to conventional criteria may derive continued clinical benefit from TBP. Future work will focus on identifying subsets of pts TBP who may benefit the most from continued nivo treatment. Study support: BMS. Disclosures Cohen: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; BioInvent: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Infinity Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kuruvilla:Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Canada: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Lundbeck: Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Karyopharm: Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria. Ansell:Celldex: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; LAM Therapeutics: Research Funding; Merck & Co: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Trillium: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding. Younes:Abbvie: Honoraria; J&J: Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; Merck: Honoraria; Curis: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Bayer: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; Incyte: Honoraria; Genentech: Research Funding. Trněný:Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Advisory board; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Advisory board; F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Advisory board, Research Funding; Gilead: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Advisory board; Morphosys: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Advisory board; Sandoz: Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Advisory board. Ramchandren:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Merck: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics LLC an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Collins:BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene Corporation: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; ADC Therapeutics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celleron: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Zinzani:Astra Zeneca: Speakers Bureau; PFIZER: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; TG Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Verastem: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; PFIZER: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bayer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bayer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; MSD: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; SERVIER: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Merck: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celltrion: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; TG Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. De Boer:EISA: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; MSD: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Shipp:Merck: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria; Bayer: Research Funding. Sacchi:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sy:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment. Armand:Otsuka: Research Funding; Affimed: Consultancy, Research Funding; Infinity: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Adaptive: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Tensha: Research Funding.

Abstract Background Waldenstršms macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare and incurable indolent Non-Hodgkin's lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Rarity and limited availability of authentic preclinical models has been a major constraint in drug development for WM. We recently reported the establishment and characterization of a novel human WM cell line, RPCI-WM1. Thereafter we evaluated the tumorigenic potential of this unique WM cell line in a xenograft mouse model along with its ability to produce human IgM in vivo. Moreover, we assessed its potential as a possible model for enhanced understanding of WM cell biology in vivo and a mechanism to conduct functional studies and preclinical anti-WM drug evaluation. Aim The primary goal of this experiment was to develop and validate an in vivo WM model that can be used to investigate WM cell biology as well as drug evaluation. Methods The RPCI-WM1 cell line (1x106 cells) was injected both subcutaneously and via tail vein into female SCID mice. Engraftment was validated via detection of human IgM (ELISA) and tumor growth (as well as response to therapy) was monitored by weekly assessment of IgM levels and external tumor formation measurements. Results After subcutaneous injection (flank) into mice, the RPCI-WM1 cells developed localized tumors that secreted human IgM detectable in serum as early as 14 days. Progressive increase in IgM was measured in the serum and this corresponded with tumor growth in a time-dependent fashion. On average, tumor tissues grew to a median of 3 cm and IgM levels reached a median of 823 ng/mL by Day 30 post-implantation. We also assessed the practical utility of this xenograft mouse model for evaluation of therapeutics, using a compound X (propriety drug with demonstrable in vitro anti-WM effects). Eleven days post-implantation, the mice were randomized into 3 groups receiving either DMSO (n=6), 100 mg of compound X (n=7) or 200 mg/kg of compound X (n=7) every alternate day via intraperitoneal injection for 26 days. On Day 37, mice were sacrificed and tumor volume was measured. We observed a 48% reduction in tumor volume in the 100mg/kg cohort, with no additional anti-WM benefit noted in the 200mg/kg cohort. Human IgM secreted by the xenografted tumors was measured by ELISA and was significantly lower in mice treated with compound X versus the control group (Figure 1). We also conducted immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis on tumor tissues obtained from 9 mice treated with compound X (both dose cohorts) or DMSO alone. IHC staining demonstrated changes in the known target proteins of compound X (such as BCL2, p53, Ki-67) between the treated and untreated mice. Summary Thus we demonstrate that the RPCI-WM1 cell line can be dependably used to induce tumor growth through xenotransplantation in SCID mice and this mimics the IgM secreting clinical disease model. This can then be used to serve as a platform for preclinical testing of novel anti-WM therapeutics and allow for subsequent correlative studies for pharmacodynamics purpose. Comprehensive data regarding this model its utility in evaluation of various biological questions such as those relevant to the tumor microenvironment as well therapeutic modeling will be presented. We are grateful to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the International Waldenstršm Macroglobulinemia Foundation for their continued support. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background: B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are common lymphoid malignancies in which malignant B-cells arrested at various stages of differentiation proliferate within lymph nodes and occasionally other tissues. The microenvironment that supports the growth and survival of NHL B cells consists of a complex network of immune cells and cytokines and its specific composition has been shown to have significant clinical implications. The intratumoral immune cells include effector and regulatory T (Treg) lymphocytes that are more than simple residual elements from the normal lymph node structure. We previously explored whether the extent of T cell infiltration played a role in the clinical outcome of patients with B-cell NHL and found that an increased percentage of CD4+ T cells in the diagnostic biopsy of lymphoma patients significantly correlated with an improved 5-year overall survival. We have also shown that intratumoral Treg cells significantly suppress the anti-tumor response. Based on the fact that intratumoral T-cells are important in B-cell NHL, we evaluated whether genetic variation in genes that regulate the T-cell response may be associated with lymphoma risk. Methods: We genotyped 257 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 50 candidate genes related to T-cell differentiation and function in a clinic-based study of 441 Caucasian NHL cases and 475 frequency matched Caucasian controls seen at the Mayo Clinic from 2002–2005. Tagging and nsSNPs were selected from HapMap. The most prevalent homozygous genotype was used as the reference group and each SNP was modeled individually as having a log-additive effect, expressed as ordinal odds ratios (OR) per variant allele and 95% confidence intervals, in an age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis. We also evaluated the consistency of the findings for the most common types of B-cell NHL - diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and CLL/SLL. For gene-level analyses, we used principal components (PC) analysis using all SNPs from a gene; those PCs that explained > 90% of the variability were then modeled in a logistic regression analysis and significance was determined using a likelihood ratio test. We also evaluated the association of haplotypes from each gene with risk of NHL using the score test implemented from HAPLO.SCORE. Results. The mean age at diagnosis was 60.1 years for cases and 58% were male; among controls, the mean age at enrollment was 61.7 years and 55% were men. In the PC gene analyses, PRF1 (perforin gene - involved in cytotoxicity; p=0.004), CD276 (B7-H3 gene - involved in co-stimulation; p=0.01), TBX21 (T-bet gene – regulates Th1 cell development; p=0.02), and IL6 (p=0.02) were significant at p<0.05; haplotype analysis showed similar results, with the addition of CARD15 (NOD2 gene – regulates Th1 responses; p=0.02). There were 2 SNPs in PRF1, and both the intronic SNP rs3758562 (OR=1.38; 1.13–1.69) and the synonymous coding SNP rs885821 (OR=0.80; 0.63–1.02) were associated with NHL risk overall and for each subtype. There were 2 SNPs in CD276, and both the intronic SNP rs7176654 (OR=1.29; 1.07–1.56) and the mrna-utr SNP rs3816661 (OR=0.82; 0.68–0.99) were associated with NHL risk overall and with the CLL/SLL and follicular NHL subtypes specifically. There were 2 SNPs in TBX21, and only the mrna-utr SNP rs7502875 (OR=0.73; 0.59–0.92) was associated with NHL risk overall and for each subtype. There were 11 SNPs in IL6, and the intronic SNP rs2069835 (OR=1.88; 1.24–2.84) and the locus-region SNP rs2069824 (OR=1.73; 1.20–2.50) were each associated with NHL risk overall and each subtype. Finally, there were 9 SNPs in CARD15, with only the nonsynonymous coding SNP rs5743291 (OR=1.43; 1.02–1.98) being associated with overall NHL risk, and risk was specific to FL. Conclusions. Genetic variation in several genes that play critical roles in T-cell maturation and function was associated with lymphoma risk. These genes appeared to be associated with the differentiation and function of effector T-cells particularly Th1 and Th17 cells. These results provide potentially important insights into the role of T-cells in lymphomagenesis.

Abstract Abstract 88 Introduction: The biology and genetics of anaplastic large T-cell lymphomas (ALCLs) lacking ALK translocations remain poorly defined. We recently identified recurrent translocations involving the DUSP22-IRF4 locus on 6p25.3 in ALK-negative ALCL (Blood 2011;117:915–9). This translocation is present in about 20% of ALK-negative ALCLs and is absent in other T-cell lymphomas; however, the biologic consequences are unknown. In this study, we utilized gene expression profiling (GEP) to compare T-cell lymphomas with and without this translocation. Methods: cDNA was prepared from total RNA extracted from frozen tissue from 25 T-cell lymphoma patients under a Mayo Clinic IRB-approved protocol as follows: 5 ALK-negative ALCLs with 6p25.3 translocations (2 systemic, 3 cutaneous), 12 ALK-negative ALCLs without 6p25.3 translocations (11 systemic, 3 cutaneous), 5 ALK-positive ALCLs, and 3 CD30-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas (1 transformed mycosis fungoides and 2 not otherwise specified). Partner loci in cases with 6p25.3 translocations were 7p32.3 in 2, 9p24.3 in 1, and unknown in 2. GEP data (Affymetrix U133 plus 2.0) were analyzed by unsupervised clustering; in addition, a GEP signature was developed using genes with raw values >200 in at least 2 cases with at least 2-fold, statistically significantly different expression between 6p25.3-translocated and non-translocated cases (p<0.05 after Benjamini-Hochberg multiple testing correction). Representative overexpressed genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time (qRT-) PCR. Supervised pathway analysis was performed using signatures derived from other studies or curated from public pathway databases. Results: By unsupervised clustering, the 5 cases with 6p25.3 translocations clustered together (281 probe sets). A GEP signature segregating translocated from non-translocated cases included 283 genes (195 up- and 88 down-regulated). Key features of this signature included altered expression of histone-modifying genes (e.g. EZH2, SUZ12, MLLT3, MLL; HDAC4) and up-regulation of cancer-testis antigen (CTA) genes (e.g. SSX4, TEX14, MAGEA12, SSX1, CTAG2). The signature included down-regulation of DUSP22 but not of other genes on 6p25 in the signature. Additional overexpressed genes were validated by qRT-PCR (relative expression: TEX14, 2.9, p=0.01, t test; MAL, 6.5, p=0.003; CCR8, 7.6, p=0.0004). Supervised pathway analysis demonstrated a high proliferation signature in cases with 6p25.3 translocations (p=0.006 vs. untranslocated cases). Conclusions: ALK-negative ALCLs with translocations involving the DUSP22-IRF4 locus on 6p25.3 have a distinct gene expression signature characterized by alterations of histone-modifying genes and CTA genes (which typically are regulated epigenetically, either through histone modifications or changes in methylation). This signature appears independent of anatomic site (systemic vs. cutaneous) and partner locus (7p32.3 vs. other). DUSP22, encoding a dual-specificity phosphatase involved in modulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, is significantly down-regulated in translocated cases; however, pathway analysis did not show significant alterations in MAPK-associated genes. Other known genes in the region of the breakpoint on 6p25 were not affected substantially. These findings suggest the possibility of an unrecognized function of DUSP22. Contributions of the varying partner loci remain unclear. The distinct GEP signature associated with 6p25.3 translocations provides strong support for their biologic relevance. Finally, the genes involved in the histone-modifying signature show overlap with histone-modifying genes mutated in B-cell lymphomas, suggesting potential commonalities in the biology and possibly targeted treatment of B- and T-cell lymphomas. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Massively parallel sequencing analyses have revealed a common mutation within the MYD88 gene (MYD88L265P) occurring at high frequencies in many non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) including the rare lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM). Using whole exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing and allele-specific PCR, we validate the initial studies and detect the MYD88L265P mutation in the tumor genome of 97% of WM patients analyzed (n=39). MYD88L265P was detected at lower frequencies in other indolent lymphomas including LPL (0%), MALT (4%), nodal MZL (5%) and splenic MZL (8%); all but one MYD88L265P was heterozygous. Due to the high frequency of MYD88 mutation in WM and other NHL, and its known effects on malignant B cell survival, therapeutic targeting of MYD88 signaling pathways may be useful clinically. However, while the effects of MYD88L265P on the activity of IRAK1/4 and NF-κB are have been studied previously, we are lacking a thorough characterization of the role of intermediary signaling proteins such as TRAF6 and TAK1 on the biology of MYD88L265P-expressing B cells. A better understanding of the proteins involved in MYD88L265P signaling may lead to the development of more targeted and effective therapeutic approaches. In an attempt to identify MYD88L265P –specific therapeutic targets we first wanted to characterize the role of intermediary signaling proteins that facilitate the downstream activation of NF-κB. Upon activation of TLRs or IL-1b receptors, MYD88 forms a homodimer and recruits IRAK1/4 and TRAF6 into a complex resulting in association and phosphorylation of TAK1 followed by activation of NF-κB. We monitored the formation of a complex comprised of MYD88, IRAK1, IRAK4 and TRAF6 and immunoprecipitation of either endogenous IRAK4 or IRAK1 revealed constitutive association of IRAK with TRAF6 and MYD88L265P. To assess if the formation of a MYD88L265P/IRAK/TRAF6 complex results in downstream activation of TAK1, constitutive TAK1 phosphorylation was measured and detected in all three cell lines that express MYD88L265P. An association between TAK1 and TRAF6, another measure of TAK1 activation, was also detectable. When a similar analysis of TAK1 was performed in DLBCL cells expressing wild-type MYD88, no phosphorylation of TAK1 was detected, nor was TAK1 associated with TRAF6. IRAK1, IRAK4, TAK1, TRAF6, and MYD88 were expressed at similar levels in all cell lines studied and therefore did not contribute the differences in MYD88 complex formation observed between cell lines. These studies were further confirmed using HEK 293T cells that were transduced with either a vector control plasmid or HA-tagged MYD88WT or MYD88L265P expression plasmids. Together, these studies suggest that MYD88L265P forms a complex with IRAK and TRAF6 resulting in constitutive activation of TAK1 and NF-κB. To confirm the significance of TAK1-mediated MYD88L265P signaling on lymphoma cell growth, the effect of the selective TAK1 inhibitor, (5Z)-7-Oxozeaenol, on cell proliferation was tested. All MYD88L265P-expressing cell lines were sensitive to TAK1 inhibition in a dose-dependent manner (0-10 μM). In contrast, NHL cells expressing MYD88WT were found to be insensitive to TAK1 inhibition. We next tested the impact of the TAK1 inhibitor on a MYD88L265P positive WM patient sample. Similar to what was seen in the WM cell lines, the TAK1 inhibitor inhibited WM cell growth and survival in a dose dependent manner. Additionally, the TAK1 inhibitor significantly reduced the level of IL-10 secreted by each of the cell lines. Together, these data suggest that MYD88L265P drives cell proliferation and cytokine secretion through a TAK1-dependent mechanism. In conclusion, we are the first to validate by NGS in a large patient cohort the high prevalence and specificity of MYD88L265P in WM. Cells harboring the L265P mutation but not wild-type MYD88 exhibit constitutive signaling leading to the hyperactivation of NF-κB. We have established the role of TAK1 as an integral component of MYD88L265P signaling in both WM and DLBCL cell. Our data suggest that targeting TAK1 clinically may be an effective strategy for the treatment of WM and other lymphomas driven by MYD88L265P signaling. Disclosures: Fonseca: millennium: Consultancy; amgen: Consultancy; Binding site: Consultancy; onyx: Consultancy; medtronic: Consultancy; Genzyme: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; lilly: Consultancy; Onyx: Research Funding; cylene: Research Funding.

Abstract Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the U.S. and is characterized by increased immunoglobulin production and infiltration of the bone marrow by malignant plasma cells. Myeloma cell growth is supported by both the elements present in the bone marrow microenvironment as well as deregulation of internal cellular systems associated with proliferation and apoptosis. Defective programmed cell death by BCL2 or MCL1 upregulation is observed in >80% of myeloma cases and is associated with an aggressive clinical course. Remarkably, there is no approved drug with the ability to target BCL2 or MCL1. Various strategies to mitigate the effects of increased BCL2 functionality, via small molecule inhibitors or BCL2-specific antisense oligonucleotides have been previously examined in MM. These studies revealed that 1) apart from BCL2, additional anti-apoptotic members belonging to the BCL2 family (i.e. MCL1, BCL-xL) play integral roles in maintenance of the myeloma cell phenotype, 2) drugs, which target only BCL2 offer limited therapeutic advantage and 3) given that survival factors engaged in MM are multifactorial, perhaps isolated targeting of the BCL2 pathways may not be sufficient. We therefore hypothesized that the clinical development of drugs that target various antiapoptotic BCL2 family members will require a partnership with established anti-MM regimens whose activity can potentially be further enhanced with correction of the apoptotic response system. Aim Since lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LD) is an established therapy for plasma cell cancers, we investigated if the pan-BCL2 inhibitor AT-101 (BH3 mimetic), which has high binding specificity for BCL2, MCL1 and BCL-xL, can be an effective therapeutic partner to enhance anti-MM effects of LD. Methods Human MM (KMS11, U266, OPM2) and WM (BCWM.1) cell lines along with their corresponding bortezomib resistant (BR) clones, (KMS11/BR, U266/BR, OPM2/BR and BCWM.1/BR) which were developed in our laboratory were used in this study. For gene expression profiling, the Illumina HumanHT-12 v3 whole-genome gene expression array and Nanostring nCounter mRNA quantification assays (NanoString, Seattle, WA) were utilized. Statistical analysis was conducted using R-based packages and the MeV software (TIGR). Apoptosis was measured by annexin-v/PI staining, and mitochondrial membrane permeability (MOMP) was assessed using TMRM followed by flow cytometry. Protein profiles were ascertained by western blot. Results Gene expression and immunoblot analysis of six plasma cell cancer models showed upregulation of various BCL2 family members, notably MCL1 and BCL-xL. In a dose-dependent manner, AT-101 was able to downregulate BCL2 and MCL1 and induced apoptotic cell death in MM and WM cells in a dose dependent manner. Tumor cell death was associated with caspase and PARP-1 cleavage accompanied by an increase in MOMP. This cytotoxic effect and BCL2 downregulation were further potentiated when AT-101 was combined with lenalidomide/dexamethasone (LDA). Nanostring nCounter mRNA quantification and IPA analysis revealed differential changes in the CCNA, FRZB, FYN, IRF1, PTPN11 genes in LDA treated cells. IPA canonical pathway analysis demonstrated the p53 signaling and the cyclins and cell cycle regulation pathways to be the most significantly activated by LDA therapy. Summary In summary, we describe for the first time the cellular and molecular events associated with the use of AT-101 in combination with lenalidomide/dexamethasone in preclinical models of plasma cell malignancy. This study lays the rationale for engaging and handicapping the intrinsic apoptotic system through the pan-BCL2 targeting capabilities of AT-101; thus enhancing the anti-MM effects of lenalidomide/dexamethasone. Disclosures: Foran: Celgene: Research Funding.

Abstract The peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) on day 15 after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been shown to be an independent predictor for overall survival (OS) for many malignancies including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), breast cancer, multiple myeloma (MM), primary systemic amyloidosis, and Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). A recent report (Dean et al. BMT2005; 36, 1049–1052) suggested that infused autograft dendritic cells (DC) affect survival post-ASCT in NHL. Thus, DC recovery at day 15 post-ASCT was assessed and correlated with OS. Preliminary data from an ongoing prospective study of 28 NHL patients post-ASCT are reported. Absolute DC at day 15 was analyzed by four color flow cytometry using antibodies to CD3, CD14, CD16, and CD19. In this approach lymphocytes and DCs were initially gated by their similar forward and side light scatter characteristics; DCs were then identified as cells in this gate that lacked staining for the lymphocyte antigens CD3, CD16, and CD19 and the monocyte antigen CD14. The percentage of antigen negative cells cells in the lymphocyte gate was then multiplied by the coincident peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte to determine the absolute DC count. Survival was then analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. With a median follow-up of 18 months, patients recovering a DC of 10 cells/μl or above experienced superior median OS versus those who did not (not reached vs 21 months, p < 0.02, Figure 1). This study shows that an immunocompetent immune system at day 15 (not only ALC recovery, but also DC recovery) correlates with survival in NHL patients undergoing ASCT. Figure Figure

Abstract Background: Elevated serum BLyS levels have been found in patients with both malignant and autoimmune diseases when compared to those of healthy donors, suggesting that BLyS may play a pathogenic role. While it is clear that BLyS expression is required for normal B cell development and homeostasis, the mechanistic details underlying control of BLyS expression remain to be defined. In previous work we found that a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the BLyS promoter (−871C→T) resulted in increased BLyS transcription suggesting that genetic variation in the BLyS gene may influence its expression. Because elevated BLyS levels have been detected in patients with NHL we wanted to determine if additional SNPs in the BLyS gene were associated with high serum BLyS levels and risk of developing of NHL. Methods: We genotyped 9 tagSNPs within the BLyS gene in a clinic-based study of 441 incident Caucasian NHL cases and 475 frequency matched Caucasian controls seen at the Mayo Clinic from 2002–2005. We evaluated the association of individual SNPs as well as haplotypes from the BLyS gene with risk of NHL. We also jointly tested the main effects for all independent (r2<0.25) SNPs using a multivariate logistic regression (MLR) model. As a secondary analysis, for those SNPs showing significant results (< 5% significance), we evaluated associations between those who had all high risk alleles at the SNPs of interest compared to those who had all low risk alleles at the SNPs of interest. Additionally, we evaluated serum BLyS levels by ELISA in these same subjects. Serum BLyS levels were detemined by ELISA. Results: In the individual single SNP logistic regression analysis, 3 of the 9 tagSNPs were significant at p<0.05. Haplotype and MLR results were nonsignificant. However, when we categorized participants into low and high risk groups based on risk alleles at the three statistically significant SNPs, we found the high risk variant had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.086 (p=0.0001) for risk of B-cell NHL. When the analysis was restricted by histologic subtype we found that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or follilcular lymphoma grade 3 had an OR of 3.163 (p=0.01), follicular lymphoma grade I/II had an OR= 2.547 (p=0.046), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) had an OR=1.238 (p=0.13). Because there was not a significant correlation of the high risk variant with CLL, we performed an additional analysis in which we included all B cell NHL cases excluding CLL and the OR was 2.799 (p=0.0001). We next wanted to determine if serum BLyS levels correlated with either the high or low risk variant. The mean serum BLyS level in those individuals (untreated cases and controls) who carried the low risk variant at all three SNPs was significantly lower (p=0.0061) at 1.3 ng/ml (n=25, range: undetectable-4.4 ng/ml) compared to 4.3 ng/ml in those with the high risk variant (n=74, range: undetectable- 66.8 ng/ml). Conclusions: In summary, we have found that genetic variation in the BLyS gene is significantly associated with an increased risk of developing B-cell NHL, particularly follicular and large B-cell lymphoma. Further, we found that genetic variation is also associated with an increase in serum BLyS levels.Taken together, our data further highlight the role of the BLyS gene in B cell malignancies and characterization of the precise genetic and environmental mechanisms that regulate BLyS may have significant clinical impact.