Abstract Abstract 991 Background: The outcome of patients with DLBCL has significantly improved with the addition of rituximab to CHOP chemotherapy. While standard clinical prognostic factors such as those included in the International Prognostic Index (IPI) still predict outcome in DLBCL in R-CHOP treated 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 DLBCL patients. Methods: Newly diagnosed DLBCL patients were prospectively enrolled in the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic SPORE Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER). Serum cytokines were measured from pre-treatment blood draws using a multiplex ELISA (Upstate Cell Signaling Solutions, Lake Placid, NY). 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 400 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 was abstracted using a standard protocol for the MER and 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. Principal components analysis (PCA) was performed on the combined DLBCL and control cytokine dataset, agnostic to clinical characteristics and outcome, to identify cytokine profiles. Results: 206 DLBCL patients diagnosed between September 2002 and February 2008 with available serum were included. The median age was 64 years (range 20–92) and 52% were male. At a medium follow-up of 47 months (range 5–94), 75 patients (36%) had relapsed and 63 patients had died (31%). A cytokine profile was determined based on the first two principal components (PC) of the PCA analyses with PC1 corresponding to a general (host) cytokine elevation (also seen in normal controls) and PC2 corresponding to an increase predominantly in cytokines that were commonly elevated in DLBCL patients. 75 DLBCL patients (36%) had a normal cytokine profile similar to the general population of controls; 114 DLBCL patients (55%) had elevation in tumor specific cytokines (CXCL10, CXCL9, IL-2R, IL-12, IL-8, and IL-10) and 17 (8%) had a general cytokine elevation. Patients with any elevation of cytokines (tumor specific or general elevation) had a significantly worse event-free (HR=3.96, 95% CI: 2.13–7.37, p<0.00001) and overall survival (HR=3.75, 95% CI: 1.99–7.09, p<0.0001) than those with a normal cytokine profile (see figure). While the cytokine elevations were associated with advanced stage, poor performance score and elevated LDH, they were not associated with advanced age or extranodal disease and the results remained significant after adjustment for the IPI and treatment in the Cox model (EFS HR=3.11, 95% CI: 1.66–5.85, p<0.0001; OS HR=2.93, 95% CI: 1.53–5.63, p=0.001). Elevated serum cytokines also identified patients who were unlikely to complete initial therapy or who relapsed early. In low-risk patients (IPI 0–2), only 3% of patients with normal serum cytokines relapsed in the first 12 months compared to 23% of patients with elevated cytokines. Similarly in the high-risk group (IPI 3–5), none of the patients with normal cytokines relapsed in the first year compared to 43% with elevated cytokines. Conclusion: Elevated pretreatment serum cytokines, predominantly related to the malignancy, are associated with an increased likelihood of disease relapse and an inferior survival in patients with DLBCL. Furthermore, the pretreatment cytokine profile may also identify DLBCL patients at high risk for early disease relapse. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Dysregulation of GPR34 in Indolent Lymphomas and Its Function As a Novel Regulator of Cell Growth and Gene Expression
Abstract Abstract 1570 B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma encompasses a heterogeneous group of B-lymphocyte-derived malignancies that are characterized by chromosomal translocations involving the immunoglobulin (IG) gene loci and specific histological subtypes of disease are associated with a different spectrum of IG translocations. Marginal zone derived B cell lymphomas encompass three distinct entities: extranodal marginal zone B lymphoma (MZL) of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), nodal MZL (NMZL), and splenic MZL (SMZL). MALT lymphoma is genetically unique and four mutually exclusive chromosomal translocations have been identified in this disease thus far. However, the known translocations are only present in a subset of cases suggesting that additional uncharacterized translocations or other genetic events may exist that contribute to disease development. In previous studies we characterized the novel t(X;14)(p11.4;q32) translocation in a patient with MALT lymphoma and found that GPR34, an orphan G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), was highly expressed due to its juxtaposition to the IGHSA2 switch region. We then measured GPR34 mRNA expression in tissue biopsies from a panel of MALT, NMZL, SMZL, lymphoplasmacytic (LPL), diffuse large B cell (DLBCL), follicular (FL), and mantle cell (MCL) lymphomas. Expression of GPR34 was detected in all tissues examined, but was significantly increased in MALT (37 fold), LPL (23 fold), NMZL (18 fold), and SMZL (21 fold) compared to normal CD19+ B cells. GPR34 mRNA expression was also analyzed by gene expression profiling (GEP) of a panel of lymphomas or control lymphoid tissue and we confirmed elevated expression of GPR34 in the t(X;14) case and detected elevated GPR34 mRNA expression in MALT, LPL, NMZL, SMZL, and ABC DLBCL. When we grouped specimens by high and low expression of GPR34, a clear molecular subtype of SMZL could be identified and suggests that GPR34 high expressing tumors have a unique GEP. To confirm the qPCR and GEP analysis of GPR34 expression, we analyzed surface expression of GPR34 by flow cytometry of normal and malignant tissues and found that expression of GPR34 was detected on all MALT and SMZL B cells with an average DMFI of 2.08 (DMFI range 1.26–3.18, n=12) and on the JeKo-1 lymphoma B cell line (DMFI= 4.75). Analysis of CD19+ cells from normal controls (n=3) revealed a low level of GPR34 on (average DMFI =1.12). Little is known about the function of GPR34 and to further characterize the impact of GPR34 overexpression on cell signaling, OCI-LY19 lymphoma B cells and HeLa cells were transduced with GPR34 or a vector control. To determine if MAPK activity, a pathway regulated by GPCRs, was upregulated, the phosphorylation status of ERK1/2 in GPR34 or control cells was analyzed and we found that ERK1/2 was constitutively phosphorylated at significantly higher levels in GRP34 expressing cells. To further explore which signaling pathways were affected by GPR34 overexpression, GPR34 or vector control cells were transfected with an AP-1, CRE, NF-kB, E2F, SRE, NFAT, or ISRE- luciferase reporter plasmid and GPR34 expressing cells had significantly increased luciferase activity driven by AP-1 (5.35-fold), CRE (4.7-fold), NF-kB (2.6-fold), and E2F (2.1) when compared to vector control cells. To determine the biologic impact of GRP34 overexpression, the proliferation rates of vector control and GPR34 cells were compared and we found that proliferation of GPR34 WT cells was significantly higher than that seen in the control. We next tested the effect of the MEK inhibitor on proliferation and saw a dose dependent decrease in proliferation of GPR34 expressing cells. We then tested the ability of GPR34 cells to generate colony formation in a soft-agar colony formation assay. After 3 weeks of culture, the GPR34 cells had formed significantly more colonies than the vector control suggesting that overexpression of GPR34 can result in increased anchorage-independent cell growth. Taken together, our results identify a novel translocation in MALT lymphoma, emphasize a novel role for GPR34 in regulation of gene expression and tumor cell growth, and suggest that MEK inhibitors may be useful in a subset of translocation–harboring or GRP34 high-expressing tumors. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Re-educating the Tumor Microenvironment in the Clinic
The tumor microenvironment plays a central role in lymphoproliferative disorders and constitution of the microenvironment is associated with patient outcome. Although malignant lymphocytes predominate, cells other than tumor cells are commonly present in malignant lymph nodes. These cells include T lymphocytes, NK cells, dendritic cells and monocytes that seem to be more than simple residual elements from the normal lymph node structure. It is thought that these infiltrating immune cells are part of an antitumor immune response, yet they appear unable to eradicate the malignant clone. Previous studies have shown however that multiple factors present in the tumor microenvironment oppose an effective antitumor immune response. Cells with suppressive function, including T regulatory cells, myeloid derived suppressor cells and suppressive monocytes, are abundant in lymphoma tissue. Suppressive cytokines such as TGFβ and IL-10 are highly expressed in tumors. Furthermore, intratumoral T-cell exhibit an exhausted phenotype with limited proliferation, cytokine production or cytolytic function. Recent therapeutic approaches have focused on overcoming T-cell suppression by activating T-cells or blocking inhibitory signals, thereby re-educating the suppressive tumor microenvironment. Clinical trial results with PD-1 and CTLA-4 directed antibodies in both non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma have been very promising. Overall response rates particularly in Hodgkin lymphoma patients treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies have been remarkable, although complete responses have been uncommon. Current studies are in progress to confirm the initial results, and further trials will assess the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade in combination with standard therapies. Disclosures Ansell: Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding.
Prognostic Factors and Survival of Patients with Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma.
Abstract Background: Primary Mediastinal Large B-cell Lymphoma (PMLBCL) is a biologically and pathologically distinct subset of large B-cell lymphoma of thymic origin. The natural history of PMLBCL is not well defined. While earlier reports suggested that PMLBCL is an aggressive disease with a poorer prognosis when compared to other large cell B cell lymphomas, recent studies report more favorable results. Some of the outcome variability reported in previous studies may be related to the inclusion of other pathological lymphoma subtypes involving mediastinum. Thus, we reviewed the pathology and clinical course of patients with PMLBCL seen at our institution. Methods: We reviewed the biopsies on all patients diagnosed with mediastinal B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) between 10/1983 and 10/2004. The pathological criteria for diagnosis of PMLBCL was a diffuse infiltrate of neoplastic CD20+ large B-cells within the mediastinum that frequently had "clear" cytoplasm and were often associated with fibrosis. We then reviewed the clinical data for patients with a pathological diagnosis of PMLBCL. Results: 121 patients were diagnosed with mediastinal B cell NHL and had tissue available for review. Of these, 88 fulfilled the pathological diagnostic criteria for PMLBCL. The median age at presentation was 37 years (range 18–83). The male to female ratio was 1.06. Age adjusted IPI was: 0, 1, 2, 3 in 18%, 56%, 18% and 8% of the patients respectively. The most commonly used treatments were: CHOP (70%), R-CHOP (22%) and ProMACE-CYTABOM (6%). 62% of the patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. 24% of the patients received high dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (2 patients in first remission). The median follow up was 66 months. The 2 and 5 year survival was 72% and 68% respectively. On univariate analysis, age >60 (p=0.012) and presence of B symptoms (p=0.0094) were associated with an adverse outcome. On multivariate analysis, only the presence of B symptoms (p=0.039) was an independent predictor of shortened overall survival. The 2 year survival of patients with age adjusted IPI of 0–1 or 2–3 was 86% and 68% respectively (p=0.023). Patients treated with adjuvant radiation therapy had a 5 year survival of 74% versus 53% in patients who did not receive adjuvant radiation (p=0.042). However, there was a higher percentage of Ann Arbor stage 3 and 4 disease patients found in the group who did not receive radiotherapy treatment (66% vs 17% respectively). Conclusions: The overall survival rates seen in patients with a confirmed pathological diagnosis of PMLBCL were superior to that reported in earlier studies and similar to that reported with the use of more intensive chemotherapy regimens. While many authors report a high proportion of female patients with PMLBCL, we did not observe any gender differences. While patients receiving adjuvant radiation therapy had a better outcome than those that did not, the retrospective nature of this study and differences in stage distribution preclude conclusions regarding the role of adjuvant radiation therapy. Randomized studies will be necessary to assess the optimal treatment for PMLBCL.
Whole-Exome Analysis Reveals Novel Somatic Genomic Alterations Associated with Cell of Origin in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Abstract Gene expression profiling has shown that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) clusters into three major subtypes based on similarity in expression patterns to their cell of origin (COO): germinal center B-cell-like (GCB-DLBCL), activated B-cell-like DLBCL (ABC-DBLCL) and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL). These subtypes of DLBCLs are associated with distinctly different overall survival rates after standard immunochemotherapy. However, clinical and prognostic heterogeneity remains within COO subsets and strategies are needed to further stratify patients to identify and target high-risk subsets. A comprehensive genomic analysis of COO on a clinically defined set of DLBCL cases has not been performed and the aim of this study was to use whole-exome sequencing (WES) data from 58 paired tumor-normal DLBCL samples to assess association of known DLBCL genomic alterations with cell COO as well as for identification of novel and relevant genetic biomarkers. To investigate genomic alterations associated with DLBCL subsets, we analyzed WES and genome wide copy number data from 58 paired tumor-normal DLBCL tumors. Gene expression profiling or Hans classification was performed to determine DLBCL COO subtype; 31 patients were classified as GCB and 27 as non-GCB. The WES data were used to 1) assess the association of known DLBCL genomic alterations with COO, and 2) identify novel alternations associated with COO. Statistical analysis was performed and the data were ranked by significance (p≤ 0.05) within each DLBCL subtype. In total, 45 genomic abnormalities were analyzed for their association with either GCB, non-GCB or both. Mutations in CREBBP, EZH2, MEF2B, FOXO1 and REL have also been reported as GCB driver mutations and we observed GCB patients with these mutations, but the mutation clustering was not wholly associated with GCB. MYC double-hits were exclusively found in the GCB-subtype group. For the non-GCB cases we found that mutations in MAP2K3 and MYD88 were significantly associated with this subtype(p< 0.05). In addition to mutational patterns, we identified several copy number alterations (CNA) across both groups. Chromosomal losses in GCB patients were found at chromosomes 10q11.21-10q24.23, 4q12-4q35.2, 3q12.1-3q29, 4p12-4p16.3, 10p11.21-10p15.3, and 14q11.2-14q24.3 whereas gains were localized to 7q11.1-7q36.3, 7p11.2-7p22.3, and 1q21-1q32.1 (p < 0.05). No CNA was observed to directly associate with non-GCB patients, however, a loss at 9p21 and gains at 9q24.1 and 18q21.33 trended with the non-GCB subtype, supporting previous reports. Loss at 10q23.31 or a gain in 2p13-2p12 have been reported as being specific for GCB and our data confirmed the association of 10q23.31 with GCB while a gain at 2p13-2p12 (REL)was found in both subtypes. To further understand genomic differences between DLBCL subtypes, we evaluated the relative percentage of each genomic feature. 18/45 (40%) were only observed in GCB patients whereas 2/45 (5%) were specific to the non-GCB subtype. The majority (25/45, 55%) overlapped between the two subtypes. Throughout our analysis we noted that 7 non-GCB cases lacked any of the driver mutations analyzed in the study. While all cases carried mutations, they consisted of low frequency mutations that were not specifically associated with COO. 2/7 cases had a gain at 9p24.1 that included CD274 and JAK2. Because 9p24.1 gains have not been fully defined in DLBCL, we reviewed all cases and identified 4 (7%) with a 9p24.1 gain, 3 of which were non-GCB and 1 GCB. One non-GCB case was EBV+ and none of the cases showed evidence of PMBCL. Of the 9p24.1 cases, three had RNAseq data available and we found that PDL1 and JAK2 expression was elevated (12 fold p< 0.01 and 7 fold p< 0.01, respectively) when compared to the 9p24.1 normal cases (n=32). While outcome was not the focus of the study, we did note that 6/7 cases that lacked driver mutations achieved event free survival at 24 months (EFS24). Taken together, this analysis has further characterized the genetic profile of each COO subtype and has identified novel GCB CNAs which require independent replication. Additionally, we identify a subgroup of non-GCB DLBCL patients that do not harbor known driver mutations and require further genomic study to better resolve the biology of these tumors. Together, these data provide insight on the genetic heterogeneity of DLBCL and identify genetic variants that may inform subtype specific therapy. Disclosures Nowakowski: Morphosys: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy, Research Funding. Rimsza:NCI/NIH: Patents & Royalties: L.M. Rimsza is a co-inventor on a provisional patent, owned by the NCI of the NIH, using Nanostring technology for determining cell of origin in DLBCL..
Brentuximab Vedotin with RCHOP As Frontline Therapy in Patients with High-Intermediate/High-Risk Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): Results from an Ongoing Phase 2 Study
Abstract Introduction RCHOP is the standard frontline treatment for patients with DLBCL. However, for patients with high-intermediate or high-risk disease (IPI 3-5), outcomes are suboptimal, with an estimated 3-year PFS of about 55%. In addition to IPI, an additional factor associated with an increased risk include non-GCB cell of origin. Brentuximab vedotin, an ADC targeting CD30, has demonstrated single-agent activity in relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients. Of note, higher ORR and CR, as well as longer duration of PFS, were observed in those patients with CD30 detected on tumor cells by routine IHC. Methods This phase 2 study was designed to evaluate combination therapy using brentuximab vedotin (BV) and standard RCHOP chemotherapy as frontline treatment in patients with high-intermediate/high risk (standard IPI score 3-5 or age-adjusted IPI [aaIPI] score 2-3) DLBCL, regardless of CD30 expression (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01925612). Patients were randomized to receive either 1.2 mg/kg BV+RCHOP or 1.8 mg/kg BV+RCHOP for up to 6 cycles of treatment. BV was given on Day 1 of every 21-day cycle. Response was assessed per investigator using Cheson 2007. AEs, physical examination findings, and laboratory testing were utilized to characterize safety. Tumor cell CD30 expression was measured by IHC and gene expression analysis; soluble CD30 was measured in plasma. Tumor microenvironment was also evaluated for frequency of immune-infiltrating cells. The primary endpoints for this study were the tolerability of each regimen and the CR rate at the end of treatment (EOT). Key secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS). Additional exploratory endpoints included CD30 expression on tumor specimens (CD30- defined as <1% per IHC) and correlation of CD30 expression and response. Results Twenty-nine patients were treated with 1.2 mg/kg BV+RCHOP and 22 patients were treated with 1.8 mg/kg BV+RCHOP. Over half (63%) were high-intermediate risk (IPI 3, aaIPI 2) and 37% were high risk (IPI 4-5, aaIPI 3). Most had Stage IV disease (71%) and 27% had an ECOG score of 2. AEs in ≥50% of patients included peripheral sensory neuropathy (63%), fatigue (61%), nausea (55%), and diarrhea (53%). Grade 3 or higher events occurred in 76% of patients; the most frequent were neutropenia (33%) and febrile neutropenia (31%). The PET-negative CR rate was 69% overall; CD30+ patients had a CR rate of 76% (19/25) compared with 63% (12/19) in CD30- patients by IHC. Although PFS data are still immature (median follow up of 8 months), the estimated PFS rate at 12 months was 82% (95% CI: 58, 93) in CD30+ patients and 56% (95% CI: 32, 75) in CD30- patients. 60% (3/5) of patients with CD30- ABC-DLBCL progressed versus 27% (3/11) of CD30+ ABC-DLBCL patients. Four patients with EBV+ DLBCL were treated and all achieved CR; 3 EBV+ patients remain in remission after a median follow-up of 12 months. Within the microenvironment, a higher percentage of CD3+ T-cells was observed in patients with CR (23%; range, 4-80%) than in those with PR (14%; range, 10-15%) or PD (11%; range, 5-15%). Of the 32 patients who have not yet progressed, 50% had ≥20% CD3+ cells compared to 18% of patients with PD (2/11). Other factors, including soluble CD30 levels and infiltrating CD68+ cells, were not associated with clinical outcomes. Conclusions Interim results demonstrate that adding BV to RCHOP results in a high rate of CR in this population of IPI 3-5 DLBCL. Patients with CD30-expression in the tumor appear to have a higher CR rate and fewer early progression events than patients with CD30- DLBCL. Furthermore, subsets of patients who have a particularly poor prognosis (CD30+ ABC subtype and EBV+ DLBCL) appeared to have a favorable outcome with BV+RCHOP. Evaluation of the tumor microenvironment showed that higher frequencies of infiltrating CD3+ cells were observed in the CR group, suggesting possible immunologic correlates of response. However, CD30 expression appears to have greater prognostic significance in this study despite the relatively small sample size. These results are intriguing and merit further testing in a randomized trial. Disclosures Yasenchak: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Brentuximab vedotin is indicated in the US for treatment of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma after failure of autologous stem cell transplant or after failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not ASCT candidates and for the treatment of patients with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. The drug is being evaluated in this study for use as frontline treatment in patients with high-intermediate/high risk DLBCL in combination with multiagent chemotherapy. . Halwani:Abbvie: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Other: Travel expenses, Research Funding; Takeda/Millenium: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Other: Travel expenses, Research Funding; Roche/Genentech: Research Funding; Kyowa Hakko Kirin: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding. Advani:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Genetech: Consultancy. Ansell:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding. Budde:Merck: Research Funding; Ikara Inc: Patents & Royalties; Atara Biotherapeutics: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Burke:Millenium/Takeda: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; TG Therapeutics: Other: Travel expenses; Gilead: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Farber:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Holkova:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Kolibaba:GSK: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding. Knapp:Celgene: Research Funding; Heron Pharmaceuticals: Other: Travel expenses, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Research Funding; Brystol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Genentech: Honoraria, Other: Travel expenses, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Research Funding; EMD Serono: Research Funding. Li:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Manley:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Patel-Donnelly:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Seetharam:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Yimer:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Bartlett:Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Colgene: Research Funding; Medimmune: Research Funding; Kite: Research Funding; Insight: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; MERC: Research Funding; Dynavax: Research Funding; Idera: Research Funding; Portola: Research Funding; Bristol Meyers Squibb: Research Funding; Infinity: Research Funding; LAM Theapeutics: Research Funding.
Drug Resistance Alters CD38 Expression and in Vitro Response to Daratumumab in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Cells
Abstract Introduction: With approval of Daratumumab (Dara), targeting CD38 has become an attractive therapeutic option for various B cell cancers including WM. Using preclinical models of WM we investigated CD38 expression patterns, the impact of drug-resistance and the anti-WM effects of Dara, in vitro. An important aspect of our evaluation was the identification of optimal CD38 expression that correlates with maximal cytotoxic effects of Dara; such an approach has not been attempted previously in WM. Methods: WM cell lines (BCWM.1, MWCL.1 and RPCI.WM1) with isogenic proteasome inhibitor-resistant (CR, resistant to carfilzomib, bortezomib and ixazomib) and ibrutinib-resistant subclones (IR) were used. CD38 expression was measured by flow cytometry and a grading system was developed based on increasing CD38 MFI values with 1+= <50,000, 2+ = >50,000 and 3+ = >100,000. Daratumumab-induced specific lysis due to antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) was measured using the Calcein AM assay at an effector to target ratio (E:T) of 100:1. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and complement-containing serum were obtained from healthy human donors. Daratumumab, carfilzomib and ibrutinib were obtained from commercial sources. Results: Expression of CD38 (MFI) was highest in RPCI-WM1 (91295.6) > BCWM.1 (13865.3) > MWCL-1 (9804.19) (Figure 1A.). Intriguingly we observed an interesting change in CD38 expression with induction of drug resistance; all CR clones showed a decrease in MFI (RPCI-WM1/CR; øMFI 55960.5 > MWCL-1/CR; øMFI 3890.0 > BCWM.1/CR; øMFI 1381), while decreased expression was noted in all IR clones except one (MWCL-1/IR; øMFI 6272.96, BCWM.1/IR; øMFI 3076 vs. RPCI-WM1/IR; _MFI 461784.6) (Figure 1B). When we applied our CD38 expression grading system, RPCI-WM1/IR cells classified as Grade 3+, RPCI-WM1 and its CR clones as Grade 2+, while all other WM cells were Grade 1+. We noted that utilization of this grading system was helpful in correlating the extent of cytotoxicity to the level of CD38 expression (Table 1). We next treated WM cells with Dara and observed direct lysis in only RPCI-WM1/CR (43%) > BCWM.1/CR (19%) and RPCI-WM1 (11%) cells. However, when Dara-treated WM cells were cocultured with PBMCs, significantly increased ADCC was noted in RPCI-WM1 (90.3%), RPCI-WM1/IR (88.3%) and RPCI-WM1/CR (68.0%) cells (Figure 1C). Although CDC has been reported as a mechanism of mAb-mediated cell death in WM our evaluation of CDC as a potential effector mechanism in daratumumab-treated WM was negative as expected, highlighting ADCC rather than CDC as the primary cytotoxic mechanism. Conclusion: Our analysis of CD38 in WM preclinical models highlights several important findings: 1.) Expression of CD38 changes as WM tumor clones evolve with induction of drug-resistance; an effect that may also be cell-type specific as evidenced by increased CD38 expression in RPCI-WM1/IR cells, 2.) Daratumumab can exert a direct lethal effect in WM cells but this effect is variable and cell line dependent, 3.) Expression of CD38 is an important factor directing cytotoxicity of Dara however antigen density appears to be an important factor and a grading system can be beneficial for future preclinical and/or clinical studies, 4.) ADCC and not CDC appear to be the prominent mechanism of action and 5.) ADCC-mediated cytolytic activity of Dara is contingent on CD38 expression as evidenced by the most specific lysis being noted in CD38 Grade 2+ and 3+ expressing WM cells (Table 1.). These observations can help direct optimal design of clinical studies with Dara in WM where drug resistance and CD38 expression should be further explored as factors contributing to the clinical efficacy of this new agent. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy. Ansell:BMS, Seattle Genetics, Merck, Celldex and Affimed: Research Funding.
Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte/Monocyte Ratio At Diagnosis Is Independent of the Cell of Origin in Predicting Survival in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma,
Abstract Abstract 3652 Purpose: Gene expression profiling has shown biologically distinct cell of origin categories for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): germinal center B-cell like (GCB), and activated-B-cell like (ABC). GCB, DLBCL patients experienced better clinical outcomes compared with ABC, DLBCL patients. However, gene microarray technology is not broadly available in a non-research setting. Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at diagnosis is a prognostic factor for survival in DLBCL. Recently, gene-expression profiling and immunohistochemistry-based studies in non-Hosgkin's lymphoma demonstrate the important role of monocytes and their progeny, particularly lymphoma-associated macrophages, in promoting lymphomagenesis. thus, we studied if the peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count at diagnosis (ALC/AMC-DX), as a surrogate biomarker of the host response against the cell of origin in DLBCL, affects survival in DLBCL. Patients and Methods: We perfromed a retrospective analysis of the association between ALC/AMC-DX and survival in 131 consecutive DLBCL patients that were followed at Mayo Clinic from 2004 to 2010, with available tissue immunostaining for CD10, BCL6, MUM 1, and BCL 2 (Hans' algorithm) to identified GCB and ABC DLBCL patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were used for ALC/AMC-DX cut-off value determientaion and proportional-hazards models wee used to compare survival based on the ALC/AMC-DX. Results: The cohort included 91 (70%) GCb DLBCL patients and 40 (30%) ABC, DLBCL patients. All patients were treated with rituximab, cyclosphosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP-21). The median follow-up period was 2.1 years (range 0.1–6.9 years). An ALC/AMC-DX >= 1.5 was the best cut-off value for survival with an empircal AUC of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.89), a sensitivity of 83% (95% CL, 72% to 92%) and specificity of 79% (95%CI, 72% to 85%). The cut-off value for ALC/AMC-DX >= 1.5 was validated by the k-fold cross validation method, showing a cross validation ROC with an AUC of 0.89 (95%CI, 0.80 to 0.95) for an ALC/AMC-DX >=1.5. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the overall survival (OS), defined as the time from diagnosis to last follow-up or death due to any cause; and progression-free survival (PFS), defined as the time from diagnosis to death of any cause, relapse, progression, or last follow-up, based on ALC/AMC-DX >= 1.5 were evaluated. patients with an ALC/AMC-DX >=1.5 experienced a superior OS and PFS compared with patients with an ALC/AMC-DX < 1.5: [OS: median was not reached vs 20.8 months, 5-years OS rates of 83% (95%CI, 70% to 95%) vs 36% (95%CI, 20% to 55%), p < 0.0001, respectively; and PFS: median was not reached vs 10.8 months, 5-years PFS rates of 70% (95%CI, 58% to 88%) vs 28% (95% CI, 17% to 46%), p < 0.0001, respectively]. Multivariate Cox stepwise regression analysis identified cell of origin, International Prognostic Index (IPI) and ALC/AMC-DX as the strongest predictors for OS and PFS, with ALC/AMC-DX out-performing cell of origin and IPI: OS [HR = 0.17, 95%CI, 0.07 to 0.36, p < 0.0001] and PFS [HR=0.21, 955CI, 0.11 to 0.39, p < 0.001]. conclusion: ALC/AMC-DX is independent of the cell of origin to predict survival and provides a single biomarker to predict clinical outcomes in DLBCL. Confirmatory studies are required. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Everolimus Plus RCHOP-21 Is Safe and Highly Effective for New Untreated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): Results of the Phase I Trial NCCTG1085 (Alliance)
Abstract Background: The PI3K/mTORC pathway is upregulated in DLBCL and can be targeted with mTORC1 inhibitors such as everolimus. Everolimus has demonstrated single agent activity in relapsed DLBCL (Leukemia. 2011; 25(2):341-7). These data provide the rationale to combine everolimus with standard RCHOP-21 to improve the effectiveness of upfront therapy for DLBCL. Methods: A phase I study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose of everolimus on days 1-10 or 1-14 in combination with RCHOP-21 along with a feasibility cohort to examine response in patients with newly diagnosed CD20+ DLBCL. Response assessment was evaluated using PET/CT and standard criteria. Results: We previously reported (J Clin Oncol 33, 2015 suppl; 8518) that in the phase I portion of trial N1085 that the dose of everolimus recommended for further study was everolimus 10 mg daily days 1-14; RCHOP day 1 and pegfilgrastim 6 mg day two for each of six 21-day cycles. The trial has now completed enrollment with a total of 26 patients. Two phase I patients were replaced during cycle 1 for personal, non-medical issues leaving 24 eligible patients for response assessment. The median age was 59.5 years (23 - 78); 42% were female; 18 (75%) stages III/IV; 12 (50%) had an elevated LDH; 29% had a high IPI score; and 4 (17%) had B-symptoms. Genotype was performed by immunohistochemistry using the Hans algorithm and 54% (13/24) were non-GCB; 13 (5 GCB, 8 non-GCB) had FISH for double hit and all were negative. Twenty-one (88%) patients received everolimus at 10 mg d1-14; the other three patients received 10 mg d1-10. Twenty-two (92%) patients received all 6 cycles. All patients have now completed therapy and the overall response rate was 96% (23/24) with 23 patients attaining functional CR by PET/CT. The remaining patient went off study for refusal in cycle 1, received further RCHOP-21 off study, and attained a CR off study. The median follow-up for the 24 patients is now 16.8 months (7.3 - 35.7) with 20 patients having ≥12 months of follow-up and 8 patients having ≥24 months of follow-up. To date, none of the 24 patients have died and none have experienced relapse with DLBCL. One patient relapsed 16 months from DLBCL diagnosis with a biopsy-proven follicular grade 1 NHL and received off-study Zevalin and achieved a second CR. The most common grade 3/4 toxicity was hematologic with 71% of patients having grade 4. Five (21%) patients had febrile neutropenia. Only 1 patient had grade 3 hyperglycemia and 3 patients had grade 3 hypertriglyceridemia. Reversible rash and pneumonitis were observed in 1 case each. Conclusions: The mTORC1 inhibitoreverolimus at 10 mg daily d1-14 of a standard RCHOP-21 cycle is tolerable with a 96% CR rate in both GCB and non-GCB DLBCL. With a median follow-up of 16.8 months and 8 patients out ≥24 months, the lack of DLBCL relapse is encouraging. Longer follow-up and a larger trial will be necessary to confirm the benefits of this novel combination. Clinical trial information: NCT01334502 Disclosures Off Label Use: Everolimus is an mTOR inhibitor which has activity in B cell lymphomas. It is being investigated in combination with SOC therapy for newly diagnosed DLBCL to examine potential toxicity as well as potential for enhanced disease response.. Ansell:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding.
Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Patients with Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 Gene (MYD88) Wild-Type Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Abstract Background Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, indolent immunoglobulin M- associated lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma characterized by the alternation in the MYD88 locus in 90-95% of the cases. MYD88L265P is the most common alteration in WM patients and is considered a key molecular signature with a pathophysiological role in WM. Because of extremely low prevalence of WM with MYD88 wild type (WT) genotype there is a paucity of clinical and outcome data in this unique patient population. A recent study (Treon et al, Blood May, 2014), in an analysis based on the patients' MYD88 status, reported on the clinical features including older age at presentation and an unexpectedly higher mortality (38%) in the MYD88WTcohort compared to MYD88L265P patients (mortality 6%, P < .0001). However, the sample size of the MYD88WT WM cohort was small (n=15), with a few events during the short follow-up (median 4.84 years). Herein, we report on larger cohort of WM patients with this rare genotype. Methods This study included patients evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester in whom the diagnosis of WM was established based on their clinicopathologic features and the MYD88 mutation status was determined through AS-PCR (assay sensitivity 1% mutant allele) performed on archived bone marrow samples obtained between 2007-2014. Patients with MYD88WT status were the focus of this study. Clinical data were collected from the patients' medical records. The Kaplan-Meir method was utilized for the survival analysis calculated from the time of diagnosis of WM. Outcomes of MYD88WT patients were compared with those harboring the MYD88L265Pmutation. Results Our cohort of 171 patients with an established diagnosis of WM and known MYD88 mutation status was found to be enriched for MYD88WT (n=40) patients. All patients required therapy. At diagnosis, the median age of the patients with MYD88 WT was 63 years (range 37.5-83.5 years; comparable to that of the MYD88L265P cohort, median 65 years, range: 32-92 years, p=0.16). Familial WM was identified in 10% of patients. Sixty four percent of patients presented with constitutional symptoms at diagnosis. These symptoms included fatigue (45%), weight loss (17%), night sweats (8%) dizziness (10%), dyspnea (23%), bleeding (10%), headache (10%) and hyper viscosity syndrome (5%). Splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy was observed in 20% and 27% of patients, respectively. Thirteen percent of patients had concomitant AL amyloidosis. Additional baseline characteristics are reported in Table 1. Transformation to a higher grade lymphoma was noted in 9 (23%) of patients, four of whom had received a purine analog and /or chlorambucil previously. The estimated median follow of MYD88WT patients was 8.1years (95% CI: 6.4-8.9) and their median overall survival (OS) was 8.5 years (95% CI: 6.4-29.4). No OS difference was evident between this cohort and the remainder of the patients with the MYD88L265Pmutation (n=131, median OS 11.7 years, 95% CI: 10-18, p=0.7; median follow-up 7.7 years 95% CI: 6.4-9.1, Figure 1). Conclusion In this relatively large cohort of WM MYD88WT patients with a prolonged follow-up, the MYD88mutation status was not found to be a determinant of patients' outcomes. Our findings contradict the results of a seminal previous study and require external validation, preferably through prospective studies. Disclosures Kapoor: Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Ansell:BMS, Seattle Genetics, Merck, Celldex and Affimed: Research Funding. Kumar:Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Kesios: Consultancy.