Citations 952

Isogenic Loss of TNFAIP3 in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Enhances MYD88L265P-Driven Signaling

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4100-4100

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4100.4100

Abstract Recent next generation sequencing of paired normal and tumor lymphoma tissue highlights a significant role for the MYD88L265P mutations in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In recent work we have found that MYD88L265P signaling is constitutively active in both WM and DLBCL cells leading to heightened MYD88L265P, IRAK and TRAF6 oligomerization and TAK1 and NF-kB activation. However, little else is know about the full impact of the mutation, especially in combination with other genetic events. Recent mouse models suggest that MYD88L265P alone may not be sufficient to induce tumor formation and that the pathway requires additional genetic hits. Interplay between MYD88L265P and other oncogenic events are further supported by the fact that TNFAIP3 (A20) inactivation often accompanies MYD88L265P. These data, combined with the finding that loss of TNFAIP3 promotes accumulation of MYD88L265PB-cells in a mouse model, suggest a potential relationship between these genetic events, and more importantly, a possible clinical impact. The aim of this study was to generate a human cell line model which mimics the effect of MYD88L265P andTNFAIP3 loss to further understand the cellular consequence of these genomic alterations in lymphoma. To mimic the TNFAIP3 loss in combination with the MYD88L265P mutation,we used the WM cell line MWCL1, which harbors a heterozygous mutation in MYD88. For the TNFAIP3 specific knock out, we used the transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) genome editing approach to induce a double stranded break in exon 5 of the TNFAIP3 gene. TALENs were expressed in MWCL1 cells by transient transfection, and single-cell clones were isolated. Sanger sequencing of the TNFAIP3 gene was performed to identify clones that carried the deletion and all clones were screened by Western blot to confirm knock down of A20. We successfully generated a panel of MWCL1 cell lines that harbor a heterozygous deletion in the TNFAIP3 gene. Western blot analysis confirm a 2.4 fold reduction in A20 expression in the heterozygous cell line (MWCL1A20-/A20+), Because A20 has been shown the be a central negative regulator of NF-κB activation, we first measured the impact of A20 loss on phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and found that MWCL1A20-/A20+ cells had higher base line levels of pNF-κB compared to the wild type (WT) cell line (1.77 fold). Furthermore, time course stimulation experiments with the TLR ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS) showed that MWCL1A20-/A20+ cells had a higher amount of pNF-κB after 30 (3 fold) and 60 (1.5 fold) minutes of stimulation. We next looked at expression of NF-κB target genes by quantitative real time PCR and found that IL-6 (2.5 fold; p≤ 0.05) and CXCL10 (IP10) (4 fold; p≤ 0.05) were upregulated in MWCL1A20-/A20+cells compared to WT. In summary, we have established a new WM cell line model which mimics the effect of the MYD88L265P mutation in combination with a heterozygous loss of the TNFAIP3 gene. We show that loss of TNFAIP3 results in a higher baseline and TLR-stimulated phosphorylation of NF-κB as well as in higher expression IL-6 and IP10. Overall, this cell line will be a useful tool to study biological consequences of TNFAIP3loss in WM patients as well as novel therapeutic strategies. Disclosures Ansell: BMS, Seattle Genetics, Merck, Celldex and Affimed: Research Funding.
Role of Hepcidin In Anemia of Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4984-4984

10.1182/blood.v116.21.4984.4984

Abstract Abstract 4984 Background: Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by lymphoplasmacytic bone marrow infiltration, immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathy and increased production of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Anemia occurs in a significant number of these patients and it is postulated that this occurs independently of tumor burden. Hepcidin is a hepatic peptide hormone that plays a central role in iron homeostasis and has been implicated in anemia of inflammation. Hepcidin binds to the cell-membrane iron exporter-ferroportin, causing its internalization and degradation, leading to iron deficiency anemia. The role of hepcidin in WM patients with anemia is not clearly understood. In this study we investigated the association between anemia, inflammation and hepcidin in WM patients with an eventual goal of providing improved treatment strategies for anemia in this complex set of patients. Patients and Methods: Fifty-nine WM patients [Female N=25, Median Age 70 (49-89), Hemoglobin (Hg) 11.1gm/dl, IgM 3420mg/dl, Beta-2 Microglobulin (β2M) 3.105mcg/ml and Bone Marrow Involvement 30%] and fifteen healthy patients [Female N=6, Median Age 36 (18-51)] were analyzed. The patients were divided into anemics (Hg <12, N=38) and non-anemics (Hg >12, N=21). The serum level of IL-6 was measured using Human IL-6 ELISA Kit II (BD Biosciences) and hepcidin using Hepcidin ELISA (DRG Instruments GmbH, Germany) with protocols supplied by the manufacturers. Tumor cells from patients with WM were sorted by either CD19 or CD138 expression, RNA extracted and hybridized to Affymetrix U133A 2.0 expression arrays. Gene expression analysis was performed using Agilent Genespring GX 11.0 software. Gene expression data was summarized using GCRMA and median normalized per gene. Statistical analyses were performed by utilizing student t tests and One-way ANOVA using PRISM software. Results: WM patients with anemia had significantly higher levels of IgM (4121 vs. 2845mg/dl, p=0.021), beta-2 microglobulin (3.77 vs. 2.72mcg/ml, p=0.009) and bone marrow involvement (41.45 vs. 27.14%) as opposed to non-anemics. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in anemics when compared to non-anemics and controls (6.486 vs. 1.952 vs. 1.716 pg/ml, p=0.0433). Further, in WM patients with anemia serum hepcidin levels were significantly elevated when compared to non-anemics (13.03 vs. 6.08ng/ml, p=0.0123). An additional comparison was made with severe anemics (Hg <10g/dl) to non-anemics and higher mean hepcidin levels were noted in the former (16.21 vs. 6.08 gm/dl, p=0.0057). Gene expression analysis was then performed on 12 patients identified as severe anemics (Hg < 10g/dl) or non-anemics (Hg > 12g/dl). Unsupervised clustering identified 2 major groups that separated anemics versus non-anemics. Further, unsupervised clustering segregated anemic patients with the largest IgM values, suggesting that the expression and subsequent clustering of genes was driven by the level of tumor burden in this patient cohort. Also, up-regulation of genes involved in the cell cycle and proliferation such as cyclin A2, cyclin B1, PCNA and BUB1B were identified in anemic WM patients. Conclusion: A statistically significant increase in tumor burden (increased IgM, β2M and bone marrow involvement) was observed in WM patients with anemia as compared to patients without. A statistically significant increase in serum IL-6 was noted in WM patients with anemia. Interestingly, the WM patients with anemia were also noted to have higher serum hepcidin levels. Taken together, our data suggests that increased tumor burden may promote increased IL-6 and subsequently results in increased hepcidin, which correlates with anemia in WM patients. Additional studies are required to determine the specific role of hepcidin in anemia of WM. Anemia causes significant morbidity in WM patients; therefore, understanding the mechanism of anemia is important in providing superior patient care. Disclosures: Fonseca: Amgen: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy; Onyx: Research Funding; Otsuka: Consultancy; Medtronic: Consultancy.
Survival Trends in Young Patients with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia: Over 5 Decades of Experience

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1810-1810

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1810.1810

Abstract Background Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is an IgM-associated lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, first described over seven decades ago. Although WM is typically a disease of the elderly, with a median age at diagnosis of ~ 67 years, approximately 10% of patients are ≤50 years (y) of age at diagnosis. Data for young patients are sparse and the few available studies demonstrate inconsistent findings, with potential overestimation of survival owing to inclusion of patients with smoldering WM. In this case-control study, we evaluate outcomes, prognostic features and impact of changing therapies in a large cohort of young symptomatic WM patients compared to matched older patients seen over the course of the past five decades. Methods The medical records of all WM patients seen consecutively at Mayo Clinic from 01/1960 to 10/2013 were reviewed. Of 1181 patients, 140 (11.8%) were ≤ 50 y of age at diagnosis. A cohort of patients 65 y or older at diagnosis, matched 1:1 by the time of diagnosis, served as the control population. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on the timing of initiation of therapy: Group 1 (1960-1977), Group 2 (1978-1995) and Group 3 (1996-2013). The baseline characteristics were compared. Initiation of frontline therapy was used for all time-to-event analysis using the Kaplan Meier method. Results Younger patients were more likely to present with adenopathy and splenomegaly, have higher IgM levels and hyperviscosity symptoms (Table 1). The median follow-up from the frontline therapy was similar (10.7 y vs. 10 y for the control population). At the time of analysis, 91% of the deaths for the younger cases were WM-related compared to 58% in the control arm (p=0.0001). Younger patients had a better OS with a median disease-specific survival (DSS) of 15.6 y (95% CI: 13-21; 10-y OS of 77%) vs. 11 y (95% CI: 7.8-12; 10-y OS of 51%) for the older patient (p=0.0003). Among the young patients, there was no difference in the median DSS across the 3 groups (p=0.42). However, the median DSS for the control group incrementally improved (p=0.02) over the 3 time periods (Table 1). In the younger patients, no improvement in DSS was noted with the use of either frontline rituximab-based therapy compared to non-rituximab based regimens [median NR (95% CI: 7.6-NR) vs. 15.8 y (95% CI: 13-22) with other regimens, p=0.30], or frontline chlorambucil-based compared to non-chlorambucil based regimens [median 16 y (95% CI: 12-22) vs 15.6 y (95% CI: 12-NR) with other regimens, p=0.73]. In the control group, however, there was significant difference in DSS among patients who received frontline rituximab-based compared to non-rituximab based regimens [median NR (95% CI: 8.3-NR) vs 9.1 y (95% CI: 5.6-12) with other regimens, p=0.04], or frontline chlorambucil-based vs non-chlorambucil based regimens [8 y (95% CI: 5-12) vs 12.3 y (95% CI: 11-NR) in other regimens; p=0.001]. Conclusion Striking differences in presentation are evident in young WM patients compared to their older counterparts. The incorporation of rituximab to the previously existing anti-WM regimens and the transition to non-chlorambucil based regimens has resulted in substantial survival gains in the older WM population over the past five decades. However, such improvement in outcome has not yet been observed in the young patients. The majority of younger patients, despite a protracted disease course, succumb to their disease. Disclosures Ansell: BMS, Seattle Genetics, Merck, Celldex and Affimed: Research Funding. Ailawadhi:Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy. Reeder:Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding. Kumar:Kesios: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Dispenzieri:Alnylam: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; pfizer: Research Funding; Jannsen: Research Funding. Kapoor:Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding.
Bendamustine and Rituximab Versus Dexamethasone, Rituximab and Cyclophosphamide in Patients with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM)

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2968-2968

10.1182/blood.v128.22.2968.2968

Abstract Background Bendamustine/rituximab (BR) and dexamethasone/rituximab/cyclophosphamide (DRC) combination therapy are acceptable options for the treatment of WM, both in the frontline or salvage setting. Prospective data, however, are only available in treatment-naïve (TN) WM patients, and no direct comparison between BR and DRC has been reported. We compared outcomes of BR and DRC in relapsed/refractory (R/R) and TN WM patients seen at a single institution. Methods Records of WM patients seen consecutively at Mayo Clinic from 01/2007 to 12/2014 were reviewed. The MYD88L265P status, as assessed by AS-PCR, was recorded when available. The data obtained from symptomatic patients treated with DRC or BR were analyzed. The time-to-event analyses were performed from DRC or BR therapy using the Kaplan-Meier method. We used the Consensus criteria (6th International Workshop) for response assessment. Results Of 160 WM patients, 60 patients received BR (73% in R/R setting) and 100 patients received DRC (50% in R/R setting). In the R/R population, BR was the 2nd line (range 2-11) therapy in 47% of patients, while DRC was 2nd line (range 2-8) in 58% of patients. Rituximab monotherapy was the only prior line of therapy in 8 (20%) patients in the BR group and 20 (40%) in the DRC group (p=0.66). Baseline characteristics were similar in patients treated with BR or DRC (Table 1). Six patients received both BR and DRC during their disease course and overlapped between the 2 cohorts. Among the previous untreated patients, the median IgM levels decreased from 3,785 mg/dL to 724 mg/dL (p=0.0001) at best response with BR, while it decreased from 4,130 mg/dL to 1,250 mg/dL (p=0.001) with DRC. The median time to best response was 6.1 (1-25) months in the BR group and 11 (0.5-47) months in the DRC group (p=0.13). For patients treated with BR, the overall response rate (ORR) was 93% [VGPR 29% (n=4), PR 57% (n=8), MR 7% (n=1)]. One patient (7%) had progressive disease. For patients treated with DRC, ORR was 96% [VGPR 17% (n=8), PR 70% (n=32), MR 9% (n=4)]. One patient (4%) achieved SD. Median follow up in the BR and DRC groups were similar (30 months). The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 88% and 61% in the BR and DRC groups, respectively (p=0.08). The 2-year time-to-next therapy (TTNT) was 88% and 76% in the BR and DRC groups, respectively (p=0.35). Median PFS, TTNT and disease specific survival (DSS) were not reached with either regimen. In the R/R setting, the median IgM levels decreased from 3,880 mg/dL to 659 mg/dL (p=0.0001) at best response with BR, and from 3,870 mg/dL to 1,846 mg/dL (p=0.001) with DRC. The median time to best response was similar [7 (1-39) months with BR and 7 (0.5-28) months with DRC (p=0.77)]. For patients treated with BR, ORR was 95% [CR 3% (n=1), VGPR 38% (n=14), PR 41% (n=15), MR 13% (n=5)]. Two patients (5%) had progressive disease. With DRC, the ORR was 87% [VGPR 4% (n=2), PR 64% (n=30), MR 19% (n=9)]. Four patients (9%) achieved SD and 2 patients (4%) had progressive disease. Median follow up from BR was 32 months and 51 months from DRC (p=0.24). The 2-year PFS was 66% and 53% in the BR and DRC groups, respectively (p=0.08). The 2-year TTNT was 75% and 68% in the BR and DRC groups, respectively (p=0.24). The median DSS in the BR group was 69 months (95% CI: 65-69) and NR (95% CI: NR-NR) in the DRC group (p=0.57). The proportion of patients with R/R disease was significantly higher in the BR cohort (Table 1). In a bivariate analysis of the entire cohort for PFS, incorporating the setting (TN vs. RR) and the regimen involved (BR vs. DRC), the latter emerged as a significant factor (hazard ratio 0.52, p=0.019) in favor of BR. Time-to-event outcomes and response rates were similar in the MYD88L265P and MYD88WT patients. Grade ≥ 3 adverse events were neutropenia (12%), infections (7%) and nausea/vomiting (2%) with BR, and neutropenia (20%), thrombocytopenia (7%) and infections (3%) with DRC. Conclusions Although both DRC and BR regimens show activity and comparable toxicities, BR regimen shows a trend for superior PFS in WM patients, both in the TN and R/R setting. No difference was seen in TTNT. MYD88 L265P mutation status does not appear to impact activity of BR or DRC. Randomized controlled trial(s) are needed to confirm our findings. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy. Ansell:BMS, Seattle Genetics, Merck, Celldex and Affimed: Research Funding. Reeder:Millennium: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Jannsen: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; pfizer: Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Alnylam: Research Funding; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kumar:Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Kesios: Consultancy; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. Kapoor:Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding.
Nivolumab in Patients (Pts) with Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (R/R cHL): Clinical Outcomes from Extended Follow-up of a Phase 1 Study (CA209-039)

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 583-583

10.1182/blood.v126.23.583.583

Abstract Introduction: The programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint pathway regulates T-cell-mediated antitumor immune responses in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Nivolumab (Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ono Pharmaceutical) is a fully human IgG4 PD-1-blocking monoclonal antibody with demonstrated efficacy in a range of tumors. Results from an independent cohort of 23 pts with R/R cHL in a phase 1 study (CA209-039) showed that nivolumab was well tolerated and yielded an overall response rate (ORR) of 87% (Ansell et al, N Engl J Med, 2015). This raises important questions including the necessary duration of treatment, the relevance of the depth of response (complete response [CR] vs partial response [PR]), the duration of response, and the feasibility of retreatment. Here, we present the clinical course and post-treatment outcomes from extended follow-up of these pts to shed some light on these questions. Methods: Pts with R/R cHL received nivolumab 3 mg/kg at weeks (wks) 1 and 4, and then every 2 wks for up to 2 years (yrs). Therapy was stopped earlier in pts with intolerance to treatment or progressive disease (PD) without evidence of clinical benefit. Pts who discontinued treatment due to toxicity were followed for up to 120 days after discontinuation; other pts were followed for 1 yr after discontinuation. Responding pts discontinued after confirmed CR or 16 wks after unconfirmed CR, or continued treatment for up to 2 yrs if they had PR or stable disease (SD). Pts who discontinued treatment with ongoing CR, PR, or SD could be retreated for confirmed PD occurring <1 yr after nivolumab discontinuation. Responses were evaluated using the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson et al, J Clin Oncol, 2007). The primary endpoint was safety, and the key secondary endpoint was antitumor activity. Results: A total of 23 pts with R/R cHL were treated. The median follow-up observation time is now 86 wks (range: 32-107 wks). Of 20 responders (14 PR, 6 CR), 10 have had durable responses per protocol assessment; their treatment durations and response characteristics are shown in Table 1. Responses were maintained in 2 pts (#5 and #6) after discontinuing nivolumab for >40 wks and in 1 pt (#7) after stopping due to toxicity. Eight pts with durable responses have received nivolumab for >1 yr, including 7 pts who have been in response for >1.5 yrs. One pt (#2) with an initial CR experienced a relapse 43 wks after treatment was discontinued, and achieved a second response (CR) after retreatment with nivolumab. Of the 10 remaining responders, 4 eventually progressed (time to progression [TTP] range: 21.4-92 wks), 1 discontinued treatment due to toxicity with no PD within the 120-day follow-up period, and 5 discontinued nivolumab to undergo stem cell transplant (SCT; 4 allogeneic, 1 autologous) after achieving remission. Time to CR for all responders ranged from 3-88 wks after starting nivolumab, including 2 pts with initial PRs that converted to CRs with continued treatment. All 5 pts who proceeded to SCT had responded to nivolumab within 16 wks of starting treatment (4 PR, 1 CR). Three pts had a best overall response of SD (1 discontinued due to toxicity without documented PD within the 120-day follow-up period; 2 subsequently discontinued for PD [TTP: 15 and 15.3 wks, respectively]). Overall, 3 pts discontinued nivolumab due to adverse events (AEs; Grade 2 peripheral neuropathy, Grade 3 myelodysplastic syndrome, Grade 3 pancreatitis). Grade 1 or 2 immune-related AEs (IR-AEs) occurred in 4 of 10 pts and resolved without treatment in 2 pts. The incidence of IR-AEs did not increase with time on treatment. Conclusions: In pts with R/R cHL, nivolumab was well tolerated and produced a high ORR. Responses occurred within 16 wks of nivolumab initiation in 15 of 20 pts. Early responses to nivolumab allowed 5 pts to proceed to SCT and lasted ≥1 yr in 7 of 10 pts who did not pursue SCT. One pt achieved CR again after retreatment with nivolumab when relapse occurred within 1 yr of discontinuing treatment following an initial CR. Table 1. Treatment and Response Parameters for Pts with Durable Ongoing Responses Pt # Best Response Duration of Response, wks Time to First Response, wks Time on Treatment, wks 1 PR 90.7 3.6 96+ 2 CR 82.1 7.1 91+ 3 PR 73.1 7.6 82.4+ 4 PR 71.4 14.9 88+ 5 CR 71.1 3.1 24.9 6 CR 65.1 7.1 22.9 7 PR 55.9 15.3 70.9 8 CR 48.3 39 87 9 CR 45.3 55 82.9 10 PR 41.7 38.7 82.1+ +Still on treatment Disclosures Ansell: Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding. Armand:BMS: Research Funding; Infinity: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sequenta, Inc.: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding. Timmerman:Valor Biotherapeutics: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding. Shipp:BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Bayer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Bradley Garelik:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment. Zhu:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment. Lesokhin:Efranat: Consultancy; Genentech: Research Funding; Aduro: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Cells Modulate Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Induce a Respiratory Hyper-Drive State upon Acquisition of Ibrutinib-Resistance

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2761-2761

10.1182/blood.v128.22.2761.2761

Abstract Background: Mitochondrial activity is critical to maintain a high cellular proliferation especially in drug-resistant clones. Ibrutinib-resistance (IR) in CLL is associated with highly aggressive clinical behavior, carrying a median survival of ~3 months. While these outcomes are not yet reported in WM, resistance to ibrutinib is foreseeable considering no WM patients achieve a complete remission with BTK inhibitors (reported series). The transition to a highly proliferative drive in the IR clone remains a biological dilemma and understanding this will allow rationale development of therapeutic strategies. It is established that increased cell proliferation is highly dependent on the functional capabilities of the mitochondria. Yet the respiratory proficiencies and adaptation of mitochondrial machinery in the IR state remains unknown. Here we interrogated mitochondrial function and its relevance in IR cells using our WM models. Materials: WM cell lines (BCWM.1, non-IR) and its isogenic IR clone (BCWM.1/IR; 20-fold resistant, without BTK or CXCR4WHIM-like mutations) were used. Mitochondrial respirometry was measured by Seahorse XF96 flux analyzer (Fig. 1a). Drug sensitivity and cytotoxicity were determined by Cell-Titer Glo cell viability assay. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on an Illumina HiSeq2000. Results: IR WM cells were noted to be in G1 arrest with altered morphologic features and growth kinetics. Despite growth arrest, IR cells showed increased basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR) (>30% increase) vs. parental (non-IR) cells. Consistent with this we observed enhanced mitochondrial ATP production suggesting increased mitochondrial utilization by the IR clones. We then measured maximal respiratory potential of WM cells with FCCP pre-treatment, which evaluates cellular potential to respond to increased ATP demand. We observed upregulation of mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity in BCWM.1/IR cells vs. parental BCWM.1 cell. In addition, a >50% increase in non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption/respiration was also noted (Fig.1b, c). To identify potential genomic changes that could explain mitochondrial overdrive, WES of the non-IR and IR cells was performed. Interestingly, this analysis did not uncover any mutational alterations in genes directing cellular oxidative phosphorylation (NDUF, COX1, COQ7, SURF1, etc.), glycolysis (PDK1, HK2, PKM2, ALDOA, etc.) or ATP production (ATP5, ND1, UCP1 and others). We then asked if mitochondrial function impacts therapeutic potential of a specific drug (or a class of drug), focusing specifically on proteasome disruption. First, we observed that proteasome inhibition- independent of the site (20S vs. 19S), retained high cytotoxic potential, wherein IR cells showed exquisite sensitivity to proteasome disruption. Interestingly, VLX1570 (targets 19S proteasome) had a 2-fold lower IC50 in IR clones than its non-IR counterpart. Cell respirometry demonstrated that compared to parental cells, VLX1570 (500nM) treatment significantly (p<0.002) and rapidly (2hr) attenuated basal respiration in IR clones at concentrations half of those needed to achieve similar effects in BCWM.1 cells. A concomitant decrease in ATP production as well as spare respiratory capacity was observed at these time points/drug concentrations (significantly more evident than in BCWM.1 cells). While our focus was mitochondrial bioenergetics and its therapeutic relevance in drug-resistant WM, unexpectedly we observed for the first time, evidence that VLX1570 induces changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics as early as 2hrs leading to increased mitochondrial membrane permeability and cell apoptosis in 6-12hrs. Comparable observations were made with bortezomib (targeting 20S). Conclusions: This is the first report identifying the role of mitochondrial hyper-drive in WM cells with resistance to ibrutinib. Of note, enhancedmitochondrial bioenergetics in the IR state increased sensitivity to proteasome inhibition and this was independent of the site of disruption in the proteasome pathway. Although, WES findings alone were not sufficient in explaining mitochondrial overdrive noted in our system, ongoing analysis of various mitochondrial functions (Fig. 1d) at the gene expression, copy number and epigenetic level may elucidate the underlying biomechanics of mitochondrial disposition in IR WM cells. Disclosures Ansell: BMS, Seattle Genetics, Merck, Celldex and Affimed: Research Funding. Linder:Vivolux, Ab: Other: Shareholder. Ailawadhi:Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy.
Treatment Patterns and Outcomes of DLBCL after Failure of Front-Line Immunochemotherapy

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 2683-2683

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2683.2683

Abstract Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is curable for the majority of patients treated with anthracycline based immunochemotherapy (IC). However, up to 40% of patients will relapse or require retreatment of DLBCL and outcomes are poor in this setting. Here we examine the incidence, treatment patterns and outcomes of relapsed DLBCL in the R-CHOP era. Methods: Patients were prospectively enrolled in the University of Iowa / Mayo Clinic SPORE Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER) within 9 months of diagnosis and followed for relapse, retreatment, and death. Clinical management at diagnosis and subsequent therapies were per treating physician. This analysis includes patients with DLBCL or primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) who underwent front-line anthracycline based IC; patients with primary CNS lymphoma or PTLD were excluded. All relapse and re-treatments were verified by medical record review. Response to front-line therapy was retrospectively classified per 2007 Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma from available clinical and radiology records. Unplanned consolidative radiation (RT) without biopsy proven disease after achieving PR from IC (N=21) was not classified as a relapse. Results: 1039 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL or PMBCL and treated with IC were enrolled in the MER from 2002-2012. Median age at diagnosis was 62 years (range 18-92) and 577 patients (56%) were male. 647 patients (63%) had stage III/IV disease and IPI at diagnosis was 0-1 in 350 patients (34%), 2 in 305 patients (29%), 3 in 250 patients (24%) and 4-5 in 134 patients (13%). At a median follow-up of 59 months (range 1-148), 258 patients had relapse or retreatment of DLBCL of which 184 (71%) died. Incidence of relapse was 21.7% (95% CI: 19.3%-24.4%) at 2 years and 25.5% (95% CI: 22.9%-28.5%) at 5 years. In addition, the incidence of lymphoma related death without documented relapse or retreatment was 4.7% (95% CI: 3.6%-6.2%) at 2 years. At first relapse, 174 patients (67% of relapsed) received platinum based salvage therapy with 90 (52%) subsequently proceeding to autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). 22 patients received CNS directed systemic therapy at relapse with 9 (41%) proceeding to transplant, and 43 received non-platinum-based salvage systemic therapy with 7 proceeding to transplant (17%), 15 patients received RT only as 2nd line therapy, and 4 were untreated. At a median follow-up of 56 months (range 6-121) post-transplant, 39 of 107 patients who underwent transplant remain in remission with a 2-year post-transplant progression-free survival of 45% (95% CI 37%-56%). Response to front-line IC was predictive of post-relapse outcome. Survival post-relapse was superior in the 162 patients with responsive disease (CR or PR) at the end of front-line IC (median OS 21.0 months) compared to the 88 patients who had stable or progressive disease (median OS 6.8 months, HR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.73-3.14 p<0.0001). Transient response in midst of front-line IC was similar to no response. Patients achieving a CR or PR to front-line IC were more likely to proceed to ASCT at relapse (55%) compared to patients with either SD or PD at the end of front-line IC (25% and 17% respectively, p<0.0001). Other factors associated with poor survival at first relapse were relapse within 12 months of diagnosis (HR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.57-3.18, p<0.0001), IPI at diagnosis of 3-5 (HR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.13-2.03, p=0.0058), and age > 60 (HR =1.51, 95% CI: 1.12-2.03, p=0.0064). There was no difference in survival at first relapse by cell of origin (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.74-1.72, p=0.59). Conclusions: Most patients undergo therapy after relapsed/refractory DLBCL but only one-third receive ASCT. Outcomes following all treatments for relapsed/refractory DLBCL remain poor. Factors associated with adverse outcomes include refractory to front-line therapy, early relapse, baseline IPI and advanced age. These outcomes provide relevant historical control for the many novel agents being tested in this unmet need. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Farooq: Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Maurer:Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Cerhan:Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Link:Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Thompson:Kite Pharma: Research Funding.
Event-Free Survival at 12 Months and Subsequent Overall Survival in Patients with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 1501-1501

10.1182/blood.v126.23.1501.1501

Abstract Background: Peripheral T-Cell lymphomas (PTCLs) constitute approximately 10% of lymphoid malignancies and consist of several distinct entities based on pathologic and clinical characteristics. With the exception of a few subtypes (e.g., ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and some primary cutaneous or leukemic forms of PTCL), a majority of PTCLs are aggressive as characterized by poor treatment response, rapid disease progression and poor overall survival. We have shown that landmark timepoints of event-free survival after diagnosis can stratify subsequent overall survival (OS) in diffuse large B-cell and follicular lymphoma. Here we evaluate this approach in newly diagnosed aggressive PTCLs treated with anthracyline-based or related chemotherapy. Methods. Newly diagnosed PTCL patients were prospectively enrolled in the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma SPORE Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER) from 2002-2012. Clinical data were abstracted from medical records using a standard protocol. For this analysis, we included patients receiving anthracycline-based or other multiagent chemotherapy for the following PTCL subtypes: ALK-negative ALCL (N=24); angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL, N=34); PTCL, not otherwise specified (NOS; N=60); enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL, N=8); extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL, N=11); and hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL, N=1). Patients were prospectively followed, and event-free survival (EFS) was defined as time from diagnosis to progression, re-treatment, or death due to any cause. Landmark EFS timepoints were assessed at 12 (EFS12) and 24 (EFS24) months after the date of diagnosis. Subsequent OS was defined as time from a specific endpoint (diagnosis, event or EFS landmark). Replication was performed in a population-based cohort of T-cell lymphomas diagnosed from 2000-2009 from the Swedish Lymphoma Registry. Results. 138 eligible patients were enrolled in the MER from 2002-2012, the median age at diagnosis was 58 years (range, 19-88), 66% were male, 73% had Stage III-IV disease, and 33% had IPI 0-1. At a median follow-up of 47 months (range 11-120), 87 patients (63%) had an event and 70 patients (51%) had died. From diagnosis, only 60 patients were event-free at 12 months (EFS12 45%). Patients who failed to achieve EFS12 had a poor subsequent OS from event (median OS = 6.8 months, 95% CI: 5.3-14.0, figure 1). In contrast, patients who achieved EFS12 had a favorable subsequent OS (median unreached, figure 2). Of the 427 eligible patients in the Swedish registry, the median age at diagnosis was 66 years (range, 18-88), 63% were male, 68% had Stage III-IV disease, and 25% had IPI 0-1. PTCL subtypes were: ALK-negative ALCL (N=89); AITL (N=80); PTCL, NOS (N=183); EATL (N=44); ENKTL (N=24); and HSTCL (N=7). At a median follow-up of 86 months (range 40-158), 333 patients (79%) had an event and 316 patients (74%) had died. From diagnosis, 183 patients were event-free at 12 months (EFS12 44%). Similar to the MER cohort, Swedish patients failing EFS12 had poor subsequent survival (median OS = 3.7 months, 95% CI: 2.9-5.3, figure 1). Swedish patients achieving EFS12 had a favorable subsequent OS (median OS = 89 months, figure 2). Similar results were obtained when conducting landmark analysis at 24 months after diagnosis (EFS24). Conclusion. Relapse and re-treatment events within the first 12 months of diagnosis are associated with very poor OS in PTCL treated with anthracyclines or related chemotherapy, while patients achieving EFS12 have encouraging subsequent OS. Stratifying patients into prognostically distinct subsets using EFS12 may help focus biologic and biomarker studies. EFS12 has potential as an early endpoint for studies of newly diagnosed PTCL. Further investigation of determinants related to post-EFS12 survival is needed. Disclosures Maurer: Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Cerhan:Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Ansell:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding. Link:Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Thompson:Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Relander:Respiratorius: Patents & Royalties: valproate for DLBCL.
A Phase 1 Study of TTI-621, a Novel Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Targeting CD47, in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hematologic Malignancies

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1812-1812

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1812.1812

Abstract Introduction The phagocytic activity of macrophages is regulated by activating ("eat") and inhibitory ("do not eat") signals. Under normal physiologic conditions, the ubiquitously expressed cell surface antigen CD47 suppresses phagocytosis by binding to signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on macrophages. It is hypothesized that overexpression of CD47 by cancer cells enables immune evasion. Blockade of CD47 results in phagocytosis of cells bearing "eat" signals and primes effective anti-tumor T cell responses. TTI-621(SIRPαFc)is a soluble recombinant fusion proteinconsisting of the CD47 binding domain of human SIRPα linked to the Fc region of human IgG1designed to both: 1) block the CD47 "do not eat" signal, and 2) engagemacrophage Fcγ receptors with IgG1 Fc to enhance phagocytosis and antitumor activity.In vitro, TTI-621 binds to normal human cells, platelets, a wide range of human primary tumor cells and cell lines, but only minimally to human erythrocytes. TTI-621 selectively promotes macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of hematologic and solid tumors over that observed with normal monocytes, and exhibits antitumor activity in xenograft mouse models. Methods A first-in-human, phase 1, open label, multicenter study (NCT02663518) is ongoing to evaluate the safety and tolerability, and to identify the maximum tolerated dose of TTI-621 in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory lymphomas using a 3+3 dose-escalation design. Once the optimal dose has been determined in the dose-escalation phase, multiple expansion cohorts will be enrolled comprising pts with various relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies. Assessments include peripheral receptor occupancy, serum cytokine levels, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity. Eligible pts are adults with advanced, measurable, hematologic malignancies, who have progressed on standard anticancer therapy or for whom no other approved therapy exists. Pts are required to have baseline hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL, platelets ≥75 x 109/L, and be transfusion- and growth factor-independent. Pts with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, high-grade lymphoma, and acute promyelocytic leukemia are excluded. TTI-621 is administered IV once weekly at protocol-defined doses. Treatment may continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results Eleven pts (6M/5F, age 21-72 years) have been enrolled as of the data cut-off date of 28 July 2016. Lymphoma diagnoses included Hodgkin (N=4), diffuse large B cell (DLBCL) (N=4), follicular (N=2), and mantle cell (N=1). Treatment has been reasonably well tolerated by pts in the 0.05 mg/kg (N=3), 0.1 mg/kg (N=3), and 0.3 mg/kg (N=5) dose cohorts. The majority of pts experienced mild to moderate infusion-related events. Hemoglobin levels have remained stable or improved with treatment. Transient, dose-dependent decreases in platelets and leukocytes occurred in the hours following infusion in all pts without clinical sequelae. The 0.3 mg/kg dose was associated with reversible, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in 2 of 5 pts: one pt with G3 elevated ALT/AST and G4 platelet count, and a second pt with G4 platelet count who was transfused. Dosing at 0.2 mg/kg is now being explored. Aside from the DLTs and 2 non-DLT G3 platelet count (all in 0.3 mg/kg cohort), treatment-related adverse events have been ≤G2. CD47 receptor occupancy increased with each cohort, peaking at the end of infusion and remaining detectable 24 hrs after the 1st infusion in Cohort 3. Macrophage-associated cytokines, including MIP-1α and MIP-1β, increased during the 4 hrs after infusion. Six pts continue to receive weekly infusions of TTI-621; one pt with DLBCL and another with FL have experienced progression-free intervals of 161 and 70 days, respectively. Conclusions TTI-621 has been reasonably well tolerated. Pts retained stable hemoglobin levels consistent with minimal drug binding to erythrocytes. Manageable, dose-dependent thrombocytopenia was likely due to increased phagocytic clearance of platelets. TTI-621 binds to CD47+ cells in a dose-dependent manner, potently yielding increases in cytokines associated with augmented phagocytic activity. Enrollment continues at the 0.2 mg/kg dose level; updated data will be provided at the meeting. Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 2. Disclosures Ansell: BMS, Seattle Genetics, Merck, Celldex and Affimed: Research Funding. Chen:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millenium: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding. Flinn:Janssen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; ARIAD: Research Funding; RainTree Oncology Services: Equity Ownership. O'Connor:Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Mundipharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Mundipharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding. Johnson:Trillium Therapeutics: Employment. Irwin:Hoffmann La Roche: Employment, Equity Ownership; Trillium Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Petrova:Trillium Therapeutics Inc: Employment, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties. Uger:Trillium Therapeutics: Employment, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties. Sievers:Seattle Genetics: Employment, Equity Ownership; Trillium Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership; MEI Pharma: Consultancy.
Utility of Stem Cell Collection in Anticipation of Future Need for Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Follicular Lymphoma Patients

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1926-1926

10.1182/blood.v118.21.1926.1926

Abstract Abstract 1926 Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common non Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States, comprising up to 30% of all non Hodgkin lymphomas. Typically an indolent disease, relapses are common. High dose therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant is an option that has shown to produce prolonged progression-free and relapse-free survival in patients who relapse. Adequate bone marrow reserve for peripheral stem cell mobilization has been shown to be adversely effected by prior regimens such as fludarabine and radioimmunotherapy. Concerns regarding stem cell mobilization at the point of relapse have led some to collect stem cells early in the course of disease to allow for potential subsequent transplant after relapse. Recent advances in stem cell mobilization have resulted in a 3% collection failure rate for lymphoma patients at the point of planned transplant at our institution versus a historical rate of up to 30%. We studied the utilization of stem cells collected for potential future use in FL patients in remission or prior to therapy at the point of relapse or progression in order to determine the utility of this approach. Methods: Record review of patients diagnosed with FL through the Mayo Clinic Tumor Registry and the Mayo Clinic Lymphoma Data Base who had cryopreserved stem cells for potential future transplant at relapse. Cost of stem cell storage at our institution was reviewed as was the subsequent use of the collected cells. Results: 73 patients with FL had stem cells collected and stored. 37 (51%) were collected prior to a double dose yttrium-90 (90Y) ibritumomab tiuxetan trial for relapsed lymphoma as required by the study. The median age at collection of this group was 56 years (range 28–70). Stem cells remain in storage for a median of 44 months (range 8–119). The median cost of cryopreservation and storage is $4,094 based on the median storage time of 44 months (range $3,628 to 5,065) with a collection cost of $3,524.20 and an annual storage fee of $155.39. This does not include the cost of filgrastim for mobilization, nor line placement. At 5 years, 60% of the cells were not utilized, and at 10 years, 56% of the cells were not utilized. 36 (49%) of the total number of patients were not part of the double dose 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan trial, but were collected in remission for possible future use or in the setting of relapsed, progressed or transformed disease for potential future transplant. Five of these patients required the use of plerixafor for adequate mobilization. The median age at collection of this group was 47 years (range 24–76). Stem cells remain in storage for a median of 39 months (range 2–128). The median cost of cryopreservation and storage is $4,029 based on the median storage time of 39 months (range $3,550 to 5,182) with a collection cost of $3,524.20 and an annual storage fee of $155.39. This does not include the cost of filgrastim or plerixafor for mobilization, nor line placement. At 5 years, 89% of these cells were not used, and at 10 years, 71% of cells were not used. Conclusion: The utilization of stem cells collected early in the course of FL patients is low, with the majority of cells not being utilized at 10 years. Given improved mobilization techniques resulting in 97% efficacy of stem cell collection at relapse, routine collection and storage of stem cells early in the course FL is not recommended. Disclosures: Micallef: Genzyme: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.