Abstract Abstract 3557 Introduction: Autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with amyloidosis results in high reported hematologic and organ response rates compared with conventional chemotherapy. Patients: Four-hundred and thirty-four patients have undergone transplantation between March 8, 1996, and April 13, 2010 Table 1. Clinical parameters seen in patients with amyloid are given in Table 2. The overall day-100 mortality seen in this group of patients is 44 of 434 patients (10%). Results: The most important determinant of outcome is stage defined by BNP and troponin levels. Figure 1 demonstrates the survival for patients for all 3 cardiac stages. Troponin <.035; NT-proBNP <332. Stage 1 both low, Stage 3 both elevated. The survival of all patients based on whether they achieved a complete response, a partial response (>50%), or no response was analyzed. Median survival has not been reached for the complete response group, is 107 months for the partial response group, and is 32 months for the no response group (p<0.0001). Figure 2, divides the patients at the median dFLC level of 13.5 mg/dL demonstrating that for patients with a higher level of free light chain, the median survival is 87.6 months and has not been reached for those with a lower level of free light chain. A proportional hazards model for variables that impact on survival was done in all patients, and the only relevant predictor of outcome was stage (p<0.0001). When the same analysis was performed using a landmark of 6 months, the only predictor of outcome was stage (p=0.0005). When best response was incorporated into the landmark model, it was the strongest predictor of survival. The amyloid stage predicted survival (p= 0.0005), and the best response to therapy (p <0.0001). When the same analysis was performed in the entire group of 434, stage and best response each remained significant (p<0.0001). Discussion: There is a high response rate associated with high-dose therapy that was not observed in the melphalan and prednisone era. For eligible patients who can be transplanted safely, high-dose melphalan is an effective therapy for many patients with amyloidosis. Best response and stage at diagnosis are the best predictors of overall survival. Disclosures: Lacy: Celgene: Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Binding Site: Honoraria. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding.
Peripheral Blood Absolute Lymphocyte/Monocyte Ratio Recovery During ABVD Treatment Cycles Predicts Clinical Outcomes in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL).
Abstract Abstract 2634 The peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (ALC/AMC) at diagnosis has been recently reported [Porrata et al, Hematologica 2012; 97(2):262-9] and confirmed [Koh et al, Oncologist 2012; 17(6):871-80] to be a predictor of clinical outcomes in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). In addition, an inversed correlation has been reported between the ALC/AMC ratio and tumor associated macrophages in classical HL suggesting an association between the host biological response in the macro-environment and micro-environment. However, a limitation of the ALC/AMC ratio at diagnosis, the International Prognostic Score at diagnosis, the Positron-Emission Tomography (PET-scan) at diagnosis, or interim PET-scan during treatment is their inability to sequentially assess the host/tumor interaction during treatment. Therefore, we studied the ALC/AMC ratio recovery, as a surrogate marker of host immunity (i.e., ALC) and tumor micro-environment (i.e., AMC), at each treatment cycle phase to assess its predictive ability for clinical outcomes in classical HL. To participate in the study, patients were required to be diagnosed, treated, and followed at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota and treated with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) with or without radiation therapy. An ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 cut-off was used in the study based on our previous publication [Porrata et al, Hematologica 2012; 97(2):262-9]. From 1990 until 2008, 190 classical HL patients qualified for the study. The cohort was evenly split with 50% males and 50% females. Fifty-eight percent of the patients had an interim PET-scan performed. The median age at diagnosis was 36 years (range: 18–83 years). Seventeen patients received 2 cycles; 5 patients 3 cycles; 51 patients 4 cycles; 5 patients 5 cycles and 112 patients 6 cycles. The median follow-up was 3.7 years (range: 0.2–20 years). The ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 at each treatment cycle phase of ABVD was a predictor for overall survival (OS), lymphoma-specific survival (LSS), progression-free survival (PFS) and time to progression (TTP). Patients were stratified based on how many cycles the ALC/AMC ratio did not reach the cut-off of 1.1. The more cycles with an ALC/AMC < 1.1 the worse survival was observed. The 23 patients who did not achieve an ALC/AMC ≥ 1.1 during the treatment cycles phase experienced the worst survival rates: 5 year OS of 33%; 5 year LSS of 43%; 5 year PFS of 16%; and 5 year TTP of 27%. Patients were then dichotomized into patients that did not achieve an ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 for all the cycles versus patients with an ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 in any cycle during treatment. Patients with an ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 in any cycle (N=167) experienced better survival compared with patients that in all cycles the ALC/AMC ratio was < 1.1 [ OS, the hazard ratio(HR) was 0.09, 95% CI (0.04–0.19), p < 0.0001; for LSS, HR =0.07, 95% CI (0.02–0.17), p <0.0001; for PFS, HR = 0.08, 95%CI (0.04–0.14), p < 0.0001; and for TTP, HR = 0.05, 95% CI (0.02–0.11), p < 0.0001]. In the multivariate analysis, an ALC/AMC ratio ≥ 1.1 in any cycle versus none was an independent predictor for clinical outcome when compared to ALC/AMC ratio at diagnsosis, PET-scan, International Prognostic Score, limited verus advanced stage, and radiation therapy [OS, HR = 0.14, 95% CI (0.04–0.40), p< 0.0002; for LSS, HR = 0.09, 95% CI (0.01–0.37), p <0.0006); for PFS, HR = 0.19, 95% CI (0.05–0.82), p < 0.03); and for TTP, HR = 0.15, 95% CI (0.02–0.89), p < 0.02]. In conclusion, the ALC/AMC ratio during ABVD treatment cycles in classical HL is a predictor for survival and provides an opportunity to develop therapeutic modalities to manipulate the ALC/AMC ratio during ABVD chemotherapy to improve clinical outcomes in classical HL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A Phase II Study of the Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor Tipifarnib Demonstrates Anti-Tumor Activity In Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Lymphomas
Abstract Abstract 287 Purpose: Farnesyltransferases are key cellular enzymes involved in the prenylation of proteins. Prenylated proteins are important for malignant cell growth. The purpose of this phase II study (NCT00082888) was to assess tumor response and toxicity associated with the oral farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib (R115777, Johnson and Johnson) in patients with relapsed aggressive, indolent, or uncommon lymphoma. The uncommon group included low incidence lymphoma types such as Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma- cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Patients and Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin (NHL) or Hodgkin (HL) were eligible if they had measurable disease, performance status ≤2, platelet count ≥75,000 × 10(6)/L, an absolute neutrophil count ≥1000 × 10(6)/L and a creatinine ≤2 × upper limit of normal. Patients initially received tipifarnib 300 mg twice daily, days 1–21 every 28 days. The trial was conducted by the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma SPORE. Results: Ninety-three patients with lymphoma (42 aggressive, 15 indolent, and 36 uncommon) enrolled in the trial between March 2004 and November 2008. The median age was 62 years (range, 18–91). The median number of prior therapies was 5 (range, 1–17). The overall response rate (ORR) was 20% (19/93) with 6% (6/93) complete responses (CR) and 14% (13/93) partial responses (PR). The ORR was 17%, 7%, and 31% for the aggressive, indolent, and uncommon groups, respectively (Table). Among the 19 responders were 7 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 7 T-cell NHL, 1 follicular grade II, and 4 HL. The overall median response duration for the 19 responders was 7.5 months (mean, 12.8; range, 1.8 – 48.1 months). The median response duration was 11.3 months (mean, 10.1; range, 1.8 – 18.5 months), 2 months, and 7.5 months (mean, 15.5; range, 1.9 – 48.1 months) for the aggressive (7), indolent (1), and uncommon (11) groups, respectively. Five patients in the uncommon group are still receiving treatment with a range of treatment duration between 25 – 60+ months. Among the 5 still receiving treatment 4 responded and 1 is stable. The range of response duration is 15.4, 17.7, 43.1, and 48.1 months. These five patients (2 with HL, 1 anaplastic large cell cutaneous, and 2 PTCL) are currently receiving doses of 400 (1), 200 (2), and 100 (2) mg twice daily. The median time to progression for all patients was 3.6 months (95% CI: 2.1 – 4.5 months). The grade 3,4 toxicities observed were primarily fatigue (10%) and reversible myelosuppression with 11% anemia, 37% neutropenia, and 32% thrombocytopenia. Correlative studies demonstrated tipifarnib-induced upregulation of Bim, a marker of tipifarnib action in lymphoma cell lines, in 7 of 9 paired lymphoma biopsies. Conclusions: Tipifarnib has activity in lymphoma, with responses in patients with heavily pretreated DLBCL, HL and T-cell types, but little activity in follicular NHL. This agent has an excellent toxicity profile and targets a novel pathway. Further studies in combination with other agents are warranted for patients with DLBCL, HL or T-cell NHL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Five-Year Survival Data Demonstrating Durable Responses from a Pivotal Phase 2 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
Abstract Background: Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by the presence of CD30-positive Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells. The standard of care for patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (R/R) HL is salvage chemotherapy followed by high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (auto-SCT). Approximately 50% of these pts will experience relapse or progression of HL after auto-SCT. For these individuals, outcomes have historically been poor, with median overall survival (OS) from time of relapse ranging from 10.5 to 27.6 mos (Crump, 2008; Fanale, 2013). A pivotal phase 2 study evaluated brentuximab vedotin, a CD30-directed antibody-drug conjugate, in pts with R/R HL after auto-SCT (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00848926). Primary results and 3-year follow-up data have been previously reported (Younes, 2012; Gopal, 2015). Here, we summarize final data from the 5-year follow-up period. Methods: Pts received 1.8 mg/kg brentuximab vedotin once every 3 wks as a 30-min outpatient IV infusion for up to 16 cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) per independent review according to the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson 2007). Assessments of response and durability of response per an independent review facility (IRF) have been previously reported. Following a protocol amendment that removed the requirement for routine CT scanning during the follow-up period, disease status was only assessed per the investigator. Survival and disease status were assessed every 3 mos for 2 yrs and then every 6 mos through Year 5. CT scans were required if progression was suspected clinically. At the time of the amendment, 18 patients were still being assessed for progression; these patients had been in long-term follow-up for a median of over 30 months. Results: The enrolled population of 102 pts (53% female) was heavily pretreated and had a median age of 31 yrs (range, 15-77 yrs). Pts received a median of 9 cycles (range, 1-16) of brentuximab vedotin. Per investigator, the ORR to brentuximab vedotin was 72% and complete remission (CR) rate was 33%. The most common treatment-related adverse events were peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, neutropenia, and diarrhea. Adverse events of Grade 3 or higher that occurred in ≥5% of pts were neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. At study closure, which occurred approximately 5 yrs after the last patient's end-of-treatment visit, the median observation time for all enrolled patients from first dose was 35.1 mos (range, 1.8 to 72.9). The estimated 5-year overall survival rate was 41% (95% CI: 31 %, 51%) and the median OS was 40.5 mos (95% CI: 28.7, 61.9 [range, 1.8 to 72.9+]). Median OS by best clinical response was CR (n=34): median not reached; partial remission (PR, n=39): 39.4 mos; and stable disease (SD, n=28): 18.3 mos. The median PFS was 9.3 months overall, but was not reached in CR pts. Of the 102 enrolled patients, 15 remained in follow-up and in remission at study closure. Among these 15 pts, 6 received consolidative allo-SCT and 9 have received no further therapy since completing brentuximab vedotin. Conclusions: These end-of-study results demonstrate that single agent brentuximab vedotin can induce durable remissions and long-term survival in a subset of heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory HL, particularly in pts that achieve CR. A randomized phase 3 study is being conducted to evaluate brentuximab vedotin in combination with AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) versus ABVD (A, bleomycin, VD) for frontline treatment of advanced HL (ECHELON-1 trial, ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01712490). Figure 1. Overall Survival Figure 1. Overall Survival Disclosures Chen: Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy. Gopal:BMS: Research Funding; Piramal: Research Funding; Emergent/Abbott: Research Funding; Millenium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding; BioMarin: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Merck: Research Funding. Smith:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Ansell:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding. Rosenblatt:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Savage:Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria; Infinity: Honoraria; Roche: Other: Institutional research funding. Connors:Roche: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Engert:Takeda Millenium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Research Funding. Larsen:Seattle Genetics Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huebner:Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Fong:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Younes:Janssen: Honoraria; Novartis: Research Funding; Incyte: Honoraria; Takeda Millenium: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Bristol Meyer Squibb: Honoraria; Curis: Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Johnson and Johnson: Research Funding.
Outcomes In the Pre-Rituximab and Post-Rituximab Eras In Post-Transplantation Lymphoproliferative Disorders (PTLD) In Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Abstract Abstract 2859 Background: PTLD is the most common malignancy, other than melanomatous skin cancer complicating solid organ transplantation and has been one of the most commonly observed fatal consequences. The histologies are diverse and include B-cell, T-cell and Hodgkin lymphomas. Rituximab has affected the outcome in CD20+ patients with PTLD. This single institution study sought to identity the outcomes in patients of all histologies and presentations managed in the post-rituximab era. Methods: Patients with solid organ transplantation who were diagnosed with PTLD at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) between December 1970 and October 2009 were identified through the Mayo Clinic Lymphoma Data Base. The rituximab era was defined as patients diagnosed after December 26, 2000, the date of diagnosis for the first patient treated with rituximab in our series. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of clinical factors and overall survival (OS). Results: 143 patients diagnosed with PTLD between December 1970 and October 2009 were identified. The median age at the time of diagnosis of PTLD was 50 years (range 15–84) with 41 patients (29%) over the age of 60. 93 were male (65%). At a median follow-up of 84 months (range 1–295), 95 patients (65%) have died. The types of organ transplant included renal (39%), liver (31%), cardiac (11%), lung (6%), renal/pancreas (6%), pancreas (4%), and multiorgan (4%). 83% of patients presented with extranodal disease. 28% had involvement of the engrafted organ. 76% of the patients developed PTLD that was EBV+ by in situ hybridization. 62% were stage 3–4. The IPI was intermediate-high in 39% of patients. Initial approaches to management included reduction in immunosuppression (45%), chemotherapy (12%), reduction in immunosuppression with rituximab (12%), rituximab (8%), and radiation therapy (6%). The overall response to therapeutic approaches was 46% in the pre-rituximab era and 56% in the post-rituximab era (chi-squared p=0.25). Patients treated with rituximab had an improved overall survival (HR = 1.66, 95% CI: 0.99–2.79). Patients treated in the rituximab era had improved 1 year survival (76%) compared to patients in the pre-rituximab era (59%) (chi-squared p=0.03). However, the survival advantage in the rituximab era was not maintained in longer follow-up. The median overall survival in the pre-rituximab era was 31 months compared to 56 months in the post-rituximab era (logrank p=0.63). Conclusion: The overall response rates and overall survival are improved with rituximab treatment in CD20+ PTLD, however, the natural history of all PTLD has not improved significantly in the post-rituximab era. New approaches are needed for the prevention and management of all the histologies of PTLD. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Activity of Idelalisib in High-Risk Follicular Lymphoma with Early Relapse Following Front Line Immunochemotherapy
Abstract Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent NHL with a heterogenous natural history of disease and a median survival of 8 to 12 y, albeit ranging between 1 to 20 y. Casulo et al. (2015) identified a high-risk FL cohort of patients with progression of disease (POD) at ≤24 months following initiation of immunochemotherapy with R-CHOP. Idelalisib (Zydelig) is a first-in-class, highly selective, oral inhibitor of PI3Kd which is indicated for relapsed FL or SLL following receipt of at least two lines of systemic chemotherapy. Retrospective subgroup analysis of the idelalisib registrational trial NCT01282424 (101-09) of a cohort with early POD following immunochemotherapy was performed to assess possible activity of idelalisib in this population. Methods: A subset of 46 patients enrolled in study 101-09 were identified as having been diagnosed with FL and having received first-line immunochemotherapy, of which 37 experienced early POD, defined as starting second-line treatment within 24 months of initial first-line treatment. For the latter group, descriptive statistics of demographic and baseline characteristics and inter-treatment intervals in months as well as Kaplan-Meier estimates of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) following initiation of immunochemotherapy and idelalisib were calculated. Population: Demographic characteristics of these 37 patients included median (range) age at initiation of idelalisib of 64 (33-84) y and 18 (48.6%) females. Histologic grade at diagnosis included 33 (89.2%) with grades 1 or 2 as well as 4 (10.8%) with grade 3A, while 21 (56.8%) patients had a FLIPI score ≥3. The mean (s.d.) number of prior therapies was 3.4±1.4, with a range of 2 to 8, while first-line therapies included 21 (56.8%) patients who received R-CHOP-based regimens, 7 (18.9%) who received BR, and 5 (13.5%) who received R-CVP. Mean (s.d.) inter-treatment intervals included 12.5±6.1 months between first- and second-line for all patients, 9.7±9.3 months between second- and third-line for all patients, 11.9±12.0 months between third- and fourth-line for 24 (64.9%) patients, and 11.8±7.6 months between fourth- and fifth-line for 15 (40.5%) patients. Median (range) time from first-line therapy to idelalisib initiation was 30.3 (8.9-94.7) months; no patient received idelalisib as second-line therapy. Results: Best responses included 5 (13.5%) patients with CR, 16 (43.2%) with PR, 2 (5.4%) with SD, and 1 (2.7%) with PD; median duration of response for those with CR or PR was 11.8 months (95% CI: 3.8 months, not evaluable). There were 7 (18.9%) deaths and 21 (56.8%) PFS events in this group. Estimated probabilities of survival (s.e.) and progression-free status at 2 y following initiation of idelalisib were 79%±7% and 29%±10%, respectively. Median PFS was 11.1 months (95% CI: 5.5, 19.3 months). Estimated probability of survival (s.e.) at 5 years following initiation of first-line treatment was 79%±8%. Median overall survival from both initiation of first-line immunochemotherapy as well as with idelalisib was not reached during the course of this study. Conclusions: Idelalisib may have significant clinical activity in high-risk and doubly-refractive FL following early relapse status post first-line immunochemotherapy. Given the small size of the studied subset population which may not be representative, further characterization in additional patients is warranted to ensure the generalizability of this finding, including consideration of further investigational protocols featuring targeted therapies employed both as single agents and in combination. Figure 1. Overall Survival From Initiation of First-line Treatment Figure 1. Overall Survival From Initiation of First-line Treatment Figure 2. Overall Survival From Initiation of Idelalisib Figure 2. Overall Survival From Initiation of Idelalisib Figure 3. Progression-Free Survival From Initiation of Idelalisib Figure 3. Progression-Free Survival From Initiation of Idelalisib Disclosures Gopal: Gilead, Spectrum, Pfizer, Janssen, Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Spectrum, Pfizer, BioMarin, Cephalon/Teva, Emergent/Abbott. Gilead, Janssen., Merck, Milennium, Piramal, Seattle Genetics, Giogen Idec, BMS: Research Funding; Millennium, Seattle Genetics, Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria. Kahl:Roche/Genentech: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy; Cell Therapeutics: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Infinity: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Juno: Consultancy. Flowers:Infinity Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Spectrum: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Celegene: Other: Unpaid consultant, Research Funding; OptumRx: Consultancy; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Infinity Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Martin:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Acerta: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy. Link:Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Ansell:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding. Ye:Gilead: Employment. Koh:Gilead: Employment. Abella:Gilead: Employment. Barr:Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy. Salles:Calistoga Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Celgene Corporation; Genentech, Inc.; Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, L.P.; Roche: Consultancy; Celgene Corporation; Roche and Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; Celgene Corporation; Roche: Speakers Bureau.
B-Lymphocyte Stimulator (BLyS) Is Highly Expressed in Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia.
Abstract Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia is a serious and frequently fatal illness, however many of the mechanisms leading to this disease are not yet known. It is clear, however, that there is dysregulation of the balance between cell proliferation and programmed cell death. BLyS (B-lymphocyte stimulator) is a newly identified TNF family member expressed by monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. BLyS has been shown to be critical for maintenance of normal B cell development and homeostasis, and has been found to stimulate lymphocyte growth. BLyS is overexpressed in a variety of B-cell malignancies and has been shown to inhibit apoptosis in malignant B-cells. Studies of the effects of BLyS on B cell physiology have shown that it also regulates immunoglobulin secretion. To determine the relevance of the BLyS receptor-ligand system in Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, we examined malignant B cells from 5 patients with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia for their ability to bind soluble BLyS and for the expression of the known BLyS receptors, TACI, BAFF-R, or BCMA. The malignant B cells were found to bind BLyS and express BAFF-R and TACI. BCMA expression was undetectable. We then determined the expression of BLyS in bone marrow specimens from 5 patients with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia by immunohistochemistry and compared it to the expression in 5 normal bone marrow specimens. The lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltrate in the bone marrow of patients with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia showed significantly increased BLyS expression. We further determined the serum BLyS levels by ELISA in stored serum specimens from patients with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (n=20), and compared them to serum BLyS levels in other patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma without elevated immunoglobulin levels (n=10) and to serum levels in normal controls (n=50). Serum BLyS levels in Waldenstrom’s patients (mean: 49.6ng/ml) as well as those in patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (mean; 46.7ng/ml) were significantly higher than normal controls (mean 12.6ng/ml). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that malignant B cells from patients with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia express the receptors for BLyS and can bind soluble BLyS. Furthermore, we have found that serum BLyS levels are significantly elevated in patients with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia when compared to controls. Strategies to inhibit BLyS may potentially have significant therapeutic efficacy in Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia.
Natural History of Central Nervous System Relapse in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in the Immunochemotherapy Era
Abstract Introduction Relapse in the central nervous system is an uncommon complication of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) associated with a poor prognosis. The addition of rituximab to chemotherapy has improved outcomes in patients with DLBCL but its effect on the outcome of patients with CNS relapse is not well characterized. Here we present the natural history of patients with CNS relapse in a large cohort of patients with DLBCL who were treated in the immunochemotherapy (IC) era. Methods Newly diagnosed patients with DLBCL or primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) and treated with primary anthracycline based IC were prospectively enrolled on 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. Patients with documented CNS involvement at diagnosis, primary CNS lymphoma, or post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder at diagnosis were excluded. All CNS relapse and retreatment details were verified by medical record review. Results 1017 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL or PMBCL, no documented CNS disease at diagnosis, and treated with IC were enrolled in the MER between 2002 and 2012. At a median follow-up of 59 months (range 1-148), 36 patients had CNS relapse. The cumulative incidence of CNS relapse was 3.1% (95% CI: 2.2%-4.4%) at 2 years and 3.7% (95% CI: 2.7%-5.0%) at 5 years after diagnosis. CNS involvement was identified after first line IC in 25 patients, and after salvage therapy in 11 patients. 22 patients had an isolated CNS relapse, while 14 had both systemic and CNS disease at relapse. The incidence of isolated CNS relapse at two years from diagnosis was 1.9% (95% CI: 1.2%-3.0%, figure 1). CNS involvement was parenchymal in 22 patients, leptomeningeal in 11, and parenchymal and leptomeningeal in 3 patients. At diagnosis, this subset of 36 patients had a median age of 61 years (range 20-86); 25 (69%) were male. IPI was 0-1 in 6 patients, 2 in 13 patients, 3 in 11 patients and 4-5 in 6 patients. Cell of origin per Hans algorithm was available in 17 patients, 8 were GCB and 9 were non-GCB. Extranodal sites of disease at diagnosis included testicular (2), renal (5), bone (10) and bone marrow (6). 7 patients had no sites of extranodal disease. LDH was elevated in 71%. The German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group CNS risk score was low risk in 6 patients, intermediate risk in 22 patients, and high risk in 8 patients. 6 patients received CNS prophylaxis with their initial immunochemotherapy, including 3 of the 21 patients who subsequently developed isolated CNS disease. First line therapy after CNS relapse included high dose methotrexate based chemotherapy in 22 patients and other systemic regimens in 6, with intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy in 5. Overall survival in patients after CNS relapse was poor with a median survival of 6.3 months (95% CI: 2.9-15.5) and 12-month survival rate of 29% (95% CI: 17%-49%). Patients who had CNS relapse following initial IC had better subsequent survival (median OS = 7.6 months) compared to patients with first presentation of CNS relapse following salvage therapy (OS = 2.1 months, p=0.005, see figure 2). 10 patients (28%) proceeded to SCT after CNS relapse, of which 6 remain alive at a median follow-up of 39 months. There were no differences in post-CNS relapse survival by age, sex, CNS risk score, cell of origin, extranodal site involvement at diagnosis, or site of CNS relapse (all p>0.10), though power was limited due to small numbers. Conclusions The incidence of CNS relapse in DLBCL is approximately 4% in the immunochemotherapy era. The vast majority of CNS relapses occur within 2 years of diagnosis. Isolated relapse in patients without CNS involvement at diagnosis is a relatively rare event with an incidence of approximately 2% at 2 years of diagnosis. Outcomes remain poor, and standard clinical variables do not predict survival after CNS relapse. Novel therapeutic approaches are needed in this population, with consideration to autologous SCT, which produces durable remission in a subset of patients. Disclosures Maurer: Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Farooq:Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Thompson:Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Ansell:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding. Cerhan:Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Link:Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kite Pharma: Research Funding.
Preliminary Safety and Efficacy of the Combination of Brentuximab Vedotin and Ipilimumab in Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Trial of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (E4412)
Abstract Background: Despite advances in chemotherapy, R/R HL remains a significant clinical problem with over 1,000 primarily young lives lost annually. HL is a unique tumor in which a small number of malignant Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells propagate an immunosuppressive microenvironment that augments HRS growth and survival. We hypothesized that immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy could activate the tumor immune microenvironment, while the CD30 expressing HRS cells could be targeted by brentuximab vedotin (BV), thereby overcoming tumor cell resistance and deepening clinical responses. E4412 is a phase 1 ECOG-ACRIN sponsored study of the combination of BV and the checkpoint inhibitors ipilimumab (IPI) and nivolumab (NIVO) in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Here we report the data on the patients treated with BV + IPI, the first cohort of the study. Methods: Patients with biopsy proven R/R HL were treated with BV 1.8mg/kg and two escalating doses of IPI: 1 mg/kg or 3mg/kg. After safety was determined an expanded cohort was treated with BV 1.8mg/kg IV and IPI 3mg/kg IV. The schedule consisted of BV administered every 21 days for 16 cycles and IPI every 21 days x 4 doses and thereafter every 3 months for up to a year. Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined for purposes of dose escalation within the first cycle of therapy. Patients are followed for toxicity up to 30 days beyond their last treatment. Results: As of 7/2015 19 of 23 planned patients have been treated with BV + IPI. We report the data on the full dose escalation population (13 patients: Dose level 1 (6), Dose level 2 (7)). The median age was 33 years (range: 20-49). Seven patients were male. Patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 4 prior therapies (2-13). Fourpatients had prior treatment with BV; 8 patients had prior SCT (7 autologous, 1 allogeneic). Safety: Overall the regimen of BV + IPI was extremely well tolerated with no DLTs noted during dose escalation. Toxicities considered at least possibly related to drug during any cycle of treatment are shown according to grade in Table 1. The most common treatment related adverse events were: diarrhea, rash, and peripheral sensory neuropathy. Other AEs of interest included: alopecia, transaminitis, and uveitis. Grade 3 and 4 treatment related adverse events (AEs) included: Dose level 1: one grade 3 infusion reaction, which led to a protocol amendment to include premedication, no further grade 3 infusion reactions were noted; Dose level 2: one each: grade 3 rash, vomiting, and peripheral sensory neuropathy, and one grade 4 thrombocytopenia in patient with pre-existing thrombocytopenia. Response: For the 12 evaluable patients, the overall response (ORR) for the combination of BV + IPI was 67% with a complete response (CR) rate of 42% (5 of 12 patients). An additional 2 patients had stable disease (SD) giving a clinical benefit rate of 83%. Three of 5 of the CRs occurred at dose level 1 (1mg dose of IPI). The median progression free survival (PFS) is 0.74 years with a median follow-up of 0.66 years. Conclusion: In this first reported study of the combination of checkpoint inhibitor and ADC, toxicity was low, primarily grades 1 and 2. In a heavily pretreated patient population, 33% of whom had had prior BV and 67% of whom were s/p ASCT, the ORR of 67% and CR rate of 42% suggests a potential deepening of response compared to monotherapy. More than half of these CRs occurred at 1mg of IPI suggesting that in combination with ADC, low doses of immune stimulation may be highly active. Optimization of this combination strategy is planned with ongoing accrual to cohorts receiving BV + NIVO, and BV + IPI + NIVO. Data will be updated to include the full BV + IPI cohort by the time of the annual meeting. Table 1. Common and Immune Toxicities Toxicity Type Dose Level 1 (n=6) Dose Level 2 (n=7) Grade Grade 1,2 3 4 5 1,2 3 4 5 (n) (n) (n) (n) (n) (n) (n) (n) Fatigue 5 - - - 3 - - - Fever 1 - - - 3 - - - Pain 2 - - - 3 - - - Alopecia 2 - - - 1 - - - Pruritus 1 - - - 2 - - - Rash maculo-papular 4 - - - 2 1 - - Diarrhea 4 - - - 4 - - - Dyspepsia 2 - - - 1 - - - Nausea 6 - - - 4 - - - Vomiting 3 - - - 2 1 - - Papulopustular rash 1 - - - 1 - - - Alanine aminotransferase increased 3 - - - 3 - - - Aspartate aminotransferase increased 3 - - - 2 - - - Platelet count decreased - - - - - - 1 - Anorexia 3 - - - - - - - Headache 2 - - - 2 - - - Peripheral sensory neuropathy 5 - - - 4 1 - - Dry eye 2 - - - - - - - Uveitis 1 - - - - - - - Cough 2 - - - 1 - - - Disclosures Diefenbach: Molecular Templates: Research Funding; Immunogen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Idera: Consultancy; Jannsen Oncology: Consultancy; Gilead: Equity Ownership, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: Presentation will discuss the experimental use of the checkpoint inhibitor Ipilimumab in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.. Cohen:Celgene: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; BMS: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding. Robertson:Eli Lilly: Equity Ownership. Fenske:Pharmacyclics: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria; Millennium/Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria. Kahl:Roche/Genentech: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy; Cell Therapeutics: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Infinity: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Juno: Consultancy. Ansell:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding.
Phase II Clinical Trial of Denileukin Diftitox In Combination with Rituximab In Previously Untreated Follicular B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Abstract Abstract 2862 Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a B-cell malignancy that exhibits significant intratumoral infiltration by non-malignant T lymphocytes. The pathophysiological significance of infiltrating T cells is poorly understood but recent studies have suggested that CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are highly represented in lymph nodes involved by FL. These Treg cells display the ability to suppress the proliferation and cytokine production of other tumor-infiltrating T cells and migrate to areas of B-cell lymphoma in response to chemotactic signals provided by the malignant B-cells. Denileukin diftitox, a chimeric immunotoxin composed of the modified cytotoxic domain of diphtheria toxin and human interleukin-2 (IL-2) protein, targets cells expressing CD25 and has proven efficacy in patients with relapsed B-cell lymphoma. In this study, we combined denileukin diftitox with rituximab in a cohort of previously untreated, advanced-stage follicular lymphoma patients. Our hypothesis was that denileukin diftitox would deplete the Treg cells, thereby removing the inhibition of the immune response, and rituximab would deplete the B-cells thereby preventing further recruitment of Treg cells to the areas of lymphoma. Between August 2008 and March 2010, twenty-four patients with stage III and IV follicular grade 1 or 2 non-Hodgkin lymphoma were accrued to the study. One patient died before treatment was given and is not included in the analysis. The median age was 60 years (range: 27 – 79), 12 (52%) of the patients were male, 19 (83%) had a PS of 0 and 4 (17%) had a PS of 1. Based on the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI), 3 (13%) were low risk, 14 (61%) were intermediate risk and 6 (26%) were high risk. Patients received rituximab 375 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 and denileukin diftitox 18 mcg/kg/day on days 1–5 every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. A median of 4 cycles of therapy was given (range: 1 – 4). Thirteen patients completed treatment per protocol (57%), however 5 patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events (22%), 2 refused further treatment (9%) and 1 discontinued due to disease progression (4%). Nine of the 23 patients (39%; 95% CI: 21–61%) responded to treatment, 3 (13%) had a complete response and 6 (26%) had a partial response. Twenty-one patients (91%) are alive with a median follow-up of 8.7 months (range: 3.4–19.5). Seven (30%) patients have progressed and two (8.7%) has died. The median time to progression is 13.4 months (95% CI: 10.4 – NA). The combination, however, was associated with significant toxicity. Thirteen patients (57%) experienced grade 3 or greater adverse events. Six patients (26%) had symptoms of capillary leak syndrome, 1 of whom died. In correlative studies performed on the peripheral blood, the number of CD25+ T-cells decreased after treatment when compared to pretreatment numbers (median 24%; range: 8–44%). We conclude that while the addition of denileukin diftitox to rituximab decreased the numbers of CD25+ T-cells, denileukin diftitox contributed significantly to the toxicity of the combination. Furthermore, the overall response rate and time to progression in this study were no better than what would be expected in follicular lymphoma patients treated with rituximab alone. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.