Rambaldi, Alessandro

Abstract Abstract 5060 Background: The Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) is a concise instrument of patient reported outcomes (PRO) designed to assess the unique spectrum of symptoms present in the majority of patients (Mesa et. al. Cancer 2007). We sought to validate the Italian Translation of the MPN-SAF which addresses 19 separate symptoms reported by MPN patients. Methods: Translation: We utilized the standard practice of PRO translation in which 3 independent translations are created by 3 independent translators fluent in both languages. A fourth translator then discussed the translations with the other translators and a consensus translation was obtained. Validation: Patients self completed the MPN-SAF: Italian at the time of a physician office visit and the Italian EORTC-QLQ-C30 (a widely used instrument of PRO for cancer patients) was co-administered for validation purposes. Results: Patients and Symptomatic Burden: 186 patients were prospectively enrolled (ET (N=88; 47%), PV (N=69; 37%) and MF (N=29; 16%)) a median of 6 years (range:0-29) from their diagnosis. Patients were of a median age (62; range 29–91 years) and gender (56% females) typical of the disease. 72% (N=135) had received some form of non-aspirin medical therapy for their disease, and 68% were on therapy at the time of completing the questionnaire. Patients frequently had a history of either thrombotic events (31%) and/or hemorrhagic events (13%). The MPN-SAF measured 19 items in the enrolled patients (data summarized in Table 1). Validation Analysis: EORTC-QLQ-C30: Consistent with our experience with the MPN-SAF:English, Pearson correlations between MPN-SAF:Italian individual symptom scores and the Italian EORTC-QLQ C30 showed excellent correlations with co-validation questions including fatigue, pain, insomnia, (all p<0.001). Excellent correlations were demonstrated between EORTC-QLQ-C30 subscales and corresponding MPN-SAF measurements. Comparison with MPN-SAF:English: Comparison with 102 patients prospectively completing the MPN-SAF: English (ET=20, PV=23, MF=59) in the USA indicated very strong correlations (when controlling for MPN subtype) in the prevalence of all 19 items assessed and only subtle differences in terms of symptomatic severity for fatigue, itching and insomnia. Conclusions: The MPN-SAF:Italian is an easy to administer, clear, 19-item inventory of patient-reported outcomes that is specific to MPNs. Additionally, the instrument is validated by 1) comparison to previously validated Italian instruments and 2) the correlation with the MPN-SAF:English. Utilization of the instrument in Italian MPN clinical trials will allow for useful comparison to patients completing the MPN-SAF in other countries and will serve as a valuable clinical marker of disease symptom severity. Disclosures: Vannucchi: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mesa:SBio: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; eisai: Research Funding; telik: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 4095 Background: Symptomatic burden in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) is present in over 70% of MPN patients (Mesa et. al. Cancer 2007). We sought to validate a broadly applicable instrument (MPN-SAF) to assess symptoms in myelofibrosis (MF), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV). Methods: Using the previously validated MF-SAF as a base instrument, we added several key additional symptoms previously identified as present in all subtypes of MPNs including headaches, concentration, dizziness, extremity tingling, insomnia, sexual problems and mood changes on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst-imaginable) scale. Validation: The MPN-SAF was administered jointly with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 as the co-validation instrument using prospective cohorts in the USA, Sweden and Italy. The translated MPN-SAF (Swedish and Italian) was created through a standard approach using teams of 4 translators working in concert. Results: Compiled MPN-SAF: Patient data: 402 MPN-SAF surveys were administered (English (25%), Italian (46%) and Swedish (28%)) in 161 ET patients (40%), 145 PV patients (36%), and 96 MF patients (24%), an average of 7.8 years (range 0 – 43 years) from their MPN diagnosis. Participants were of typical age (64.9, range 26 – 91 years) and gender (53% female) characteristic of disease. Prior hemorrhage (10%) and thrombosis (25%) were frequent. 68% of patients currently received cytoreductive therapy and 84% received cytoreductive therapy in the past. Patients and Symptomatic Burden: 19 items assessed in the MPN-SAF demonstrated consistently that the most common symptoms were fatigue (93%), decreased quality of life (84%), insomnia (65%), sad mood (65%), and sexuality problems (58%). The least common symptoms (<50% prevalence) were fevers (20%), weight loss (35%), abdominal pain (46%), cough (46%), headache (48%), and bone pain (49%). Symptoms were most severe in MF, followed by PV, then ET patients. Although symptoms are present in all 3 MPN subgroups, itching is notably more burdensome in PV patients (65%, median score of 2.8 out of 10). Additionally, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, early satiety and inactivity all are most prevalent and severe in MF. Interestingly, night sweats (present in 56%) overall had similar prevalence and severity across all 3 MPNs. The majority found the MPN-SAF easy to understand (98%) and “addressed most of my MPN symptoms” (96%). Comparison to EORTC-QLQ-C30: Strong correlations existed between individual items represented on both the MPN-SAF and the EORTC-QLQC30 including pain, fatigue, appetite and insomnia (all p<0.001). Additionally key symptomatic elements were highly correlated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 functional subscales. Comparison to Physician Perceptions: Comparison of the results of the MPN-SAF to enrolling physicians' blinded opinion of patients symptoms (6 assessed - night sweats, fevers, fatigue, weight loss, bone pain, and pruritus) showed excellent correlation with corresponding patients' responses except bone pain (all p<0.001). Comparison across Countries: When controlling for MPN subtype, responses between the three different countries (and 3 different languages the MPN-SAF was administered) demonstrated great consistency and correlation for all but 1 item, bone pain. Serial MPN-SAF Results: 51 patients in the USA (ET (17.6%), PV (25.5%), and MF (56.9%)), responded to a repeat MPN-SAF survey sent via US mail (50% response rate, mean time between surveys 190±63 days (range 43 – 257)). Pearson correlations indicate that most MPN-SAF items are well correlated (r >0.5, p<.001) upon repeat survey administration. Items characteristic of advanced disease, including weight loss, fever, and cough displayed lower Pearson correlations (r=0.46, -0.08, and 0.38 respectively). Intra-class correlations for test-retest reliability indicated that common features of disease, including mean BFI, inactivity, insomnia, and night sweats, were highly reproducible upon serial survey administration (ICC>0.7, 2, k model used). Conclusion: The MPN-SAF is comprehensive and reliable instrument which is available in multiple languages to evaluate MPN-associated symptoms. The MPN-SAF is recommended as a uniform symptom assessment tool for MPN patients participating in clinical trials globally. Disclosures: Vannucchi: Novartis: Consultancy. Samuelsson:Roche Sweden:. Harrison:Incyte: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Mesa:SBio: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; eisai: Research Funding; telik: Research Funding.

Abstract Background and purpose of the study: Several reports have documented that histone deacetylase inhibitors induce neoplastic cells to undergo growth arrest, differentiation and/or apoptotic cell death. Among these agents, Givinostat inhibits proliferation of cells bearing the JAK2V617F mutation and has shown clinical significant activity with good tolerability in patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms, including polycythemia vera (PV). In two phase II studies [Rambaldi et al. Br J Haematol 2010;150:446, Finazzi et al. Br J Haematol 2013;161:688] the maximum administered dose (150 mg/day) was generally well tolerated. Assuming a linear relationship between dose and efficacy, greater clinical efficacy could be expected with increased doses of Givinostat. Methods: This is a two-part, multicenter, open label, non-randomized, phase Ib/II study to assess the safety and tolerability, maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and preliminary efficacy of Givinostat in patients with JAK2V617F positive PV. Part A (i.e. phase Ib) is the dose escalation portion of the study, while Part B assesses the preliminary clinical efficacy of Givinostat at the MTD defined in Part A. Eligible patients for this study include JAK2V617F positive PV patients, who have active and/or uncontrolled disease, defined as: (i) Hematocrit (HCT) ≥ 45% or HCT <45% normalized by phlebotomy, and (ii) PLT > 400 x109/L, and (iii) WBC > 10 x109/L. Study therapy is administered in 28 day cycles (cycle is defined as 4 weeks of treatment). Disease response has been evaluated according to the clinico-haematological European LeukemiaNet (ELN) criteria [Barosi et al. Blood 2009;113:4829] at Cycles 3 and 6. Disease-related symptoms have been reported directly by the patients who completed the MPN-SAF QoL form. The study lasts up to a maximum of 24 weeks of treatment. However, after completion of the trial, all patients achieving clinical benefit are allowed to continue treatment with Givinostat in a long-term study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01761968). In Part A, the Cycle 1 has been used to define the MTD of Givinostat. Only dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) experienced during Cycle 1 were considered for dose escalation decisions. Part B is the cohort expansion part of the study to assess the preliminary clinical efficacy of Givinostat at the MTD in evaluable patients Results: In Part A, 12 patients with active and/or uncontrolled disease, were treated with Givinostat, 6 patients at DL1 (100 mg b.i.d.), 3 patient at DL6 (150 mg/die) and 3 patients at DL0 (50 mg b.i.d.). Only one DLT .(grade 3 dyspepsia) was observed in the 6 patients treated at DL1 during the Cycle 1. Givinostat treatment was generally well tolerated: one patient developed grade 4 and two patients grade 3 thrombocytopenias at DL1 after the Cycle 1. Complete/partial response was observed in 100% of evaluable patients at Cycle 3 (Figure). At that time, an important reduction of WBC and PLT count (about 50% in both cases), an HCT control without phlebotomy, a net decrease of MPN-SAF total score and JAK2V617F allele burden (about 50% and 30%, respectively) have been noted and generally maintained at Cycle 6. One out of 3 (33%) patients with splenomegaly at baseline normalized the spleen at Cycle 6. PK/PD evaluations are currently under analysis. Part B started on December 2015 and is currently recruiting patients. At the time of ASH Meeting, a presentation of the preliminary results of the interim analysis (IA) is planned. The objective of this IA is to evaluate the response rate of the first 12 treated and evaluable patients. Conclusions: Taking into account the continuous schedule of the drug as prescribed in this current study, the daily dosage of 200 mg has been identified as the MTD of Givinostat in PV patients. Givinostat treatment is generally well tolerated and shows preliminary clinical efficacy in PV patients with an active/uncontrolled disease. Response rate of patients in Part A C3D28 = Cycle 3 Day 28, or three months of treatment. C6D28 = Cycle 6 Day 28, or six months of treatment. Two patients dropped-out the study Part A, due to Informed Consent Form withdrawal, while 1 patient left the study for AE (i.e. grade 3 dyspepsia, DLT). At C3D28, 1 Complete Response (CR) and 8 Partial Response (PR) have been observed. At C6D28, 1 Complete Response (CR), 7 Partial Response (PR) and 1 No Response (NR) have been observed Figure Figure. Disclosures McMullin: Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Vannucchi:Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Mesa:Ariad: Consultancy; CTI: Research Funding; Galena: Consultancy; Celgene: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding. Tibes:Italfarmaco S.p.A.: Consultancy, Honoraria. Bettica:Italfarmaco S.p.A.: Employment. DI Tollo:Italfarmaco S.p.A.: Employment.

Abstract Background In the recent International Prognostic Score for Thrombosis in essential thrombocythemia (IPSET-thrombosis), age and history of thrombosis were confirmed as independent risk factors for future thrombosis and the study also identified independent prothrombotic role for cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and JAK2 V617F mutation (Barbui et al. Blood 2012). Methods In the current study, we re-analyzed the original IPSET-thrombosis data in 1019 patients with WHO-defined ET in whom JAK2 mutational status was available, in order to quantify the individual contributions of JAK2 mutations and CV risk factors in conventionally-assigned low and high risk ET, as well as in age- versus thrombosis-defined high risk status. Results After a median follow-up of 6.8 and 5.0 years in conventionally-assigned low- and high-risk patients, respectively, the overall annual rate of total thrombosis (108 events) in conventionally-assigned low- and high-risk patients was 1.11%-pt/y (CI 0.81-1.52) and 2.46%-pt/y (CI 1.94-3.11) respectively (p=0.001), and the difference was mainly due to a higher frequency of arterial thrombosis in high-risk patients (p<0.001).The influence of JAK2 mutational status and CV-risk factors on the rate of thrombosis in conventionally assigned low- and high-risk groups is presented in the table. Table 1. Additional risk factors N (%) Event Rate % pts/yr (95% CI) P-value P-value P-value trend Low risk 506 (50) 39 1.11 (0.81-1.52) None 200 (40) 7 0.44 (0.21-0.92) ref Cardiovascular risk factor 36 (7) 3 1.05 (0.34-3.25) 0.220 0.227 JAK2V617F 213 (43) 21 1.59 (1.04-2.44) 0.001 0.217 Both 52 (10) 8 2.57 (1.29-5.15) <0.001 ref <0.001 High risk 513 (50) 69 2.46 (1.94-3.11) None 111 (22) 10 1.44 (0.78-2.68) ref Cardiovascular risk factor 44 (9) 4 1.64 (0.62-4.37) 0.909 0.067 JAK2V617F 222 (43) 30 2.36 (1.65-3.38) 0.168 0.082 Both 136 (27) 25 4.17 (2.82-6.17) 0.011 ref 0.005 The number of major arterial and venous thrombosis was reported as rates per 100 patient-years and the difference among groups was assessed by Mantel Cox log-rank test i) Conventionally-assigned low-risk group. Amongst 506 patients, 200 (40%) displayed neither JAK2 mutation nor CV risk factors and their annual rate of thrombosis was 0.44%, as opposed to 1.05% in the presence of CV risk factors (P=NS), 1.59% in the presence of JAK2 mutation (p=0.001) and 2.57% in the presence of both CV risk factors and JAK2 mutation (P<0.001). There was no significant difference when low-risk patients with both JAK2 mutation and CV risk factors were compared with either those with CV risk factors only (p=0.227) or those with JAK2 mutation only (p=0.217). ii) Conventionally assigned high-risk group: The absence or presence of one or both of the aforementioned additional risk factors for thrombosis were documented in 111 (22%), 44 (9%), 222 (43%) and 136 (27%) patients, respectively, with corresponding annual rates of thrombosis at 1.44%, 1.64%, 2.36% and 4.17% (Table). High-risk patients with both risk factors had a significantly higher risk of thrombosis compared to their counterparts with the absence of JAK2 mutations and CV risk factors (p=0.011). Additional analysis revealed limited enhancement of thrombosis risk by either JAK2 mutations or CV risk factors or both in patients whose high-risk status was defined by the presence of thrombosis history, regardless of age (P=NS). In contrast, the presence of JAK2 mutations, with or without CV risk factors, might have affected thrombosis risk in patients where high-risk status was defined by age alone (p=0.05). Conclusions The current study suggests the possibility of considering four risk categories in ET: "very low risk" group (age ≤60 years and without thrombosis history, JAK2 mutations or CV risk factors); "low risk" (age ≤60 years and without thrombosis history but with JAK2 mutations or CV risk factors); "intermediate risk" (age>60 years but without thrombosis history or JAK2 mutations); and "high risk" (thrombosis history at any age or JAK2 -mutated patients who are older than 60 years of age). Treatment recommendations for each one of the above-mentioned new risk categories should be examined in the context of prospective controlled studies. Disclosures Barbui: Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Vannucchi:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Baxalta: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Buxhofer-Ausch:AOP Orphan: Research Funding. De Stefano:Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen Cilag: Research Funding; Shire: Speakers Bureau; GlaxoSmithKline: Speakers Bureau; Bruno Farmaceutici: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Gisslinger:Janssen Cilag: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; AOP ORPHAN: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Geron: Consultancy; Sanofi Aventis: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

Abstract Introduction Patients with masked polycythemia vera (mPV) present with hemoglobin (HB) values borderline inferior to those required by the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria (HB >16.5g% and >18.5 g% in female and male respectively) but are suspected to have PV for presenting clinico-hematological features. The diagnostic HB values required by the WHO guidelines have been considered surrogate of increased red cell mass (RCM). However, in both males and females HB values are not always equal to an absolute erythrocytosis and conversely a HB concentration below the required cut off level could be associated with an increased red cell mass. We believe that bone marrow (BM) morphology may play an important role in differentiating PV from other MPN entities and reactive changes. In this study we investigated JAK2V617/Exon12-positive patients showing BM features characteristic for PV and classified as mPV or overt PV according to their hemoglobin levels and evaluated their respective outcomes including thrombosis, progression to myelofibrosis (MF), acute leukemia (AL) and overall survival with the purpose to support the diagnosis of PV also in patients presenting with lower HB levels than required by WHO criteria. Materials and Methods A clinicopathological database of patients who were diagnosed and treated for PV was created by clinicians and hematopathologists from seven international centers of excellence for MPNs. Eligibility criteria for entry included the presence of JAK2V617F (or Exon12) mutation, EPO measurement, no evidence of subnormal ferritin levels and the availability of representative, treatment-naive BM biopsies (hematoxylin-eosin staining and silver impregnation after Gomori or Gordon-Sweet). All BM biopsies were centrally re-reviewed by one of the authors (J.T.) who was completely blinded to outcome data. In both mPV and overt PV patients, phlebotomy and cytoreductive therapy were used with the same frequency (p=0.101). Results and Discussion Among 397 mutated patients, with PV BM morphology as defined by WHO, 257 (65%) met the full WHO-2008 criteria. The remaining 140 patients (35%) were classified as mPV for levels of HB at diagnosis, ranging from 16.5 to 18.5 g/dL in men and from 15.0 to 16.5 g/dL in women, and frequent presence of subnormal EPO levels (65%). At baseline, mPV patients were more males, had more previous arterial thrombosis and presented more frequently with platelet counts exceeding the required level of WHO-defined ET (450 x 109/L), often mimicking clinically this entity at onset. After a median follow-up of 3.8 (0-29.8) and 4.5 (0-21.1) years in mPV and overt PV, respectively, time to the first thrombotic event was superimposable in the two groups while time to progression to MF and AL was significantly different .These combined events were recorded in 10% of mPV and 5.8% of overt PV, corresponding to an annual rate of 1.60 % pts/year in mPV and 0.97 % pts/year in overt PV, respectively (p=0.010). In addition, an inferior overall survival was documented in mPV patients in comparison with overt PV (p=0.011). The annual rate of death in mPV was almost twice that of overt PV, mainly due to an excess of hematological transformation (overt MF and AL). Multivariable analysis identified age older than 65 years (hazard ratio (HR) 6.63, P<.0001), WBC >10 x109/L (HR 2.99, P=.005) and diagnosis of mPV (HR 2.38, P=.036) as independent risk factors for survival in these patients. These results show that in JAK2 mutated patients with borderline HB levels, BM features may be a valid support to confirm the suspicion of PV diagnosis. Of interest, recent data demonstrated that all patients with increased RCM also had BM morphology typical of PV. It is tempting to speculate that the clinico-hematologic phenotype of mPV may represent an early stage of a JAK2 mutated MPN, presenting as a variant of PV, with a more rapid progression to MF and AL. The recognition of these early PV patients has an important clinical impact since, in spite of not meeting the full WHO criteria, mPV share the same vascular risk as overt PV. In conclusion, these data suggest that mPV is not necessarily only an early form of classical PV but a distinct entity with disease outcomes akin to primary myelofibrosis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 1731 Background: Symptom burden in primary, post-ET and post-PV myelofibrosis (MF) is frequently severe and correlates with a poor prognosis. However, symptom manifestations are heterogeneous with variable presence of specific symptoms, splenomegaly and cytopenias. We sought to identify the spectrum and features of MF symptomatic phenotypes by cluster analysis of prospectively gathered information on MF symptoms and disease features. Methods: Data was collected among an international cohort of subjects with MF. Data included demographics, disease features and completion of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) and Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score (MPN-SAF TSS) (Blood 2011; 118:401–408). Surveyed symptoms addressed key disease features on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst-imaginable) scale. Cluster development was based on consideration of r-squared in hierarchical clustering using Ward's linkage. Final cluster assignment was based on the nonhierarchical k-means method. Comparisons between symptom clusters were based on ANOVA and chi-squared tests. Results: Subject Demographic and Disease Characteristics: Data from 329 prospectively enrolled persons with MF was collected (Chinese 102, French 54, German 19, Italian 22, Dutch 45, English 51, Spanish 29, Swedish 7) including 223 PMF, 67 post-ET MF and 39 post-PV MF patients. Participants were of typical age (mean 59) and gender (47% F). Among all participants, four natural symptom clusters were identified (Figure 1). Among clusters, disease features including leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and enlarged spleen varied significantly between clusters (P<0.05). Cluster 1: The “Fatigue Dominant with Few Lab Abnormalities” Profile (n=150 (46%; 69% PMF, 20% post-ET MF, 11% post-PV MF)). Cluster 1, the largest, is characterized by fatigue-dominant complaints in the setting of the lowest overall MPN-SAF TSS and highest proportion of males (59%). Individuals among this group have the lowest prevalence of laboratory abnormalities (65% total; anemia, 67%; thrombocytopenia, 20%) or clinical deficiencies including enlarged spleen (average 6.0 cm below costal margin), prior thrombosis (9%), prior hemorrhage (5%) or prior RBC-transfusions (20.4%). Interestingly, individuals in this group are most likely to have had prior splenectomy (5.8%). Cluster 2: The “Cognitive Complaints with Enlarged Spleen” Cluster (n=105 (32%; 65% PMF, 20% post-ET MF, 15% post-PV MF)). Cluster 2 is the 2nd largest cluster. Subjects have relatively few abnormal lab values (67% vs 65%–77%) but have high severity of fatigue, sexual difficulties, insomnia, inactivity and reduced QOL. These individuals have the largest spleen size (8.7cm below costal margin). Cluster 3: The “Nighttime and Cognitive Complaints” Group (n=53 (16%; 64% PMF, 25% post-ET MF, 11% post-PV MF)). Cluster 3 is the smallest cluster. Subjects have many cognitive and nighttime-related complaints including sexual difficulties, night sweats, insomnia, and concentration problems. Subjects with post-ET MF are predominant. This cluster also has the 2ndsmallest spleen size (7 cm) or history of prior thrombosis (9.6%), hemorrhage (7.8%) or requirement for transfusions (21.2%). Cluster 4: The “Severe Fatigue with Few End-organ Complaints” Cluster (n=21 (6%; 81% PMF, 14% post-ET MF, 5% post-PV MF)). Cluster 4 is the most symptomatic cohort with the highest proportion of subjects with PM. There is a lower frequency of end-organ complaints including abdominal pain, cough, and headaches. Symptoms including sexual difficulties, sad mood and insomnia are predominant. No subjects had prior splenectomy. Subjects also have the highest prevalence of prior thrombosis (29%), hemorrhage (14%), and transfusions (43%). Additionally, this cohort has the largest prevalence of lab abnormalities (77%) with thrombocytopenia (71%), leukopenia (41%) and anemia (41%). Conclusion: This analysis will allow us to examine a new framework for evaluating persons with MF using symptom profiles and is the 1st cluster evaluation of MF. Lab and physical findings contrast significantly between symptom clusters indicating these phenotypic symptoms likely result from etiological factors present in specific disease phenotypes. Future studies should evaluate whether there is a correlation between cluster profiles, prognosis and genotype. Disclosures: Kiladjian: Celgene: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Shire: Honoraria. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Speakers Bureau. Harrison:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; YM Bioscience: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria, Research Funding. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Passamonti:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; YM Bioscience: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 2849 Background We have previously reported on the natural history of polycythemia vera (PV), focusing primarily on overall and leukemia-free survival (ASH Annual Meeting Abstracts. 2011;118(21):277-). In the current study, we present, on behalf of the International Working Group for Myeloproliferative neoplasms Resarch and Treatment (IWG-MRT), our analysis regarding risk factors for thrombosis. Methods Under the auspices of IWG-MRT, seven international centers of excellence for myeloproliferative neoplasms participated in the current study. The two principle investigators (AT and TB) reviewed all the cases and selected 1,545 patients who met the 2008 WHO criteria for PV, were age 18 years or older, diagnosed after 1970, and whose submitted data included diagnostically essential information. Results I: Presenting Features Median age was 61 years (range, 18–95; 51% females). Arterial and venous thrombosis history before or at diagnosis was documented in 246 (16%) patients and 114 (7.4%) patients, respectively. Major hemorrhage hemorrhage before or at diagnosis was documented in 17 (4.5%) patients. Other features at diagnosis included pruritus (36%), microvascular disturbances (28.5%), palpable splenomegaly (36%), abnormal karyotype (12%), leukoerythroblastosis (6%), increased LDH (50%), thrombocytosis (53%), extreme thrombocytosis (platelets >1 million mm3; 4%) leukocytosis (49%), JAK2 V617F (95%), other JAK2 mutations (3%), subnormal serum erythropoietin (Epo) level (81%), and endogenous erythroid colonies (EEC; 73%). History of hypertension (46%), hyperlipidemia (18.3%), diabetes (8.4%), and tobacco use (16%) was also obtained. Results II: Clinical Course To date, 347 (23%) deaths, 50 (3%) leukemic progressions, and 138 (9%) fibrotic transformations have been recorded. Overall, cytoreductive treatment was not used in 416 (27%) patients and the remaining were exposed to different agents based on physician discretion. Post-diagnosis arterial or venous thrombosis occurred in 184 (12%) and 137 (9%) patients, respectively. Results III: Risk Factors for thrombosis Arterial and venous thrombosis-free survival, from time of diagnosis, were separately analyzed using the occurrence of thrombosis as the endpoint (uncensored variable) and last follow-up or death before thrombosis as the censored variable. In univariate analysis, the following were significantly associated with post-diagnosis arterial thrombosis: advanced age, leukocyte count, presence of a leukoerythroblastic smear (LES), history of hypertension and history of arterial thrombosis before or at diagnosis; multivariable analysis using all these five parameters identified arterial thrombosis history (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.6–4.0; p<0.0001), LES (RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.2; p=0.005) and history of hypertension (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.4; p=0.02) as independent predictors of post-diagnosis arterial thrombosis. Only two parameters predicted post-diagnosis venous thrombosis, in univariate analysis, and both remained significant during multivariable analysis: abnormal karyotype (RR 3.1, 95% CI 1.7–5.4; p=0.0001) and history of venous thrombosis (RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.9). Of note, the type of JAK2 mutation or presence of either subnormal Epo or EEC did not influence either arterial or venous thrombosis. Results IV: Risk Stratification for arterial and venous thrombosis The figures below illustrated arterial or venous thrombosis-free survival of patients stratified by the absence of all risk factors or presence of one or ≥2 risk factors. For arterial thrombosis, the presence of ≥2 risk factors clearly delineated a high risk group (RR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9–5.0) whereas the presence of one (RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.2) or two risk factors (RR 10.1, 95% CI 3.6–28.2) for venous thrombosis delineated an intermediate and high risk group, respectively. Conclusions: History of arterial thrombosis and venous thrombosis are key risk factors, respectively, for recurrent arterial and venous thrombosis in PV. In addition, abnormal karyotype is a strong independent risk factor for venous thrombosis and the presence of leukoerythroblastosis and hypertension, for arterial thrombosis. This information allows for a simple and practical risk stratification and raises interesting pathogenetic implications that require further clarification. Disclosures: Vannucchi: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Gisslinger:Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Passamonti:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abstract Abstract 2852 Background: The 18-item Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF, Scherber et al Blood 2011) given in conjunction with the 9-item Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI, Mendoza et al Cancer 1999) is a patient-completed questionnaire for assessing symptoms in persons with MPNs. The MPN-SAF has been translated and validated in 9 languages to date. The Total Symptom Score (TSS) is computed from 10 of the most pertinent MPN-SAF items to assess symptom burden in MPN patients and to evaluate response to therapy. Psychometric properties of the TSS have been previously reported (Emanuel et al Blood 2012). The purpose of this analysis is to compare MPN-SAF symptoms and psychometric properties of the TSS across 9 languages in an international sample. Methods: Data were collected in an international cohort of subjects with MPNs. Surveyed symptoms included fatigue, early satiety, abdominal pain and discomfort, inactivity, headaches, concentration, dizziness, extremity tingling, insomnia, sexual problems, mood changes, cough, night sweats, pruritus, bone pain and fever on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst imaginable) scale. TSS was computed using the published scoring algorithm on a 0 (all symptoms absent) to 100 (all symptoms worst imaginable) scale. Demographic and disease-related data including disease type, gender, and age had to be present to be included in analysis. Demographics were compared across languages groups using ANOVA and chi-squared tests. Symptoms and TSS were compared across language groups using a general linear model adjusting for disease type, age, and gender with post-hoc Tukey pairwise comparisons. Internal consistency and factor structure of the TSS were investigated overall and within language groups using Cronbach's alpha and principal-axis factoring analysis. Results: Subject Demographics and Disease Type: 1,851 subjects with polycythemia vera (PV N=655), essential thrombocythemia (ET N=769) and myelofibrosis (MF N=427; 286 primary MF, 61 PV-MF, 80 ET-MF) were prospectively enrolled and administered the MPN-SAF and BFI in 1 of 9 languages: English [UK] 55, English [US] 102, Italian 186, Swedish 114, German 112, French 457, Spanish 192, Dutch 236, and Chinese 397. Age (median 61, range, 15–94) and gender (55% F) were typical. Disease type and age varied across language groups (both p <0.001). MPN-SAF Symptoms and TSS: Symptom frequencies ranged from 19% (fever) to 88% (fatigue) overall with mean severities ranging from 0.4 (SD=1.3, fever) to 4.3 (SD=2.3, fatigue). Fatigue had the highest mean severity among all symptoms within each language group. Overall, mean TSS was 21.5 (SD=16.7) with the Swedish (mean=18.1, SD=15.2) and Dutch (mean=27.6, SD=17.1) cohorts reporting the lowest and highest unadjusted TSS means, respectively. When comparing symptom items across languages (adjusting for disease type, age, and gender), concentration and sexual problems had the most statistically significant pairwise differences (11 and 10, respectively, out of a possible 36) followed by dizziness and overall quality of life (9 each, out of a possible 36). No statistically significant pairwise differences were observed for abdominal discomfort, headache, extremity tingling, or insomnia. For the TSS, the Dutch cohort appeared to statistically significantly differ (all p <0.05) with all other languages except the English cohorts. All other TSS pairwise comparisons were not statistically significant. TSS Internal Consistency and Factor Structure: The TSS had excellent internal consistency overall (Cronbach's alpha 0.83) as well as within language groups (Cronbach's alpha 0.81–0.86). Overall factor analysis identified a single underlying construct among the 10 TSS items. Factor loadings ranged from 0.41 for fever to 0.73 for inactivity. A single factor solution was appropriate for each language group with factor loadings ranging from 0.18 to 0.85. Conclusion: This analysis suggests that the available translations of the MPN-SAF are generally acceptable for use in a broad context. The TSS demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and similar factor structure across all language groups. Most symptom and TSS comparisons between languages were not statistically significant, but for the few which differed, further studies are needed to evaluate whether these variances are due to disease-related factors or due to linguistic or cultural influences present in the cohorts. Disclosures: Kiladjian: Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Shire: Honoraria. Griesshammer:Shire: Honoraria. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Speakers Bureau. Harrison:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; YM Bioscience: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria, Research Funding. Passamonti:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; YM Bioscience: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 1726 Background: We previously reported that symptom burden among persons with ET and PV can be severe and adversely affect QOL. The presence of severe symptoms is linked to poor prognosis. There is considerable inter-subject heterogeneity regarding which symptoms are present in which subjects. No studies have empirically evaluated whether disease characteristics can be grouped in related symptom clusters. Using our previously validated 18 item Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) (Blood 2011;118:401–408) given in conjunction with the 9 item Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) (Cancer 1999;85:1186–1196), we sought to evaluate symptom burden by means of cluster analysis. Methods: Data was collected from an international cohort of subjects with MPNs including demographics, disease features and the completed BFI and MPN-SAF instruments. Surveyed symptoms included fatigue, early satiety, abdominal pain and discomfort, inactivity, headaches, concentration, dizziness, extremity tingling, insomnia, sexual difficulties, mood changes, cough, night sweats, pruritus, bone pain and fever on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst-imaginable) scale. Development of symptom clusters was based on consideration of r-squared in hierarchical clustering using Ward linkage. Final cluster assignment was based on the nonhierarchical k-means method. Comparisons between symptom clusters were based on ANOVA and chi-squared tests. Results: Subject Demographic and Disease Characteristics: Data from 1,141 subjects with PV (N=519) and ET (N=622) was prospectively collected (Chinese 236, French 305, German 45, Italian 114, Dutch 191, English 56, Spanish 109, Swedish 85. Age (mean 59, range, 26–87) and gender (54% F) were typical. Five clusters were selected (Figure 1). Frequencies of prior bleeding, spleen size, anemia, presence of any lab abnormality, language, gender, and MPN type varied significantly between clusters (P<0.05). Cluster 1: The “Reduced Symptom” Profile (n=421 (37%; 60% ET, 40% PV) The largest cluster, subjects had increased complaints of sexual difficulties and fatigue. There was a slightly higher proportion of subjects with ET (60%) versus PV. There were fewer lab abnormalities (28% prevalence) and less prior bleeding (3%) compared to other clusters. Spleen size was smallest of the cluster (1 cm below costal margin). Cluster 2: The “Fatigue-dominant” Group (n=286 (25%; 56% ET, 44% PV)). Subjects in this cluster were predominantly female and had relatively few laboratory abnormalities (19%) than other cohorts. They are characterized by high severity of fatigue compared to end-organ symptoms. Symptom profiles emphasize fatigue, QOL and insomnia with some end-organ complaints. The cohor 63% of the cohort. Cluster 3: The “End-Organ Complaints” Group (n=210 (18%; 49% ET, 51% PV)). Male predominant (56%), subjects had mainly macro-vascular symptom complaints including sexual difficulties, insomnia, and overall QOL, with few microvascular related symptoms (low itching/night sweats). Cluster 4: “Cognitive Complaints” Cluster (n=110 (10%; 53% ET, 47% PV)). The smallest cluster and female predominant (64%), main complaints include fatigue, insomnia, loss of concentration, numbness, and sad mood. Cluster 5: The “Highly Symptomatic” Cluster (n=114 (10%; 44% ET, 56% PV)). Subjects had many cognitive complaints and symptoms correlated with severe micro-vascular abnormalities (pruritus) and or splenomegaly. This cluster had the largest spleen sizes (mean 3 cm), the highest prevalence of prior thrombosis (29%), and highest frequency of lab abnormalities (43%). Cognitive and end-organ complaints were rated as most severe. Conclusion: This analysis offers new means of evaluating persons with PV and ET utilizing symptom clusters. Laboratory and physical abnormalities differed significantly between symptom clusters indicating that our groupings likely result from biological alterations present in specific disease phenotypes. Future studies should investigate correlations between clusters and prognosis and genotype. Disclosures: Kiladjian: Celgene: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Shire: Honoraria. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Speakers Bureau. Harrison:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; YM Bioscience: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria, Research Funding. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Passamonti:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; YM Bioscience: Research Funding.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The presence of constitutional symptoms has been associated with increased mortality risk in myelofibrosis (MF) (Blood 2010;115(9):1703-8). New therapies exist which alleviate the severe symptom burden profile observed in MF patients but are only approved for use in those with intermediate-2 or high risk disease (N Engl J Med 2012;366:787-798). However, it has been proposed that there are patients who may benefit from symptom based treatment regardless of prognostic score (Am Soc Hematol Educ Program 2014;2014:277-286). We have recently characterized symptom score cutoffs at which patients would statistically benefit from treatment based on symptom scores alone (Scherber et. al. EHA 2016: a2250). These treatment thresholds included aMyeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score (MPN-SAF TSS or MPN-10) total score of greater than or equal to 20, a worst individual item score of greater than 5, or a combined criteria of those with both an MPN-10 total score of greater than or equal to 20 and a worst individual item score greater than 5. This abstract represents an additional analysis of our MF cohort to better characterize the profile of patients who meet criteria for symptom-based therapy. METHODS: Patient demographics, symptom burden via the MPN-10 score (JCO 2012;30(33)4098-103), and disease traits were collected from MF patients and their physicians at a single time point during therapy. Previously we identified MPN-10 cutoffs via AkaikeÕs Information Criterion (AIC) analysis (Ecology 2014;95: 631-6), which represented the optimal model among all models specified for the data at hand to determine which patients would most benefit from symptom-directed therapy. RESULTS: Demographics. 695 MF patients without previousruxolitinib therapy were included in this analysis. Overall, of 455 patients (65.4%) fit a cutoff of having a single worst symptom item of greater than 5/10. 401 patients (57.7%) had a MPN-10 score of equal to or greater than 20. A total of 381 (54.8%) patients fit both of these criteria. A distribution of worse MPN-10 individual scores is shown in Table 1. Mean TSS score was 26.4 (SD=17.7). Symptom Criteria Associations. Demographics and disease traits: Neither mean age or age greater than 60 was significantly associated with meeting any of the symptom score cutoff criteria. Females were significantly more likely to meet any of the symptom score cutoffs (for all criteria, p=0.0003 or less). Patients with splenomegaly, particularly spleen size of greater than 15cm below the LCM, were significantly more likely than those with a normal sized spleen to meet any of the three criteria (spleen enlargement of any size p=0.014 or less; spleen greater than 15cm p=0.0114 or less). Patients who met any of the three symptom criteria tended to have a longer MPN duration, although this trend did not meet significance. A prior history of thrombosis was not associated with achieving any cutoff criterions. Symptom burden: Individuals who met the any symptom criteria were significantly more likely to have higher DIPSS prognostic risk score (for all p=0.0002 or less). Laboratory values: For those meeting criteria for a worst symptom greater than 5, mean WBC was 11.7 vs 9.1 x 109/L (p=0.025) and platelet count was 238.7 versus 329.1 (p=0.023). For those meeting criteria for a TSS greater than or equal to 20, mean WBC was 11.8 vs 9.5 x 109/L (p=0.04). For individuals meeting both criteria, mean WBC was 11.9 vs 9.5 x 109/L (p=0.034). The presence of peripheral blasts were significantly more common in patients with an individual worst symptom score greater than 5 (p=0.0364). Hemoglobin level was not significantly associated with symptom criteria for any cutoffs. CONCLUSION: Our analysis indicates that patients who would be treated based on symptom criteria are similar to patients who would be treated based on high risk features such as high DIPSS prognostic score, concerning blood count abnormalities (i.e., leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, presence of peripheral blasts), and splenomegaly (particularly massive splenomegaly). Thrombosis history and age were not associated with criterion cutoff assignment, and it is notable that elderly age nor history of thrombosis alone would likely alter treatment choice other than anticoagulation. This data supports that JAK2 inhibitor treatment be strongly considered in patients meeting symptom based criteria. Disclosures Dueck: Bayer: Honoraria. Kiladjian:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; AOP Orphan: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Zweegman:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding. Schouten:Sanofi: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Etienne:ARIAD: Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Speakers Bureau; novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau. Harrison:Shire: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Baxaltra: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte Corporation: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel, accommodations, expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Radia:Novartis: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Cervantes:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Baxalta: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; AOP Orphan: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Mesa:Promedior: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; CTI: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Galena: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy.