Ketterling, Rhett P.

Abstract Abstract 1567 Fusions of the tyrosine kinase domain of JAK2 with multiple partners occur in leukemia/lymphoma where they are believed to promote JAK2-oligomerization and autonomous signalling although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Affected entities are candidates for therapy with JAK2 signalling inhibitors. Among 200 peripheral T-cell lymphomas surveyed, we identified only two with JAK2 amplification and none with JAK2 translocations, confirming their rarity in T-cell neoplasias. Here we describe the genomic, transcriptional and signalling characteristics of PCM1-JAK2 formed by t(8;9)(p22;p24) in cell lines established at indolent and aggressive phases of a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. To investigate signalling, PCM1-JAK2 was subjected to lentiviral knockdown which inhibited 7 genes most upregulated in t(8;9) cells, notably SOCS2/3. SOCS3, but not SOCS2, was also upregulated in a chronic eosinophilic leukemia bearing PCM1-JAK2. Conversely, expression of GATA3, a key T-cell developmental gene silenced in aggressive phase cells, was partially restored by PCM1-JAK2 knockdown. Activation of the tumor suppressor SOCS3 by PCM1-JAK2 may follow structural alteration of JAK2 affecting the ternary complex it forms with SOCS3 and receptor proteins. Treatment with JAK2 inhibitor (TG101348) to which MAC-1/2A/2B cells were conspicuously sensitive mimicked knockdown results, highlighting JAK2 as the active moiety. PCM1-JAK2 signalling required pSTAT5 as reported for JAK2V617F or ETV6/TEL-JAK2, thus extending the paradigm of STAT5 activation by JAK2 alterations in hematopoietic malignancies. MAC-1/2A/2B are the first JAK2– translocation cell line models. Our data support further investigation of SOCS2/3 as signalling effectors, prognostic indicators and potential therapeutic targets in cancers with JAK2 rearrangements. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background In a seminal report (NEJM 2011;30:2496), ASXL1, TP53, EZH2, ETV6 and RUNX1 mutations in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were shown to carry an adverse prognostic impact that was independent of the international prognostic scoring system (IPSS) (Blood 1997;89:2079). Two recent studies (Leukemia20 May 2016; doi: 10.1038/leu.2016.138; Leukemia. 2014;28:241) have proposed mutation-enhanced prognostic models that include the revised IPSS (IPSS-R) (Blood 2012;120:2454 ). In the current study, we applied targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) in order to examine the prognostic interaction between adverse mutations and IPSS-R. Methods The study population was recruited from our institutional database of patients with primary MDS, based on availability of archived DNA from the time of diagnosis. The diagnosis of MDS and leukemic transformation (LT) was made according to WHO criteria (Blood. 2009;114:937). Targeted capture assays were carried out, on bone marrow DNA specimens, for the following genes: TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1, IDH2, ASXL1, EZH2, SUZ12, SRSF2, SF3B1, ZRSR2, U2AF1, PTPN11, Tp53, SH2B3, RUNX1, CBL, NRAS, JAK2, CSF3R, FLT3, KIT, CALR, MPL, NPM1, CEBPA, IKZF, and SETBP1.Specific variants were deemed as mutations if they are associated with a hematologic malignancy (as identified by COSMIC database), or if they have not been associated with a dbSNP. Results Patient characteristics and type and number of mutations: 179 patients were evaluated (median age 73 years; 68% males). IPSS-R risk distribution was 11% very high, 18% high, 16% intermediate, 39% low and 16% very low. At least one mutation was seen in 139 (78%) patients including 17% with one mutation, 29% with 2, 20% with 3, 10% with four, 2% with 5 and one patient with 6 mutations. The most frequent mutations were ASXL1 (30%), SF3B1 (20%), TET2 (17%), U2AF1 (16%) and SRSF2 (16%). Mutation clusters and clinical correlates: ASXL1 mutations were associated with the absence of SF3B1 (p=0.007), U2AF1 (p=0.01) and SRSF2 (p=0.003) mutations; SF3B1 with absence of U2AF1 (p=0.004) and SRSF2 (p=0.004) mutations; and U2AF1 with absence of SRSF2 mutations (p=0.01). Clinical correlates of ASXL1 mutations included older age, lower hemoglobin, and lower risk karyotype; SF3B1 with higher leukocyte count, higher platelet count, lower bone marrow blast percentage and lower risk karyotype; TET2 with older age and higher hemoglobin. Univariate overall and leukemia-free survival analysis before and after adjusting for IPSS-R: In univariate analysis, ASXL1, RUNX1 and TP53 mutations adversely and SF3B1 favorably affected survival; only ASXL1 mutations retained significance when analysis was adjusted for IPSS-R (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.1; p=0.03). For leukemia-free survival, univariate analysis identified SRSF2, which was near-significant for overall survival (p=0.06), and RUNX1 mutations as adverse and SF3B1 mutations as favorable risk factors; SRSF2 (HR 4.1, 95% CI 1.6-10.2) and SF3B1-unmutated (HR 5.9, 95% CI 1.1-31.5) retained their significance when adjusted for IPSS-R. A borderline significance (p=0.07) indicating inferior survival for patients with three or more mutations was fully accounted for by the significant (P<0.0001) association between the presence of ASXL1 mutations and higher number of mutations. Multivariable analysis with individual IPSS-R variables: When the five IPSS-R variables (hemoglobin, platelets, absolute neutrophil count, bone marrow blast percentage and karyotype) were analyzed (both as continuous and IPSS-R-defined categorical variables) with each one of the aforementioned mutations with significant effect on overall or leukemia-free survival, only ASXL1 retained its significance for overall survival (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3) and SRSF2 (HR 5.2, 95% CI 2.1-13.3) for leukemia-free survival. Other IPSS-R variables that retained their significance for survival, in the presence of ASXL1 mutation status as a covariate, included hemoglobin level, platelet count and karyotype. Conclusions: In our cohort of 179 molecularly-annotated patients with newly-diagnosed primary MDS, ASXL1 and SRSF2 mutations were identified as IPSS-R-independent risk factors for overall and leukemia-free survival, respectively. The current study also suggests the need to re-evaluate currently established risk factors, in the context of prognostically-relevant molecular information. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 2803 Background: Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder with overlapping features between myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Ring sideroblasts (RS) represent abnormal mitochondrial iron accumulation in MDS; with ≥15% RS necessary for the conventional diagnosis of MDS-RS. Somatic spliceosome mutations are recurrent in MDS, with SF3B1 mutations being the most frequent in MDS-RS (∼75%) and SRSF2 in CMML (∼28%). The distribution of these mutations in the presence of both RS and monocytosis is unknown and their prognostic relevance, in the particular setting, undetermined. Methods: Using the Mayo Clinic database for myeloid malignancies (1997–2007), we identified patients who met the 2008 WHO criteria for CMML, and who also displayed at least 1% RS in their bone marrow (BM). All patients underwent BM examination and cytogenetic evaluation at diagnosis and the pathology slides, including iron stains, were centrally re-reviewed to accurately quantify BM RS. DNA was interrogated in the three most frequent spliceosome genes with somatic mutations; SF3B1, SRSF2 and U2AF35. Results: Sixty four patients met the above stipulated criteria for CMML with ≥1% RS; 46 (72%) were males and median age was 71 years (range, 17–90 years). Fifty three (83%) had CMML-1 and the remainder CMML-2. The percentage of patients with ≥15% RS was 41%: 30% had 15–49% RS and 11% had >50% RS. Thirty patients (47%) displayed SRSF2 mutations (mutational frequencies were 58% in the presence of <15% RS, 42% with 15–49% RS and 0% with >50% RS), 9 (14%) SF3B1 mutations (3% with <15% RS, 26% with 15–49% RS and 43% with >50% RS), and 5 (8%) U2AF35 mutations (8% with <15% RS, 11% with 15–49% RS and 0% with >50% RS). Mutational hotspots were P95 for SRSF2 (93%), K700 for SF3B1 (67%) and Q157 for U2AF35 (60%). The three spliceosome mutations were mutually exclusive. At a median follow-up of 26 months, 49 (77%) deaths and 11 (17%) leukemic transformations were documented. In univariate analysis, significant risk factors for survival included increased levels of white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil (ANC), absolute monocyte (AMC), absolute lymphocyte (ALC) counts, the Spanish cytogenetics risk stratification system (Haematologica 2011;96:375), and the presence of circulating blasts. Neither the presence of spliceosome mutations (SF3B1/SRSF2/U2AF35) nor the percentage of RS (considered both as a continuous and a categorical variable), had an impact on either overall or leukemia-free survival. Conclusions: Among spliceosome mutations in CMML, those involving SRSF2 are by far the most frequent, even in the presence of ring sideroblasts. However, in patients with >50% RS, only SF3B1 mutations were seen whereas in those with 15–49% RS, SRSF2 mutations were more common. These observations suggest that SF3B1 mutations play a dominant but not exclusive role in the pathogenesis of RS. Regardless, the current study did not suggest prognostic impact from either the presence of the spliceosome mutations studied or the percentage of RS. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background : Cytogenetic abnormalities in PMF have been broadly classified into “favorable” and “unfavorable” risk categories. The latter include +8, -7/7q-, i(17q), inv(3), -5/5q-, 12p-, 11q rearrangements and complex karyotype (Leukemia. 2011;25:82). In a more recent study, we had demonstrated an even worse prognosis for patients with monosomal karyotype (MK), inv(3) and i(17q) abnormalities (Blood. 2011;118:4595). In the current study, we revisited the topic using a larger database. Methods: PMF diagnosis was according to World Health Organization criteria (Blood. 2009;114:937). Cytogenetic analysis and reporting was done according to the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (Cytogenetic and genome research. 2013. Prepublished on 2013/07/03 as DOI 10.1159/000353118). Assignment to “normal” karyotype required a minimum of 10 metaphases analyzed. A complex karyotype was defined as the presence of 3 or more distinct structural or numeric abnormalities. MK was defined as 2 or more distinct autosomal monosomies or single autosomal monosomy associated with at least one structural abnormality (JCO. 2008;26:4791). Results : A total of 903 patients (median age 65 years; range 19-92; 63% males) met the above stipulations for study eligibility. Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS)-plus risk distribution (JCO. 2011;29:392) was high in 344 (38%) patients, intermediate-2 in 334 (37%), intermediate-1 in 128 (14%) and low in 97 (11%). 472 patients were annotated for JAK2/CALR/MPL mutations; 276 (58%) harbored JAK2, 117 (25%) CALR and 33 (7%) MPL mutations. Abnormal karyotype was documented in 437 (48%) patients and included sole abnormalities of 20q- (n=71; 16%), 13q- (n=57; 13%), +8 (n=25; 5%), -7/7q- (n=17; 4%) and +9 (n=16; 3%). 22 (5%) patients displayed MK and 31 (7%) complex karyotype without MK. At a median follow-up time of 3 years, 634 (70%) deaths and 65 blast transformations (BT; 7%) were recorded. A step-wise survival analysis, using “normal karyotype” and “MK/inv(3)/i(17q)” as comparators for “low” and “very high risk” categories, respectively, resulted in four distinct cytogenetic risk designations: very high (MK, inv(3), i(17q), -7/7q-, 11q or 12p abnormalities; n=67), high (complex without MK, two abnormalities not included in very high risk category, 5q-, +8, other autosomal trisomies except +9, and other sole abnormalities not included in other risk categories; n=164), intermediate (sole abnormalities of 20q-, 1q duplication or any other translocation, and -Y or other sex chromosome abnormality; n=133) and low (normal or sole abnormalities of 13q- or +9; n=539); the corresponding median survivals were 0.9, 2.6, 3.8 and 4.6 years, with respective HR (95% CI) of 4.4 (3.3-5.8), 2.0 (1.6-2.4) and 1.3 (1.03-1.6). Very high (HR 6.1, 95% CI 2.9-13.2) and high (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.1) risk categories were also associated with higher risk of BT. There was no significant correlation between the revised cytogenetic risk stratification and JAK2/CALR/MPL mutational categories (p=0.22), but none of the triple-negative or MPL-mutated patients displayed “very high risk” karyotype. The revised cytogenetic model was also effective in risk-stratification of JAK2 or CALR mutated patients, when analyzed separately, and its prognostic relevance for survival was generally independent of JAK2/CALR/MPL mutational status (p<0.01), DIPSS (p<0.01) or DIPSS-plus (p<0.01). Comparison of the currently used “favorable” vs “unfavorable” with the revised cytogenetic risk model showed a significant number of patients with “favorable” karyotype (n=213 of total 753) being re-assigned to high (n=82) or intermediate (n=131) risk categories. Conclusions : The currently used cytogenetic risk stratification in PMF is too broad and underestimates prognosis in a significant number of patients with “favorable” karyotype. We have developed a revised four-tier risk model that is independent of conventional risk models and JAK2/CALR/MPL mutational status and is expected to facilitate the development of genetics-based prognostic scoring systems in PMF. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background: 'Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with isolated del(5q),' as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (SwederlowSH, et al, 2008) is a unique pathological entity with favorable outcomes. The 2016 revision to the classification expands this entity to include cases that have an additional cytogenetic abnormality, with the exception of monosomy 7 or del(7q) (Arber DA, et al, Blood 2016). The objective of our study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of an additional cytogenetic abnormality, other than monosomy 7 or del(7q), in patients with 'MDS with isolated del(5q)'. Methods: After due IRB approval, the Mayo Clinic MDS database (n=1067) was utilized for this study. All patients had bone marrow (BM) biopsies and cytogenetic studies performed at diagnosis. The International Society for Cytogenetic Nomenclature guidelines were used for cytogenetic nomenclature, while the 2008 and 2016 WHO criteria were used for morphological diagnosis. Results: Patient Characteristics: 72 patients (7.2%) met the 2016 WHO criteria for 'MDS with isolated del(5q)' of which 60% were female and median age was 74 years (28-90). In 61 (85%) cases del(5q) was the only cytogenetic abnormality, while in 11 (15%), del(5q) was present with an 'additional cytogenetic abnormality' (ACA). One additional case within the database had del(5q) accompanied with monosomy 7, which was not included in the analysis. Risk stratification by IPSS-R was as follows; 24 (29%) 'very low', 44 (64%) 'low' and 4 (6%) 'Intermediate' risk, with no patient classified as 'high' or 'very high' risk. At a median follow up of 43 months, 55 (76%) deaths and 5 (7%) leukemic transformations were documented. del(5q) versus del(5q) with an additional cytogenetic abnormality- phenotypic correlates: In the 'del(5q) with ACA' group, the additional abnormalities included trisomy 8 (n=4), del(20q) (n=3), der(9;18) (n=1), inv(3)(p25,q21)(n=1), -Y (n=1), and i(Xp) (n=1) (Table 1). There was no significant difference between the 'del(5q)' and 'del(5q) with ACA' groups in terms of age, gender, hemoglobin, platelet count, white cell count, absolute neutrophil count, bone marrow blast percentage or transfusion requirement. A greater proportion of the 'del(5q) with ACA' group (27%) had IPSS-R risk in the 'intermediate' category compared to the 'del(5q)' group (2%) (p=0.01). 18 of 42 cases diagnosed after 2004 (43%) were treated with lenalidomide, with no difference in the proportions treated between the two groups (p=1.00). del(5q) versus del(5q) with an additional cytogenetic abnormality- impact on overall survival (OS) and leukemia-free survival (LFS): The median survival of the cohort was 54 months. Survival was not significantly different between the 'del(5q)' group (median 55 months) and the 'del(5q) with ACA' group (median 38 months) (p=.75, Figure 1). This finding was consistent when analysis was restricted to patients in both groups treated with lenalidomide (p=0.29). The incidence of leukemic transformation in the del(5q) group was 5%, compared with 18% for the 'del(5q) with ACA' group (p=0.16), however there was no significant difference in LFS between the two groups (p=0.57). Conclusion : In our cohort of primary MDS patients meeting the 2016 WHO definition of 'MDS with isolated del(5q)', we confirm no significant survival difference between cases with del(5q) as the sole cytogenetic abnormality versus cases where del(5q) was accompanied by an additional cytogenetic abnormality. Table 1 Additional Cytogenetic Abnormalities with del(5q): Table 1. Additional Cytogenetic Abnormalities with del(5q): Figure 1 del(5q) vs del(5q) with an additional abnormality (ACA): Overall Survival Figure 1. del(5q) vs del(5q) with an additional abnormality (ACA): Overall Survival Disclosures Al-Kali: Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.

Abstract Background We have previously shown an independent adverse prognostic effect of lymphopenia (absolute lymphocyte count <1.2 x 10(9)/L) for survival in MDS (Jacobs et al. Am J Hematol 2010;85:160) whereas others have suggested a similar value from lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR); patients with LMR ≥5 experienced shorter survival with median 67 vs. 126 months (Mushtaq et al. JCO May 20 Supp. 2016:7062). Whether or not "monocytopenia" also carries a prognostic value in MDS is currently unknown and was the main objective for the current study, which also addresses the prognostic value of LMR. Methods We retrospectively recruited 889 consecutive patients with primary MDS who were untreated at the time of referral to our institution and in whom absolute monocyte count (AMC) and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at time of referral were documented. The diagnosis of MDS and leukemic transformation (LT) was made according to WHO criteria (Blood. 2009;114:937). Complete follow-up information was updated in January 2015. For the purposes of the current study, monocytopenia was defined as AMC below the lower limit of the institutional normal range, which was 0.3 to 0.9 x 10(9)/L. Comparisons of survival and other clinical parameters were performed between i) patients with and without monocytopenia and ii) patients with and without LMR ≥5. Conventional methods were used for statistical analysis. Results Patient characteristics: Median (range) values for the 889 study patients (69% males) included: age 72 (18-98), hemoglobin 9.6 g/dL (5.4-15.7), leukocyte count 3.4 x 10(9)/L (0.4-35), platelet count 106 x 10(9)/L (2-1804), circulating blasts 0% (0-18), bone marrow blasts 3% (0-19) and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) 1.2 x 10(9)/L (.02-8.9). Transfusion need was documented in 33% of patients and abnormal cytogenetics in 49%. Risk stratification by the revised international prognostic scoring system (IPSS-R) was very high in 11%, high in 16%, intermediate in 21%, low in 36% and very low in 16%. The median (range) AMC for the entire study population of 889 patients was 0.22 x 10(9)/L (0.0-1.8).The number of patients with subnormal AMC was 539 (61%). After a median follow-up of 27 months, 712 (80%) deaths and 116 (13%) leukemic transformations were documented. Comparison of patients stratified by absolute monocyte count and LMR Compared to patients with AMC >0.3 x 10(9)/L, MDS patients with monocytopenia displayed younger age (p<0.0001), lower hemoglobin (p=0.005), higher red blood cell transfusion need (p=0.03), lower leukocyte count (p<0.0001), lower platelet count (p<0.0001), lower absolute neutrophil count (p<0.0001), higher circulating (p=0.03) and bone marrow (p<0.0001) blasts, higher incidence of abnormal karyotype (p=0.03), and higher risk distribution in terms of both IPSS-R (p<0.0001) and cytogenetic risk stratification by IPSS-R (p=0.03). In univariate analysis, lower AMC was associated with inferior survival (p=0.002); significance was even more apparent when comparing patients with and without monocytopenia (p=0.0003; HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.5). Similarly, there was significant association between LMR and survival (p<0.0001) with patients with LMR ≥5 experiencing inferior survival (p=0.03; HR 1.2; 95% CI 1.02-1.4). In multivariable analysis, the adverse effect of monocytopenia was shown to be independent of age (p<0.0001), gender (p=0.0001), anemia (Hemoglobin <10 g/dL; p=0.002), thrombocytopenia (platelets <100 x 10(9)/L; p=0.01), neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <0.8 x 10 (9)/L; p=0.005), subnormal ALC (p=0.0008), circulating blast percentage (p=0.002), cytogenetic risk stratification by IPSS-R (p=0.006) and LMR (p=0.02) or LMR ≥5 (p=0.002); however, significance was lost when risk stratification by IPSS-R was added to the multivariable analysis (p=0.7). In regards to LMR, it retained its significance (p=0.009) during multivariable analysis that included monocytopenia or subnormal ALC, as covariates; however, significance was lost in the context of IPSS-R (p=0.24 for LMR and 0.8 for LMR ≥5) Conclusions Monocytopenia in MDS clusters with adverse disease features and both monocytopenia and higher LMR were associated with poor survival. Despite the display of prognostic independence from each other and other risk factors considered individually, the survival impact of neither monocytopenia nor LMR was found to be independent of IPSS-R. Disclosures Al-Kali: Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.

Abstract Background A recent study from the International Working Group on Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment (IWG-MRT) identified prior arterial events and hypertension as risk factors for subsequent arterial thrombosis and prior venous events and age 65 years or older as risk factors for venous thrombosis in polycythemia vera (PV) (Blood 2014;124:3021). In the current single center study, we sought to validate the aforementioned findings from the IWG-MRT and look into further details regarding arterial versus venous thrombosis in PV. Methods Study patients were selected from our institutional database of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and fulfilled the 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for the diagnosis of PV (Blood. 2009;114:937). Screening for the two most frequent mutations other than JAK2 (TET2 and ASXL1) were performed according to conventional methods (Leukemia. 2014;28:2206). Statistical analyses considered clinical and laboratory parameters obtained at time of diagnosis. Results Patient characteristics: Analysis was conducted on 587 patients (median age 60 years; 48% males). ASXL1 and TET2 mutational status was available in 133 patients. Among informative cases, 31% had palpable splenomegaly, 34% microcirculatory symptoms, 30% pruritus, 8% erythromelalgia, 42% hypertension, 9% diabetes and 11% were active tobacco users. TET2 and ASXL1 mutations were documented in 18% and 11%, respectively. During follow-up, 224 (38%) patients died and median follow-up for living patients was 109 months. Median survival was 16 years and leukemic or fibrotic transformations were documented in 4% and 14%, respectively. Thrombotic events: A total of 235 (40%) patients experienced at least one thrombotic event before or after diagnosis and included 153 (26%) arterial and 104 (18%) venous events. Thrombotic events were recorded before or at time of diagnosis in 146 (25%) patients and included 97 (17%) arterial and 55 (9%) venous events. Thrombotic events after diagnosis were recorded in 128 (22%) patients and included 82 (14%) arterial and 57 (10%) venous events. Associations for arterial, venous or all thrombotic events occurring at any time before or after time of diagnosis: The occurrence of any thrombotic event before or after diagnosis correlated with active tobacco use (p=0.04), diabetes history (p=0.03), hyperlipidemia (p=0.04) and major hemorrhage (p=0.03). The occurrence of any arterial event before or after diagnosis correlated with advanced age (p=0.006), diabetes history (p=0.005), hypertension history (p=0.004) and hyperlipidemia (p<0.0001). The occurrence of any venous event before or after diagnosis correlated with female sex (p=0.008), younger age (p<0.0001), lower platelet count (p=0.0014) and palpable splenomegaly (p=0.006). TET2 or ASXL1 mutations did not correlate with overall, arterial or venous thrombosis. Risk factors for arterial versus venous events after time of diagnosis: In univariate/multivariable analysis, thrombosis-free survival (TFS) was adversely affected by prior vascular events (p=0.002/0.03 multivariable) and increased leukocyte count (p=0.03/0.03); arterial thrombosis-free survival was adversely affected by prior arterial events (p<0.0001/P<0.0001), hyperlipidemia (p=0.001/0.03), hypertension (p=0.02/NS) and advanced age (p=0.02/NS); venous thrombosis-free survival was adversely affected by prior venous events (p=0.04/0.05), increased leukocyte count (p=0.0009/0.002), and younger age (p=0.02/NS). In addition, major hemorrhage at diagnosis was associated subsequent venous thrombosis in both univariate and multivariable analysis. TET2 or ASXL1 mutations did not affect the risk of overall, arterial or venous thrombosis. Conclusions In contemporarily managed patients with PV, prior vascular events predict future events for both arterial and venous thrombosis; additional risk factors included hyperlipidemia for arterial and increased leukocyte count for venous thrombosis. The current study also identifies association of arterial thrombosis in general with older age and history of hypertension, diabetes or hyperlipidemia whereas venous thrombosis was associated with younger age, female sex and palpable splenomegaly. Additional findings included association of major hemorrhage with thrombosis and higher platelet count with lower risk of venous thrombosis. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background In polycythemia vera (PV), abnormal karyotype at diagnosis has been reported in 10% to 20% of patients and some studies have suggested an association with inferior survival (Leukemia2013;27:1874) . In the current study, we examined the prognostic contribution of abnormal karyotype, in general, and specific abnormalities, in particular, in newly diagnosed PV. Methods Study patients were selected from our institutional database of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and fulfilled the 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for diagnosis of PV (Blood. 2009;114:937). Cytogenetic analysis and reporting was done according to the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (Cytogenetic and Genome Research2013;141:1-6). Assignment as "unfavorable karyotype" was according to criteria established for PMF: favorable = normal + favorable abnormalities; unfavorable = unfavorable abnormalities (Leukemia. 2011;25:82). Screening for the two most frequent mutations in PV, other than JAK2 (i.e. TET2 and ASXL1), were performed according to conventional methods (Leukemia. 2014;28:2206). Statistical analyses considered clinical and laboratory parameters obtained at time of diagnosis. Results Patient characteristics: Median (range) values for the 239 study patients (53% females) included: age 62 (17-94), leukocyte count 11.7 x 10(9)/L (4.3-59.3) and platelet count 479 x 10(9)/L (37-2747). Palpable splenomegaly was present in 26% of the patients, pruritus in 27%, erythromelalgia in in 8%, hypertension in 47%, diabetes in 10% and hyperlipidemia in 28%. Thrombosis history at diagnosis was documented in 33% of the patients and 20% experienced the same after diagnosis. 73% of the patients were "high risk" by conventional risk stratification. Mutation screening for TET2 and ASXL1 was performed in 80 patients and mutational frequencies were 19% and 11% respectively. All study patients provided cytogenetic information, which was abnormal in 46 (19%) patients. The most frequent abnormalities were isolated +9 (n=11; 24% of abnormal karyotype and considered favorable), isolated del(20q) (n=8; 17% of abnormal karyotype and considered favorable), isolated loss of Y chromosome (n=7; 15% of abnormal karyotype and considered favorable) and isolated +8 (n=5; 11% of abnormal karyotype and considered unfavorable). A total of 9 (20% of abnormal karyotype) patients displayed unfavorable karyotype that included +8 in 7 patients, del(11q) in one patient and +20 in one patient. After a median follow-up of 83 months, 70 (29%) deaths, 48 (20%) thrombotic events, 20 (8%) fibrotic progressions and 7 (3%) leukemic transformations were documented. Comparison of patients with and without cytogenetic abnormalities Patients with abnormal cytogenetics were older (p=0.048), displayed lower platelet count (p=0.005) and were more likely to be high risk (p=0.02); there was no significant correlation with TET2 or ASXL1 mutation. In univariate analysis, patients with abnormal cytogenetics displayed inferior leukemia-free (p=0.007; HR 10.6, 95% CI 1.9-58.7), myelofibrosis-free (p<0.0001; HR 7.7, 95% CI 3.1-19.3) and overall (p=0.13; HR 1.6, 95% CI 0.9-2.8) survival. Furthermore, the difference in overall survival became significant when cytogenetic abnormalities were classified into unfavorable (p=0.006) and favorable (p=0.6) categories. On the other hand, inferior leukemia-free and myelofibrosis-free survival was noted in both patients with favorable and unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities, when compared to normal karyotype. During multivariable analysis that included age and leukocytosis (≥15 x 10 (9)/L) as covariates, the adverse effect of abnormal cytogenetics on leukemia-free (p=0.009) or myelofibrosis-free (p<0.0001) survival and that of unfavorable karyotype on overall (p=0.05) survival were shown to be independent. Finally, patients with abnormal cytogenetics were less likely to experience thrombosis after diagnosis (p=0.04; HR 0.3, 95% CI 0.09-0.97), an effect that was independent of both age and thrombosis history. Conclusions Cytogenetic abnormalities in PV confer an independent adverse prognostic effect on overall, leukemia-free and myelofibrosis-free survival, but not thrombosis-free survival; the adverse effect on leukemia-free and myelofibrosis-free survival was seen with both favorable and unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background The International Working Group for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) Research and Treatment (IWG-MRT) has previously identified older age, leukocytosis, venous thrombosis and abnormal karyotype as risk factors for overall survival (OS) in polycythemia vera (PV), and older age, abnormal karyotype and leukocytes ≥15 × 109/l as risk factors for leukemia-free survival (LFS) (Leukemia2013;27:1874). Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a surrogate quantitative measure of cell turnover and tumor burden. We hypothesized that, compared to leukocyte count, serum LDH might be a biologically more accurate indicator of tumor aggression and sought to examine its potential utility as a prognostic biomarker in PV. Methods Study patients were selected from our institutional database of MPN based on their meeting the 2008 or 2016 World Health Organization criteria for diagnosis of PV (Blood. 2009;114:937; Blood 2016 127:2391) and availability of serum LDH level, obtained within six months of diagnosis. Information on karyotype and targeted next-generation sequencing was available in a subset of the patients (Blood 2015 126:354). Statistical analyses considered clinical and laboratory parameters obtained at time of diagnosis. Age and leukocyte count prognostic categories were based on previously published IWG-MRT study (Leukemia2013;27:1874). Results Patient characteristics: A total of 216 patients (50% females) met the above-outlined criteria: median (10th-90th percentile) levels were for age 63 years (38-81), hemoglobin 18 g/dL (16.6-20.7), platelets 467 x 10(9)/L (237-833), leukocyte count 11.7 x 10(9)/L (7.2-20.3) and spleen size 0 cm (0-2). Pruritus was documented in 28%, microcirculatory symptoms in 31%, erythromelalgia in 6%, hypertension in 45%, diabetes in 7%, active tobacco use in 13%, hyperlipidemia in 25%, palpable spleen in 26% and abnormal karyotype in 15% of informative cases. Grading for bone marrow reticulin fibrosis was documented for 144 patients: 50% grade "0", 42% grade "1", 7% grade "2" and 1 grade "3". Thrombosis history at diagnosis was documented in 26% of patients and occurred after diagnosis in 19%. Mutation analysis was available in 72 patients and revealed TET2 mutations in 18 (25%), ASXL1 in 5 (7%), SRSF2 in 2 (3%) and IDH2 in one (1.4%). Serum LDH levels and correlates: Median serum LDH level was 226 U/L (range 71-1008); the upper normal limit (UNL) for Mayo Clinic was 222 U/L. Increased serum LDH was recorded in 110 (51%) patients that included 26 (12%) patients with LDH ≥1.5 x UNL. A significant correlation was demonstrated between increased serum LDH and older age (p=0.007), female sex (p=0.04), leukocytosis (p=0.01), venous thrombosis history (p=0.005) and, interestingly, absence of active tobacco use (p=0.003); no correlation was noted for bone marrow reticulin fibrosis, presence of palpable splenomegaly, abnormal karyotype or ASXL1 mutation. Survival analysis: After a median follow-up of 77 months, 82 (38%) deaths, 8 (3.7%) leukemic transformations, 13 (6%) fibrotic progressions and 41 (19%) thrombotic events were documented. In univariate analysis, the following adversely affected OS: advanced age (P<0.0001), increased LDH as a continuous variable (p=0.0006), LDH ≥1.5 x UNL (p<0.0001), leukocyte count ≥15 x 10(9)/L (p=0.02) and arterial thrombosis history (p=0.001). In multivariable analysis, only age and LDH remained significant; multivariable HR (95% CI) were 5.4 (2.8-10.4) for age ≥67 years, 3.2 (1.8-6.0) for LDH ≥1.5 x UNL and 2.4 (1.2-4.7) for age 57 to 66 years. In the subset of patients with available information on karyotype and non-JAK2 mutations (n=72), advanced age, LDH ≥1.5 x UNL and ASXL1 mutations remained significantly associated with inferior survival. Serum LDH also predicted leukemic transformation (HR 17.8, 95% CI 4.1-78) and fibrotic progression (HR 11.6, 95% CI 25-53.7); in multivariable analysis, only serum LDH ≥1.5 x UNL (HR 22.3, 95% CI 2.1-234.6) and abnormal karyotype (HR 9.5, 95% CI 1.2-74.7) predicted leukemic transformation and only the former predicted fibrotic progression. Conclusions Serum LDH is a simple and inexpensive biomarker that might supersede leukocyte count as an independent predictor of overall, leukemia-free and myelofibrosis-free survival in PV; advanced age and ASXL1 mutations also retained significance for OS and abnormal karyotype for LFS. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background : DNMT3A mutations result in epigenetic dysregulation and impart a negative prognostic impact in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. In chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), DNMT3A mutations are seen in 2-5% of patients. In a large Groupe Français des Myélodysplasies (GFM) study (n=312), DNMT3A mutations were seen in 2% and were not included in further survival analyses (Itzykson JCO 2013). In a prior Mayo Clinic study (n=175), DNMT3A mutations were seen in 5% (n=9) and on univariate, but not multivariate analysis (Patnaik Blood C J 2016), were associated with shortened over-all survival (OS). We carried out this study on a larger CMML cohort (n=261), with more (n=15) informative cases to assess the impact of DNMT3A mutations. Methods : 261 patients with World Health Organization (WHO)-defined CMML were included in the study. All patients had bone marrow (BM) biopsies and cytogenetics performed at diagnosis. Targeted capture assays were carried out on BM DNA specimens obtained at diagnosis for the following genes; TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1, IDH2, ASXL1, EZH2, SUZ12, SRSF2, SF3B1, ZRSR2, U2AF1, PTPN11, Tp53, SH2B3, RUNX1, CBL, NRAS, KRAS, JAK2, CSF3R, FLT3, KIT, CALR, MPL, NPM1, CEBPA, IKZF, and SETBP1. The 2016 WHO diagnostic criteria were used. Results: Among the 261 study patients, 65% were males and median age was 70 years (range, 28-91). 154 (59%), 64 (25%) and 43 (16%) patients were classified as CMML-0, 1 and 2, respectively. At a median follow-up of 23 months, 174 (67%) deaths and 37 (14%) leukemic transformations (LT) were documented. Mutational frequencies ≥4% were encountered in; TET2 45%, ASXL1 45%, SRSF2 40%, NRAS 14%, SETBP1 13%, CBL 10%, JAK2 7%, RUNX1 6%, DNMT3A 6%, U2AF1 6%, SF3B1 5%, ZRSR2 4%, Tp53 4%, and IDH2 4%. i) DNTM3A mutated CMML: phenotypic and molecular correlates DNMT3A mutations were seen in 15 (6%) patients; 64% male with a median age of 64 years. DNMT3A amino acid substitutions included; R882H 50%, R882C 29%, R910P 7%, R598* 7% and R320* 7%. The median variant allele frequency burden was 45%. Concurrent gene mutations were detected in; TET2 43%, ASXL1 21%, SF3B1 21%, U2AF1 14%, RUNX1 14%, SETBP1 14%, NRAS 14%, SRSF2 7%, JAK2 7% and Tp53 7%. There was no difference between DNMT3A mutated and wild-type patients in terms of age and gender distribution, hemoglobin level, leukocyte, monocyte (AMC), and platelet counts, peripheral blood (PB) or BM blast content. Concurrent gene mutations were equally distributed with the exception for a higher prevalence of SF3B1 (p=0.003) and a lower prevalence of SRSF2 (p=0.004) mutations in DNMT3A mutated CMML. Four (29%) patients underwent leukemic transformation. ii) Impact on OS and leukemia-free survival (LFS): Median survival for the entire cohort (n=261) was 24 months. In univariate analysis, survival was shorter in DNMT3A mutated (median 8 months) versus wild-type (median 27 months) patients (p=0.0007; HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.5-5.7; Figure 1A). Other variables of significance, in univariate analysis, included lower hemoglobin (p=0.002), higher leukocyte count (p=0.0009), higher AMC (p=0.0012), PB blast % (p=0.001), circulating immature myeloid cells (IMC, p=0.01), BM blast % (p=0.045), abnormal karyotype (p=0.02), and ASXL1 (p=0.01) mutations. Survival was also adversely affected by the presence of either (n=133) or both (n=3) ASXL1/DNMT3A mutations (0=0.007, Figure 1B). In multivariable analysis (MVA) excluding ASXL1 and DNMT3A mutations, hemoglobin (p=0.03), IMC (p=0.013) and AMC (p=0.02) retained significance. When ASXL1 mutations were added to the MVA, ASXL1 (p=0.01) mutations, AMC (p=0.012) and IMC (p=0.03) retained significance. Similarly, when only DNMT3A mutations were added to the MVA, DNMT3A (p=0.003) mutations, IMC (p=0.01) and AMC (p=0.02) retained significance. When both DNMT3A and ASXL1 mutations were added to the MVA, only DNMT3A (p<0.0001) and ASXL1 (p=0.004) mutations remained significant. DNMT3A mutations predicted shortened OS, independent of the ASXL1 inclusive GFM model (p<0.0001) and Mayo Molecular Model (p=0.002). DNMT3A mutations (p=0.0018), along with low hemoglobin levels (p=0.003) independently predicted for a shorter LFS. Conclusions: DNMT3A mutations are seen in ~5% of patients with CMML and impart a negative prognostic impact on both OS and LFS. This finding warrants inclusion of DNMT3A mutations in molecularly integrated CMML prognostic models. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.