Back to Authors

Orlowski, Robert Z.

0000-0002-5723-4129

A5038235561 | I1343551460

Mayo Clinic

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Citations 107

Natural History of Multiple Myeloma Relapsing After Therapy with IMiDs and Bortezomib: A Multicenter International Myeloma Working Group Study.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2878-2878

10.1182/blood.v114.22.2878.2878

Abstract Abstract 2878 Poster Board II-854 Background: Significant advances have been made in the treatment of myeloma with the introduction of thalidomide, its analogue, lenalidomide, and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. While these new drugs have improved the outcome of patients with myeloma, the disease still remains incurable. Effectiveness of upcoming new therapies will need to be assessed in the context of anticipated outcome with the currently available therapies. However, given the rapid pace of development over the past decade, outcome of patients who have relapsed on the new therapies remain unclear. Methods: In order to further study this group of patients, we undertook a study of patients who have relapsed on or are refractory to one of the IMiDs (thalidomide or lenalidomide) as well as bortezomib. A total of 300 cases from 8 sites in the US, 5 sites in Europe and one site in Asia were identified for this study. Enrolled patients had relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, per the EBMT or IMWG response criteria, after at least 2 prior treatments. Patients were refractory to bortezomib, defined as having no response on a prior bortezomib-containing regimen or experiencing disease progression within 60 days of a bortezomib-containing regimen. Patients also should have relapsed, refractory, intolerant, and/or ineligible in the opinion of the investigator, to other therapies, including an IMiD (thalidomide or lenalidomide). Clinical and laboratory data pertaining to the time of diagnosis and from the time of individual relapses were obtained from the clinical records. The date patients satisfied the above entry criteria was defined as time zero. Results: The current analysis includes the first 119 patients with complete data available. The median age at initial diagnosis was 59 years (range, 31-86 yr); 71% were males. The ISS stage distribution at diagnosis was 33%, 39% and 28% for stages 1, 2, and 3 respectively. 19 patients (37%) had high risk disease by FISH [t(4;14), t(14;16), del17p] or by cytogenetics [del 13, hypodiploidy]. The median time from diagnosis to time zero was 3.8 yrs (range 0.2-18.7 yr) and the median reported lines of therapy before time zero was 2. 74% patients had at least 1 autologous stem cell transplant prior to becoming eligible for the study. Following time zero, 77 (65%) pts had a treatment recorded, including an autologous SCT in 21 (18%), with the treatment regimen starting at a median of 1 month after time zero. A variety of treatment regimens were utilized beyond time zero (median=1; range 0-7). Thirty-two (27%) patients had a response any time following time zero, and only 8 had a subsequent response. Response to the first treatment, or supportive care for patients not treated, recorded following time zero included minor response or stable disease (n=14; 12%), PR (n=17, 14%), and VGPR or better (n=6, 5%). Patients treated with SCT had a higher rate of PR or better compared to patients receiving other treatments (85%; 17/20 vs. 26%; 15/57). In a multivariate analysis, the only significant predictor of a PR or better after time zero was younger age (<60 yrs). The median overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) were 6 mos (95% CI, 4-7 mos) and 1 month (95% CI,1-2 mos) respectively. In a multivariate analysis normal creatinine predicted for a better overall survival and having an IgG M protein type predicted for better EFS. A complete analysis from all 300 patients will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: This study confirms the poor outcome of patients once they become relapsed and refractory to agents that have become the mainstay of myeloma therapy. The findings highlight the incurable nature of the disease and urgent need to develop newer effective therapeutic agents for this group of patients, who currently do not have effective treatment options. Disclosures: Kumar: CELGENE: Research Funding; MILLENNIUM: Research Funding; BAYER: Research Funding; GENZYME: Research Funding; NOVARTIS: Research Funding. Jagannath:Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Laubach:Novartis: . Palumbo:Ortho Biotech, Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Richardson:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Johnson and Johnson: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Keryx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. San Miguel:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen-Cilag: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Siegel:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Speakers Bureau. Sonneveld:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria. Durie:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Updated Results of Bortezomib-Naïve Patients in PX-171-004, An Ongoing Open-Label, Phase II Study of Single-Agent Carfilzomib (CFZ) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Myeloma (MM).

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 302-302

10.1182/blood.v114.22.302.302

Abstract Abstract 302 Background: Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a proteasome inhibitor with unique target selectivity and an irreversible binding mechanism that results in sustained proteasome inhibition. In preclinical studies, CFZ lacks non-proteasome off-target activities associated with bortezomib (BTZ) (Kapur et al, Blood 2008). This may account for observed differences in tolerability with CFZ (e.g. minimal neuropathy and myelosuppression), permitting consecutive day dosing and treatment over an extended period of time. We previously observed higher response rates in multiple myeloma (MM) patients without prior BTZ exposure (BTZ-naïve) compared to those with relapsed disease following BTZ therapy (BTZ-treated). Here we present updated data on the BTZ-naïve cohort from PX-171-004, an ongoing Phase 2 study of single-agent CFZ in MM patients with relapsed or refractory disease following 1–3 prior therapies. Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory (e.g, < 25% response or disease progression during last treatment) MM were enrolled and stratified into two cohorts: BTZ-naïve and BTZ-treated. CFZ 20 mg/m2 IV was administered on Days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 every 28 days, for up to 12 cycles. The primary endpoint was Overall Response Rate [≥ Partial Response (PR)] per International Uniform Response Criteria for Multiple Myeloma. Secondary endpoints included Clinical Benefit Response [CBR = ORR + Minor Reponse (MR)] and safety. Results: Fifty-seven BTZ-naive patients have been enrolled and 56 subjects have received at least one dose of CFZ. Prior therapies included alkylators (81%), stem cell transplant (SCT) (77%), thalidomide (THAL) (67%), lenalidomide (LEN) (42%), and anthracyclines (23%). Ten (18%) patients had received both LEN and THAL and 18 (32%) patients were refractory to their most recent regimen prior to study entry. At baseline, 30 (53%) patients had an ECOG score ≥ 1, 21 (37%) had neuropathy Grade ≥ 1, 12 (21%) had impaired renal function (CrCl < 60 mL/min) and 10 (18%) had diabetes. The mean time from diagnosis was 4 years (range 0.7–24). To date, the mean number of CFZ doses administered was 29.2 (∼5 four-week cycles; range 2–72 doses, 1–12 cycles). Fifty-one patients initiated therapy and were evaluable for response per protocol. The ORR was 45% (23/51 patients) and included 1 CR, 4 VGPR and 18 PR. An additional 9 (18%) patients had MR and 10 (20%) had stable disease (SD) for ≥ 6 weeks. The most common (>25%) adverse events (AEs) were fatigue (59%), nausea (41%), dyspnea (36%), and anemia (29%), and were primarily ≤ Grade 2. Grade 3/4 AEs occurring in ≥ 5% of patients were thrombocytopenia (9%), fatigue (9%), neutropenia (7%), lymphopenia (7%), anemia (5%), pneumonia (5%) and hyperglycemia (5%). One (1.7%) patient had febrile neutropenia. Dose modifications were rarely required. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) of any grade was infrequent (7 patients, 12%) with a single case of Grade 3 PN (2%) in a pt with a history of THAL-induced PN that lasted 41 days. The CFZ dose was reduced and the event resolved to Grade 1 while on CFZ and prior to study discontinuation. Of the12 patients with impaired renal function at baseline, none required dose modifications due to renal AE. Overall, 5 patients have completed the full 12-cycle protocol and another 5 (9%) have completed ≥ 9 cycles; 17 patients (30%) are continuing on study. Conclusions: The 45% ORR (CBR 63%) is noteworthy for a single-agent regimen in patients with tumor progression despite therapy with novel combinations. CFZ can be safely administered to patients with significant comorbidities (e.g. peripheral neuropathy, leukopenia, renal dysfunction, diabetes) when other anti-myeloma agents may not be well tolerated. Enrollment to PX-171-004 is continuing and, based on the safety profile, subjects are now permitted to dose escalate to 27 mg/m2. Disclosures: Wang: Proteolix: Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: testing testing. Siegel:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Jakubowiak:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Centocor Ortho Biotech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Exelixis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Kukreti:Celgene: Honoraria. Bahlis:Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Ortho Biotech: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. McDonagh:Proteolix: Research Funding. Belch:Ortho Biotech: Honoraria, Research Funding. Le:Proteolix, Inc.: Employment. Bennett:Proteolix: Employment. Kunkel:Proteolix: Consultancy, Employment. Kauffman:Proteolix, Inc.: Employment. Vij:Proteolix, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Variation During Carfilzomib Treatment Is Associated to Best Response in Multiple Myeloma.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2865-2865

10.1182/blood.v114.22.2865.2865

Abstract Abstract 2865 Poster Board II-841 BACKGROUND: The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, which has been shown to be an essential cellular degradative system in myeloma cells, can also regulate bone formation through its effects on osteoblast differentiation. Retrospective analysis of variation of ALP during treatment with bortezomib indicates a close correlation between myeloma response and serum ALP levels which multiple studies have shown to be of bone origin. To determine if this effect is a class effect of proteasome inhibitors (PIs), this retrospective study analyzed variation of ALP in relationship to myeloma response during treatment with carfilzomib, the first in a new class of selective epoxyketone PIs that has demonstrated encouraging safety and efficacy in two phase 2 studies of relapsed or refractory myeloma patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of serum ALP was performed on relapsed or refractory myeloma patients enrolled on two phase 2 studies (PX-171-003 and PX- 171-004) evaluating the safety and efficacy of single agent carfilzomib. We analyzed data from 38 patients in the first cohort of the PX-171-003 study, a relapsed and refractory myeloma trial for patients who have received ≥ 3 prior therapies including bortezomib and an IMiD and 29 patients in PX-171-004, a relapsed or refractory myeloma trial that included bortezomib naïve patients. All patients received 20 mg/m2 of carfilzomib on Days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 of a 28-day cycle. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were enrolled. The median age was 63 years with a median time since diagnosis of 4.6 years, 52% were male, 84.% had relapsed after autologous transplants, 82.% were previously exposed to bortezomib, and 92% were previously exposed to an IMiD. Sixty seven patients with ALP data were evaluable for response. In PX-171-003 the ORR (≥PR) was 18% and the clinical benefit response (CBR; ≥MR) was 26%, while in PX-171-004 the ORR was 35.5% overall and 57% in bortezomib naive patients. ALP increment from baseline, which was most evident during the second cycle of treatment, was statistically different in patients who achieved ≥VGPR compared to all others on Days 1 (P=0.0049) and 8 (P=0.006) of Cycle 2. In all patients achieving a VGPR or better, ALP increased more than 15 units per liter at Cycle 2 Day 1 over baseline An ALP increase over the same period of time was seen in 26 %, 13%, and 11% of patients achieving PR, MR, and SD, respectively. None of the patients with progressive disease exhibited a similar increase. Our study indicates that response first assessed on Day 15 of Cycle 1 parallels the ALP elevation which returned to baseline levels at the end of Cycle 3. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective analysis on a subset of patients in these ongoing phase 2 studies of single agent carfilzomib in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma suggests that elevation in ALP may be associated with best response. Taken with previous publications describing bortezomib treatment, these results suggest that this specific anabolic bone phenomenon could be a class effect of proteasome inhibitors. These phase 2 studies are ongoing with a higher dose of carfilzomib (27 mg/m2) being evaluated. The data from this small subset analysis suggests that further exploration of this relationship is warranted. Disclosures: Zangari: Milllennium: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; OrthoBiotech: Honoraria; Optum Health: Honoraria; Educational Concepts Group, LLC: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Vij:Proteolix: Consultancy, Research Funding. Jagannath:Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria. Siegel:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Stewart:Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Proteolix: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Wang:Proteolix: Honoraria, Research Funding. Belch:Ortho Biotech: Honoraria, Research Funding. Jakubowiak:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Centocor Ortho Biotech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Exelixis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Trudel:Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Ortho Biotech: Honoraria. Bahlis:Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Ortho Biotech: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Lonial:Celgene: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Gloucester: Research Funding. Singhal:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Speakers Bureau.
Multicenter Phase I Studies To Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Clinical Response to Intensive Dosing with the Proteasome Inhibitor PR-171 in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hematological Malignancies.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 108 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 2430-2430

10.1182/blood.v108.11.2430.2430

Abstract INTRODUCTION: PR-171 is a novel, irreversible proteasome inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of hematological malignancies. In preclinical studies, PR-171 was well tolerated in rats and monkeys when given daily × 5 (QDx5), every two weeks. Proteasome inhibition determined in blood and other tissues one hour after dosing at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was >80%. Despite the irreversible mechanism of action, the half-life of recovery of proteasome inhibition in tissues was approximately 24 hours. PR-171 was effective in suppression of tumor growth in xenograft studies in mice when administered QDx2 every week for three weeks. Two phase I dose-escalation studies have been initiated, aimed at determining the safety, tolerability, and clinical response to PR-171. METHODS: Two different dose-intensive schedules were employed in these phase I studies. In PX-171-001, PR-171 was administered on a two week cycle, QDx5 with nine days rest, while in PX-171-002, PR-171 was administered on a four week cycle, QDx2 weekly for three weeks with 12 days rest. The objective of these studies was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of single-agent PR-171 administered according to a modified Fibonacci dose escalation scheme in cohorts of three. Patients with multiple myeloma (MM), non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin disease, or Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia who received two or more prior treatments were eligible. RESULTS: Both studies were initiated with a dose of 1.2 mg/m2. Thus far, a total of 15 and 23 subjects have been enrolled in PX-171–001 and -002, respectively. PR-171 has been well tolerated at the highest doses thus far, 8.4 and 15 mg/m2, respectively. Proteasome inhibition in whole blood at the highest dose levels exceeded 75%, and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells inhibition exceeded 65%, one hour after the first dose. There have been no dose-limiting toxicities, no adverse events (AEs) considered probably related to study medication, no dose-related increases in the incidence or severity of AEs, and no incidence of painful peripheral neuropathy on either study. Although the MTD has not yet been identified on either study, preliminary evidence of efficacy has been observed with reduction in myeloma paraprotein levels and symptomatic improvement in patients on both protocols. Eleven subjects remain on study with stable disease (SD), which has been observed in MM and NHL patients on both studies, lasting up to eight months. CONCLUSION: PR-171 is well-tolerated in relapsed and refractory MM and NHL patients at proteasome inhibition levels of more than 75%. Several subjects have achieved long-lasting SD, reduction in paraprotein levels or symptomatic improvement. Further data from these ongoing trials will be discussed at the meeting.
HLA Haplotypes Are Associated with Multiple Myeloma Risk in the African American Multiple Myeloma Study (AAMMS)

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 3250-3250

10.1182/blood.v128.22.3250.3250

Abstract Background: Persons of African ancestry (AA) have a 2-3-fold higher risk of multiple myeloma (MM) than persons of European ancestry (EA). Like other B-cell malignancies, genome-wide association scans (GWAS) have identified MM risk variants in the HLA region in persons of EA. We conducted a case-control analysis with data from the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)1comprising MM patients typed for bone marrow transplant to donor controls matched by race-ethnicity, and found associations between specific HLA alleles/haplotypes and MM risk that varied by race and ethnicity. To confirm our results and identify additional novel signals, we have now investigated associations between HLA alleles and haplotypes and MM risk in the African American Multiple Myeloma Study (AAMMS) Cohort. Methods: The source of subjects was the AAMMS, in which AA MM patients were identified from 10 cancer centers and 4 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End-Results (SEER) Program cancer registries in order to identify genetic risk factors for MM among AAs. A GWAS was conducted using the Illumina Human Core BeadChip array on DNA samples from 1,305 AA MM patients in the AAMMS comparing results to those from 7,078 AA controls with GWAS data generated from the Illumina 1MDuo2. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were imputed to classical HLA variants using HIBAG. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate HLA associations, adjusting for sex, age and the first 2 principal components. P-values were adjusted for false discovery rate (FDR) for each locus group. Results: We did not identify any single HLA alleles associated with MM risk among AAs. However, several B*07:02-containing haplotypes were associated with MM risk (odds ratios [OR] ranging from 2.38 to 2.64 and FDR P-values ranging from 1.43 x 10-6 to 3.57 x 10-8). We found associations between MM risk and genotypes containing DRB3*02:02, including DRB3*02:02~DRB1*11:01+ DRB3*02:02~DRB1*11:01 (OR=1.93, PFDR= 9.36 x 10-5) similar to those observed in the NMDP study1. Novel findings included associations between MM risk and HLA Class I haplotypes B*53:01+ B*57:01 (OR=1.94, PFDR= 0.003) and C04:01~B*53:01+C*06:02~B*57:01 (OR=1.96, PFDR= 0.0050). Results from an ongoing meta-analysis between the two data sets (one based on an imputed GWAS and one based on NMDP HLA typing) will be presented. Conclusions: This study is the second to examine HLA alleles and risk of MM among AA's and is by far the largest. We confirmed a previously observed association between an HLA Class II DRB3 variant and MM risk and confirmed an association with B*07 haplotypes previously observed among EAs1. We also identified novel associations between other HLA Class I haplotypes and MM risk in AA's. Because HLA is highly polymorphic, many HLA alleles are rare variants for which genetic associations are difficult to detect without very large sample sizes. Further investigation with large sample sizes will be necessary to refine these associations in order to better identify the underlying causal alleles and determine the functional significance of these HLA associations. 1Beksac M, Gragert L, Fingerson S, et al.: HLA polymorphism and risk of multiple myeloma.Leukemia. 2016 Jul 27. doi: 10.1038/leu.2016.199. 2Rand KA, Song C, Hwang AE, et al. Genetic susceptibility markers of multiple myeloma in African-Americans. Abstract # 2030, 56th Annual American Society of Hematology Meeting, San Francisco, California, 2014. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy. Nooka:Spectrum, Novartis, Onyx pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Zonder:Pharmacyclics: Other: DSMC membership; Prothena: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria. Lonial:BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy.
SWOG 1211: Initial Report on PHASE I Trial of RVD-Elotuzumab for NEWLY Diagnosed High Risk Multiple Myeloma (HRMM)

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4762-4762

10.1182/blood.v124.21.4762.4762

Abstract BACKGROUND: The introduction of novel agents and proteasome inhibitors, and advances in high dose therapy administration has made an impact on the survival outcomes for MM patients. However, HRMM still remains a therapeutic challenge with poor prognosis. Even with aggressive approaches such as the Total Therapy protocols, patients with poor genomic risk have a 2-year event-free survival of ~50% (Nair et al, Blood 2010). A randomized Phase I/II trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of adding immunotherapy into the first line for HRMM patients, comparing lenalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVD) with or without addition of elotuzumab (Elo), a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to SLAMF7/CS1. We are reporting on the Phase I portion of the study. PATIENTS & METHODS: The objective of Phase I was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of RVD-Elo. Both low/standard risk MM and HRMM patients were eligible. HRMM was defined by one or more of the following: (1) poor risk genomics by the Arkansas 70-gene model, (2) translocation (14;16), translocation (14;20) and/or deletion (17p) by florescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), (3) primary plasma cell leukemia and (4) serum LDH > 2 times normal levels. The treatment consisted of induction chemotherapy for 8 cycles with RVD-Elo (lenalidomide 25 mg orally days 1-14 of every 21-day cycle; bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 subcutaneously days 1,4,8,11; dexamethasone 20 mg orally days 1,2,4,5,8,9,11,12; elotuzumab 10 mg/kg intravenously days 1,8,15 cycles 1-2 then days 1,11 cycles 3-8) followed by dose-attenuated RVD-Elo maintenance (lenalidomide 25 mg orally days 1-14; bortezomib 1.0 mg/m2 subcutaneously days 1,8,15; dexamethasone 12 mg orally days 1,8,15; elotuzumab 10 mg/kg intravenously days 1,15) until disease relapse, progression or intolerance. Adverse events (AE) were recorded as per the NCI CTCAEv4.0. RESULTS: Eight newly diagnosed MM patients were enrolled on the Phase I run-in study. Six patients (Figure 1) were evaluable for dose limiting toxicities (DLT) during Cycle 1 as per protocol. The median age of patients was 67 years (range: 56-79 years), with 67% ≥65 years, Hgb was less than 10 g/dL in 50%, creatinine was greater than 2 mg/dL in all patients. ISS stage distribution was 17% (I), 33% (II) and 50% (III). Deletion 13 was observed in 1 patient (17%). The most common AEs (all grades) were fatigue (100%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (83%), edema (83%), lymphopenia (66%) and leukopenia (50%). The most common Grade 3 AEs were peripheral sensory neuropathy (33%), one of which was a DLT, neutropenia (17%) and thrombocytopenia (17%). One Grade 4 lymphopenia was observed. All 6 patients have completed 8 cycles of RVD-Elo induction therapy and 5 patients have completed at least 4 cycles of RVD-Elo maintenance. Overall median days on therapy per cycle were 13 days during induction and 20 days per cycle during maintenance. Dose adjustments were made in 83% of patients for bortezomib, 83% for lenalidomide and 33% for dexamethasone. There were no dose reductions for elotuzumab, although three patients had 1 event each of dose delays/missed dosing attributable to AE/SAE from RVD. Efficacy data will be released at the time that the phase II study of RVD +/- Elo is mature. Discussion/Conclusion: The RVD-Elo is a safe well-tolerated regimen for newly diagnosed MM patients without major additive AE/SAE beyond what is already known about RVD. This is the first report of the only phase I experience combining the triple-drug regimen RVD with the monoclonal antibody Elotuzumab for newly diagnosed MM. Support: NCI grants CA32102, CA38926, CA180821, CA31946, CA21076, CA180799, CA21115, CA180820 and in part by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Disclosures Usmani: Celgene Corporation: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Onyx: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy; Array BioPharma: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. Ailawadhi:Millennium: Honoraria. Shah:Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array: Consultancy, Research Funding. Rosenzweig:Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Durie:IRC J&J: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene Corp: Expert Board Committee Other; IRC Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; DMC Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Orlowski:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Spectrum Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; JW Pharmaceutical: Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Genetic Susceptibility Markers of Multiple Myeloma in African-Americans

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2030-2030

10.1182/blood.v124.21.2030.2030

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is 2-3 times more common among African-Americans compared to non-Hispanic whites. The 2-3-fold increased risk among family members of cases suggests a genetic contribution to risk. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in populations of European ancestry have identified seven novel risk loci at 2p23.3 (rs6746082), 3q26.2 (rs10936599), 3p22.1 (rs1052501), 6p21.32 (rs2285803), 7p15.3 (rs4487645), 17p11.2 (rs4273077) and 22q13.1 (rs877529) (Broderick, et al. Nat Genet, 2011, Chubb, et al. Nat Genet, 2013), three of which were replicated in another European series (Martino et al., Br J Haematol, 2012). Here we examined the index signals and conducted fine-mapping for each locus in a case-control study of 1,049 multiple myeloma cases and 7,084 controls of African ancestry to identify better markers of risk and novel independent loci in seven previously reported regions in this high risk population. Incident cases were recruited from 10 clinical centers and SEER cancer registries from 2011 to 2013 and genotyped using the Illumina HumanCore GWAS array. Control data were obtained from previous genome-wide studies of breast and prostate cancer, genotyped using the Illumina 1M-Duo in 4425 male controls from the African Ancestry Prostate Cancer Consortium (consisting of 14 independent studies) and 2632 female controls from a breast cancer GWAS of African-American women (consisting of 9 independent studies). Imputation to 1000 Genomes (March 2012 release) was conducted for regions around six of the previously identified single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] (the HLA region harboring rs2285803 is still being imputed, results will be presented). A case-control analysis of SNPs/indels >1% frequency within 250 kb of each index variant was conducted using unconditional multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, sex and five leading principal components. Region-specific alpha levels were determined through permutation tests. The minimum alpha level across the six regions was α=0.002. All previously reported risk variants were common in African-Americans (minor allele frequency [MAF] >0.05). For five of the six SNPs, we had ≥94% power to detect the same effect observed in non-Hispanic whites, and 64% power for the less common variant rs10936599 (MAF=0.07). We observed directionally consistent effects (odds ratio [OR]>1) for the six risk variants tested, with three replicating at p≤0.05 (7p15.3, p=1.4x10-7; 17p11.2, p=0.05; 22q13.1, p=0.02). For three of the six regions, we observed better markers of risk in African-Americans that were correlated with the index SNP in Europeans (7p15.3, rs56333627, p=1.5x10-5, r2=0.89; 17p11.2, rs34562254, p=2.9x10-3, r2=0.90; 22q13.1, rs2092410, p=1.1x10-4 r2=.71). The missense variant identified in the 17p11.2 region (rs34562254, Pro251Leu) is located in TNFRSF13B, which encodes the protein TACI, a B cell surface receptor which plays a role in B cell maturation, apoptosis and antibody production by inducing activation of transcription factors including NFAT and NFκβ. In addition, there is evidence suggesting that TACI is involved in MM pathogenesis. Our results demonstrate that many of the risk loci for MM found in European ancestry populations are also risk loci in men and women of African ancestry and that by fine-mapping, we are able to identify variants that better capture risk in populations of African ancestry. Disclosures Terebelo: Celgene Corp: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lonial:Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Inhibition of the Proteasome in Bone Marrow-Derived CD138+ Tumor Cells Following Carfilzomib Administration in Relapsed or Refractory Myeloma Patients.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1845-1845

10.1182/blood.v114.22.1845.1845

Abstract Abstract 1845 Poster Board I-871 Background: Proteasome inhibition is an effective strategy for the treatment of multiple myeloma. In patients, proteasome inhibition has primarily been measured in peripheral blood samples (whole blood or mononuclear cells). However, it is unknown whether myeloma cells in the bone marrow (BM) are equally sensitive to proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib (BTZ) and carfilzomib (CFZ). Aim: To measure proteasome inhibition in purified tumor cells from BM samples taken from patients enrolled in two ongoing Phase 2 trials of single agent CFZ in relapsed or refractory myeloma: PX-171-003 (003) and PX-171-004 (004). Methods: CFZ was administered as an IV bolus of 20 mg/m2 on Days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 of a 28-day cycle on both trials. Bone marrow samples, from an optional sub-study of both trials, were taken during screening and Day 2 (post-treatment) and sorted into CD138+ and CD138− cells. Proteasome activity was measured by an enzymatic assay using a fluorogenic substrate (LLVY-AMC) for the chymotrypsin-like (CT-L) activity and an active site ELISA (ProCISE) to quantitate levels of the CT-L subunits of the constitutive proteasome (Beta5) and immunoproteasome (LMP7) and the immunoproteasome subunit MECL1. Results: Whole blood samples from patients treated with CFZ showed inhibition of CT-L activity of ∼80+, similar to values obtained in Phase 1 studies. A total of 10 CD138+ screening samples, 6 from 004 and 4 from 003, and 9 post-dose samples, 5 from 004 and 4 from 003, were analyzed for proteasome levels and activity. In addition, 15 CD138−screening samples, 7 from 004 and 8 from 003, and 9 post-dose samples, 5 from 004 and 4 from 003, were analyzed. When compared to the average base-line activity, CFZ treatment resulted in 88% CT-L inhibition in CD-138+tumor cells from 004 patients (P = 0.0212 by unpaired t-test) and 59% CT-L inhibition in CD-138+ tumor cells from 003 patients (P = 0.25). Baseline CT-L activity in CD138+ tumor cells was 3-fold higher in 004 than 003, which includes a more heavily pre-treated patient population with greater prior exposure to BTZ. Higher specific enzymatic activity was due to increased levels of both constitutive and immunoproteasomes in tumor cells, where immunoproteasomes account for >75% of total cellular proteasomes. No differences between trials were seen in baseline CT-L activity from non-tumor (CD138−) cells. Inhibition in CD138− cells was 84% (P = 0.0380 and 42% (P = 0.38) in 004 and 003, respectively. Using ProCISE, we measured inhibition of LMP7 (66%), beta5 (48%) and MECL1 (64%) in CD138+ tumor cells from 004 patients. Three patients from 004 and one from 003 had both a screening and post-dose tumor cell samples available for analysis. Inhibition of CT-L activity was >80% in two of the 3 patients on 004; the third patient showed no proteasome inhibition by ProCISE and was unavailable for analysis by CT-L. CT-L activity in the CD138+ tumor cells in the 003 patient was not inhibited, however, inhibition was seen in non-tumor cells. Conclusions: CFZ inhibits the proteasome activity of myeloma cells in the bone marrow of relapsed and refractory myeloma patients. The levels of inhibition were similar to those measured in whole blood samples, supporting the use of the blood-based assay as a surrogate marker for proteasome inhibition in tumor cells. CFZ treatment resulted in inhibition of both CT-L subunits as well as additional subunits of the immunoproteasome in tumor cells. Reduced baseline activity in the more heavily pretreated 003 patients may reflect reduced tumor-dependency on the proteasome and may be related to prior treatment with BTZ in these patients. More samples are needed in order to make correlations between levels of proteasome inhibition in bone marrow tumor cells and prior therapies or response. These observations support further evaluation of proteasome activity and the effects of this promising new agent in primary tumors cells from myeloma patients. Disclosures: Trudel: Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Ortho Biotech: Honoraria. Lee:Proteolix, Inc.: Employment. Kirk:Proteolix, Inc.: Employment. Lonial:Celgene: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Gloucester: Research Funding. Wang:Proteolix, Inc.: Research Funding. Kukreti:Celgene: Honoraria. Stewart:Genzyme, Celgene, Millenium, Proteolix: Honoraria; Takeda, Millenium: Research Funding; Takeda-Millenium, Celgene, Novartis, Amgen: Consultancy. Jagannath:Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. McDonagh:Proteolix: Research Funding. Zonder:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy; Millennium: Research Funding. Bennett:Proteolix: Employment.
Inhibition of Spleen Tyrosine Kinase with Fostamatinib Shows Pre-Clinical Activity Against Models of Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3723-3723

10.1182/blood.v120.21.3723.3723

Abstract Abstract 3723 Background: Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), a lymphoproliferative disorder with marrow infiltration by lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma cells and production of monoclonal IgM, is characterized clinically by good initial responses to standard therapeutic approaches. However, a minority of patients achieve a complete remission, and most inevitably relapse, indicating a need for validation of new, targeted therapies. Notably, B-cell receptor signaling has been linked to clonal evolution in WM, and Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is over-expressed in primary patient cells. Also, a recent phase I/II study of the Syk inhibitor fostamatinib in patients with a variety of non-Hodgkin lymphomas showed evidence of activity in three patients with WM. These findings supported our central hypothesis, which proposed that Syk could be a rational new target for therapy of WM, which we pursued first with pre-clinical studies. Methods: Studies of fostamatinib were performed using the WM cell line MWCL-1, and the IgM-producing cell line BWCM.1, as well as in primary cells from patients with WM, and in a novel murine xenograft model utilizing MWCL-1 cells. Results: Fostamatinib induced a time- and dose-dependent reduction in viability of MWCL-1 and BWCM.1 cells, with median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) that were in the physiologically relevant range of approximately 0.25 and 1 μM, respectively, at 3 days. Cell cycle analysis showed a decrease in cells at S-phase and at G2/M, while an increase was seen in cells in G1, and in the sub-G1fraction, suggesting induction of apoptosis. Consistent with the possibility that there was activation of type I programmed cell death, increased staining was seen in fostamatinb-treated cells with an antibody to Annexin V. Interestingly, evidence was seen of the induction of type II programmed cell death, or autophagy, as measured by an increase in cells staining with the lysotropic dye acridine orange. At the molecular level, fostamatinib blocked signaling through p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), MAPK kinase (MEK), protein kinase B/Akt, and Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase (ZAP)-70/Syk, as judged by a reduction in the phosphorylated forms of these intermediates by Western blotting. Notably, the viability of primary cells isolated from patients with WM was also reduced in association with blockade of p44/42 MAPK. Finally, a novel murine xenograft model was generated by injection of MWCL-1 cells into immunodeficient mice, which developed measurable tumors. When these were treated with fostamatinib, a delay in tumor growth was demonstrable. Conclusions: Targeting Syk with fostamatinib is an attractive strategy against pre-clinical models of WM both in vitro and in vivo. These findings lend further support for translation of fostamatinib to the clinic for patients with relapsed, and possibly even newly diagnosed WM. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Influence of Cytogenetics in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM) Treated with Carfilzomib (CFZ).

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1827-1827

10.1182/blood.v114.22.1827.1827

Abstract Abstract 1827 Poster Board I-853 Background It is now well established that cytogenetic abnormalities can affect the responses to therapies in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Bortezomib, used alone or in combination with other agents, has been shown to overcome the adverse impact of several common unfavorable cytogenetic features. More recently, responses with lenalidomide and dexamethasone have been reported in patients with some types of unfavorable cytogenetics. Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a novel proteasome inhibitor that has demonstrated single agent activity in relapsed and/or refractory MM patients. The objective of this analysis was to provide the first preliminary information on the influence of cytogenetics in patients (pts) with relapsed and/or refractory MM treated with CFZ. Methods We evaluated 79 pts treated on two single agent CFZ studies (PX-171-003 and PX-171-004) in relapsed and/or refractory myeloma in which metaphase cytogenetics and/or FISH analysis for del 13q, t(4:14), and t(14;16) chromosomal abnormalities were available. Metaphase cytogenetics was conducted for all pts in the analysis; fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results were available for 28 of the 79 pts. Twenty-one pts with relapsed and refratory MM (PX-171-003) and 58 pts with relapsed or refractory MM (PX-171-004) received CFZ at 20 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 in a 28-day cycle for up to 12 cycles. For this analysis, responders were defined as pts who achieved at least a Minor Response (MR) [MR + Partial Response (PR) + Very Good Partial Response (VGPR) + Complete Response (CR)] by IMWG and EBMT criteria. Results The median age of analysed pts was 63 yrs and 100% of pts were relapsed, with 70% refractory to their last therapy. Analysis of their histories demonstrated prior thalidomide treatment in 75% of pts, prior lenalidomide treatment in 57%, prior bortezomib treatment in 55%, and prior stem cell transplantation in 84%. The response rate (≥MR) for the entire group of patients was 40.5%. Twenty three of 79 pts had at least one of the abnormalities. The presence of del 13q, t(4;14), or t(14;16) did not significantly change the response rates, with 43.5% of pts with one or more abnormalities responding compared to 39.3% with none. The median time to progression (TTP) for all patients in this analysis was 203 days. The TTP for pts with one or more of the abnormalities was 195 days and was not significantly different from the TTP of 208 days for pts with none of the abnormalities (Figure; P > 0.05). Conclusion In this preliminary analysis, CFZ showed comparable activity in relapsed and relapsed/refractory MM with del 13q and/or t(4:14), and/or t(14;16) versus none of these abnormalities, with ≥MR in 43.5% vs. 39.3% of patients, and a TTP of 195 vs. 208 days, respectively. Updated efficacy data and TTP data will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures Jakubowiak: Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Centocor Ortho Biotech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Exelixis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Wang:Proteolix, Inc.: Research Funding. Jagannath:Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Siegel:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Stewart:Takeda-Millenium, Celgene, Novartis, Amgen: Consultancy; Takeda, Millenium: Research Funding; Genzyme, Celgene, Millenium, Proteolix: Honoraria. Kukreti:Celgene: Honoraria. Lonial:Celgene: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Gloucester: Research Funding. McDonagh:Proteolix: Research Funding. Vallone:Proteolix, Inc.: Employment. Kauffman:Proteolix, Inc.: Employment. Vij:Proteolix: Research Funding.