Citations 357

The Significant Contribution of Pain in Determining the Health Status of Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 4495-4495

10.1182/blood.v126.23.4495.4495

Abstract BACKGROUND: Most cancer patients with bone metastases report significant pain and substantial impairment in their ability to function. In particular, patients with MM are susceptible to bone pain because of bone damage. Patient-reported outcomes such as a general health outcome measure and a legacy pain instrument may provide valuable information in determining the impact of this condition. The goal of this study was to provide a descriptive profile of health status for cancer patients using the EQ-5D-3L (EQ-5D), a commonly used tool to measure health utility scores. Another goal is to evaluate the predictive information provided by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), a self-report pain assessment tool designed to capture pain severity and interference in patients. These information may be useful in estimating the health status of patients where the EQ-5D was not administered. METHODS: Data was pooled across three denosumab registrational trials '20050136', '20050103', and '20050244'. Patients completed the EQ-5D and the BPI at baseline. Eligible patients had histologically confirmed advanced cancers, radiographic evidence of at least one bone metastasis (or lytic bone lesion from multiple myeloma), ECOG of 2 or better and adequate organ function. Using data from patients with MM (N=168), descriptive statistics were used to present summary information on health-related quality of life states and utility scores. Linear regressions were used to examine how BPI severity and interference subscale scores relate with EQ-5D utility scores. Ordinal regressions were used to evaluate how well BPI items predict EQ-5D individual items. Bonferroni adjustments were made when evaluating the relationships of BPI items to individual EQ-5D items. These analyses were repeated using data across several groups of cancer patients to determine if similar results can be obtained (breast cancer, N=2,044, prostate cancer, N=1,819 and others, N=1,509). RESULTS: About 9% of MM patients reported perfect health compared with 11% of all cancer patients. Of the 5 dimensions measured by the EQ-5D, the MM cohort rated pain (80%) the highest with moderate to extreme problems. This was followed by usual activities (68%), mobility (63%), anxiety/depression (49%), and self-care (36%). Similar order was observed across all cancer groups, but with slightly lower percentages for most items: pain (78%), usual activities (58%), mobility (55%), anxiety/depression (57%), and self-care (26%). Although pain interference subscale score explained more of the variability in the EQ-5D utility scores compared with pain severity items in the MM cohort (39% vs 31%) and for all patients (41% vs 34%), model fit was less than ideal (mean squared error=0.23 - 0.25). Hence, BPI items were fitted into individual EQ-5D items. Ordinal regression models fitting BPI items into individual EQ-5D items for the MM cohort showed good predictive power as measured by the concordance index c for mobility (86%), self-care (80%), usual activities (83%), pain (90%) and anxiety/depression (78%). For all patients, similar model fit were obtained for mobility (83%), self-care (78%), usual activities (81%), pain (90%) and anxiety/depression (72%). Further examination of the ordinal regression models across all groups showed that three BPI pain severity items, 'pain at its worst', 'average pain' and 'pain now' in addition to interference with activity and interference with work significantly predicted the EQ-5D pain item. Five interference items, activity, walking ability, work, sleep and enjoyment of life significantly predicted the EQ-5D usual activities item. Finally, 'pain now' and four interference items, relationship with others, enjoyment of life, mood, and activity significantly predicted the EQ-5D anxiety/depression item. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MM reported several functional limitations on the EQ-5D. Majority of the patients reported moderate to extreme problems in all EQ-5D dimensions except self-care. Model fit of ordinal regression models relating BPI items with EQ-5D items are reasonable underscoring the benefit of using the BPI for planning patient care and health status evaluation. This consistency was also found across cancer groups that primarily include breast and prostate. The resultant model demonstrates the significant contribution of pain severity and interference in determining health status in this patient population. Disclosures Mendoza: Amgen Inc.: Consultancy. Shi:Amgen Inc.: Consultancy. Ma:Amgen Inc.: Employment. Zhang:Amgen Inc.: Employment. Qian:Amgen Inc.: Employment. Cleeland:Amgen Inc.: Consultancy.
Living with Cancer: An Educational Intervention in Cancer Patients Can Improve Knowledge Deficit

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3321-3321

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3321.3321

Abstract Background: A diagnosis of cancer leads to significant information requirements to facilitate health care decision making, understand management options, and health care system navigation. Many patients demonstrate a knowledge deficit that can lead to decreased quality of life and poor health care compliance. This study sought to evaluate the impact of a patient centered cancer symposium on knowledge level, symptom burden, and desired information in a broad population of cancer patients. Methods: Surveys were distributed to attendees of the Mayo Clinic "Living with and Surviving Cancer" patient symposium in January 2015. A follow up survey was sent to participants 3 months after the symposium. Surveys included demographic data, questionnaire evaluating disease comprehension, symptom burden, desired information and quality of life. Results: Demographics: 113 patients completed the pre-intervention survey. Average age of participants was 64.7 years. Disease types represented included hematologic malignancies (N=50), specifically multiple myeloma (N=24), lymphoma (N=17), leukemia (N=6), MPN/MDS (n=3), as well as solid tumor malignancies (N=77). Highest knowledge topics were disease (80%), screening tests (74%), and monitoring tools (72%). Lowest knowledge topics were financial management (13%), legal issues (13%), and pain management (35%). Pre and Post Analysis: Of the 113 initial participants, 79 patients completed the pre- and post-symposium surveys. In the post-symposium setting significant improvement was noted in understanding of disease (pre 80% vs post 92%), treatment options (pre 60% vs post 76%), nutrition (pre 68% vs post 84%) and legal issues (pre 15% vs post 32%). Non-significant knowledge improvement was noted in areas of risk factors and symptoms, screening/monitoring tools, disease side effects, managing stress/fatigue, end of life decision making and health care navigation. Most patients desired increased understanding regarding disease, screening tests, nutrition, and stress and fatigue management. The level of patient reported desire for information of these topics decreased in the post-symposium setting, statistically significant decrease noted in 4 of 5 topics assessed. In hematology patients who completed pre and post surveys (N=36), a higher level of baseline knowledge was reported regarding disease understanding (89%), tools monitoring response (83%) and recurrence (75%), symptoms (83%), relapse symptoms (64%) and treatment options (72%). In this group the decrease in desire for information was less prominent in the post-symposium setting. Discussion: This data demonstrates improved patient reported understanding on a variety of topics with durable response at 3 months. A majority of patients reported adequate baseline knowledge of many topics prior to the symposium but also a desire of increased cancer specific information. Knowledge deficit in cancer care includes disease specific topics, social stressors and health care navigation. The percentage of participants reporting a high desire for more information remained high but did decrease, suggesting decreased knowledge deficit in the post-symposium setting. Patient education should strive to be accessible, all-inclusive and reactive to patient needs. Table 1.Reported "quite a bit" or "very much" understanding and desired information regarding cancer carePrePostP-valueN=79(%)N=79(%)I understand…How to manage financial considerations of my disease/treatment39(51)41(53)0.85How to manage my pain24(34)23(32)0.81Risk factors that can lead to my disease37 (49)42 (56)0.56How to navigate the health care system43(55)47(60)0.56How to manage fatigue38(50)43(56)0.54Process of making end of life decisions33(47)41(53)0.52Screening tests60 (76)63 (81)0.5Symptoms associated with relapse35(45)42(54)0.27Disease symptoms54(70)60(76)0.2Tools monitoring recurrence49(62)56 (72)0.19Tools monitoring response56(71)63(81)0.15How to manage stress46(60)56(71)0.12Legal issues of my disease11(15)24(32)<0.05Treatment options47(60)60(76)<0.05What to eat49(68)66(84)<0.05My disease62(80)71(92)<0.05I desire increased understanding…Of my disease59(77)53(70)0.4Of managing stress50(65)35(51)<0.05Regarding nutrition64(84)54(70)<0.05Of the screening tests62(79)43(57)<0.05How to manage fatigue54(72)42(54)<0.05 Disclosures Tibes: TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Mesa:Novartis. Research- incyte, Gilead, cti, Genentech, promedior, NS Pharma: Consultancy.
A Phase II Clinical Trial of Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (R-CyBor-D) in Relapsed Low Grade and Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4410-4410

10.1182/blood.v124.21.4410.4410

Abstract Introduction Non-Hodgkin lymphoma responds to single agents such as cyclophosphamide, combination therapy such as CVP and immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment for relapsed low grade or mantle cell lymphoma. Based on the success and tolerability of combining alkylating agents with proteasome inhibitors in multiple myeloma, a phase II clinical trial of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (R-CyBor-D) was designed to explore the efficacy and safety of this combination in relapsed low grade and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Methods This trial enrolled relapsed patients at Mayo Clinic from October 2008 to March 2014. Eligibility required age≥18; biopsy proven follicular grades 1 or 2 lymphoma (FL), MCL, small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia, marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, or Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM); life expectancy >3 months; ECOG PS 0, 1 or 2; measurable disease; Hb ≥8g/dl, ANC ≥1200/uL, platelet ≥75,000/uL, creatinine ≤1.5xULN, total bilirubin ≤1.5xULN, alkaline phosphatase ≤3xULN, AST ≤3xULN; and willingness to sign informed consent. Women of child bearing potential had pregnancy testing and all patients followed recommendations for contraception. Treatment included rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV on day 1 and oral cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2, IV bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2, and oral dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 in a 28-day cycle. Treatment was continued two cycles beyond best response or a maximum of 12 cycles. Allopurinol 300 mg on days 0-14 for the first cycle was strongly recommended. Results 21 patients were enrolled prior to study closure due to slow accrual. Bortezomib was initially given on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 in the first 16 patients, but was subsequently modified to days 1, 8, 15, and 22 due to significant peripheral neuropathy (PN). Median age was 69 years (range 51-80) and 13 (62%) were male. 62% had stage IV disease and 17 (81%) had 2 or more prior treatments with 3 (14%) having prior autologous stem cell transplantation. Histologies included FL-I (n=6), FL-II (n=2), MCL (n=8), and WM (n=5). Patients completed a median of 4 cycles of treatment (range 1-12), discontinuing due to 9 (43%) completion per protocol, 4 (19%) progression, 5 (24%) adverse events, 1 (5%) patient refusal, and 2 (10%) other reasons. Median follow-up is 32.8 months (0.9-54.8). CR or PR as best response was observed in 13 (62%, 95% CI 38-82%; 4 CR [19%], 9 PR [43%]) patients. By histology, CR or PR was observed in 7 (88%) FL patients (4 CR, 3 PR); 2 (25%) MCL patients (both PR), and 4 (80%) WM patients (all PR). CR or PR was observed in 10/16 (62%; 4 CR, 6 PR) before and 3/5 (60%; all PR) after the change in bortezomib schedule. Among 13 patients with CR or PR, median duration of response was 25.9 months (95% CI 8.0-not reached). Median PFS and OS were 11.6 months (95% CI 3.8-not reached) and 54.8 months (95% CI 24.6-54.8), respectively. At least one Gr≥3 adverse event at least possible related was observed in 14 (67%) patients, the most common being leucopenia (7, 33%), neutropenia (7, 33%), thrombocytopenia (6, 29%), anemia (5, 24%), PN (5, 24%), and fatigue (3, 14%). Peripheral sensory neuropathy at least possibly related was Gr1, Gr2, and Gr3 in 5 (24%) patients each, with a lower rate observed for patients after the change in bortezomib schedule (before 13/16 [81%] Gr≥1, after 2/5 [40%] Gr≥1). Among 14 patients who completed a baseline and at least one post-baseline FACT/GOG-NTX additional concerns questionnaire, 10 (71%) reported clinically meaningful (≥3-point) worsening in patient-reported neurotoxicity (8/11 [73%] before and 2/3 [67%] after the change in bortezomib schedule). Conclusions Our results suggest R-CyBor-D is a safe and effective combination in patients with relapsed low grade and mantle cell lymphomas. High response rates were seen in FL and WM. The majority of significant AE’s were hematologic. However, sensory neuropathy was common with twice weekly dosing of bortezomib and lessened with weekly dosing. Determination of optimal treatment regimens in this population remains an unmet need. Additional clinical trials including larger patient numbers are necessary to confirm these observations. This trial was sponsored by Millennium Disclosures Off Label Use: bortezomib was used in combination therapy to treat relapsed low grade lymphomas and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Bergsagel:Novartis: Research Funding; Constellation Pharmaceutical: Research Funding; OncoEthix: Research Funding; MundiPharma: Research Funding. Tiedemann:Janssen: Honoraria. Reeder:Millennium, Celgene, Novartis: Research Funding.
The Impact of Medical Comorbidities in MPN-Related Fatigue

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1862-1862

10.1182/blood.v124.21.1862.1862

Abstract Background: Philadelphia chromosome negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) include myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV), and essential thrombocythemia (ET). Pertinent to these disorders is the high persistence, prevalence, and severity of fatigue. Overall, excessive fatigue compared to age and gender matched controls occurs in greater than 95% of MPN patients (Blood. 2011;118(2):401-8). Physiologic etiologies of fatigue in these patients include cytokine dysregulation and impaired hematopoiesis, however to date no one has investigated the impact that cofounding medical illnesses have on MPN fatigue burden. Methods: A 70-item internet-based survey was developed by a team of MPN investigators, patient advocates from MPN Forum, and hosted by the Mayo Clinic Survey Research Center. The survey was promoted online via multiple MPN-related webpages including the MPN Forum, MPN Net, MPN Research Foundation, and MPN Voice during late February to March of 2014. Surveyed data included disease demographics such as splenomegaly, thrombosis, hemorrhage transfusions, medications, and phlebotomies. The MPN-SAF (including the MPN 10) was utilized including the 10-item brief fatigue inventory was used to assess disease burden (Blood. 2011 Jul 14;118(2):401-8). Comorbid conditions were assessed, including hypothyroidism, anemias, sleep disturbances, obesity, and heart and lung disorders. Data: Demographics. Overall 1788 MPN patients participated in the survey. Of these, 1676 consented to participate and provided additional data (i.e., completed at least 10 questions). Of these, 555 (33%) patients had ET, 651 (39.0%) had PV, and 417 (25.0%) had MF. Among MF patients, 44.1% had primary MF, 29.7% had post-PV MF, and 26.2% had post-ET MF. Respondents were 68% female with a mean age of 59. Overall brief fatigue inventory score had a mean of 4.4 (range 0-10). MPN-10 score average was 28.4 (range 0-83). Medical Comorbidities. Overall, many patients endorsed having comorbid medical diseases that could contribute to overall fatigue (Table1). Overall 20.2% of patients endorsed having low thyroid function, with 10% indicating they obtained this diagnosis in the last six months. Twenty three percent endorsed having a new sleep disturbance in the last six months. On average, patients tended to have an average to above average BMI (mean =26.3, median = 25.0). However, many patients also experienced a high rate of unintended weight loss (11.8% with >11lb weight loss in the last 6 months). Cytopenias were also frequently encountered, with 14.7% of participants having required previous transfusions. Among these, 46% required transfusions in the last 6 months. Thrombosis (18.3%), hemorrhage (14.7%), and anemia (48.0%) were relatively common. In the last six months, 11.1% of patients required iron supplementation and 2.2% required erythropoietin injections. Many patients also endorsed the use of medications that could contribute to overall fatigue. Correlations. Items significantly correlated with worsened fatigue score (BFI greater than or equal to four) included female gender (<0.001), age (p=0.0047), lower education level (<0.001) and lower BMI (<0.001). Current use of alcohol and tobacco was also significantly associated with greater burden of fatigue (<0.001 and 0.0025, respectively). Items not significantly associated with fatigue included DIPSS (MF only), IPSET (ET only) or PV risk scoring. Conclusions Overall patients with MPN experience an exclusive pattern of disabling fatigue. Many fatigue-related medications and medical comorbidities may contribute to the debilitating fatigue seen among MPN patients, although no specific comorbidities could account for the high prevalence of fatigue. Rates of comorbid disease burden varied widely compared to the general population. For some diseases including diabetes, rates among MPN populations were less than the general population (National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2014), however the rates of other comorbidities, such as hypothyroidism, were higher (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002;87:489–99). Similar to our previous studies, females tended to suffer from a higher mean fatigue burden than males (Geyer ASH 2014). Clinical and research-related determination of fatigue should take into account cofounding comorbid medical conditions that can contribute to overall fatigue burden. Disclosures Harrison: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; CTI: Consultancy; YM Bioscience: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; SBio: Consultancy. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Gilead: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Ns Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; Cti: Research Funding.
Symptom Severity and Clinical Variables of Polycythemia Vera Patients with Splenomegaly, Phlebotomy Requirements and/or Hydroxyurea Use: a Retrospective Evaluation of 1334 Patients

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1848-1848

10.1182/blood.v124.21.1848.1848

Abstract Background Polycythemia vera (PV) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder characterized by erythrocytosis, splenomegaly and a frequently burdensome symptom profile. Despite current guidelines of aspirin, phlebotomy, and selective cytoreduction, many patients have inadequately controlled PV-related symptoms and/or disease features. We performed a comparison of PV symptom burden/disease feature phenotypes to understand unmet needs in current medical management. Methods Data was collected prospectively amongst an international cohort of PV patients including symptom burden, demographics, and disease features. Subgroups were identified who had previously failed hydroxyurea (PV-HU), required ongoing phlebotomy (PV-P), had palpable splenomegaly (PV-S), or had all 3 features (PV-HUPS). Control groups were derived from the remaining PV patients lacking the specified subgroup trait; patients in whom the trait status was unknown were excluded from each respective control group. All participants completed the MPN specific symptom burden questionnaire (MPN-SAF TSS (MPN-10 – Table 1)) and had no prior history of splenectomy. Surveyed symptoms on the MPN-10 included the patient's perceptions of common MPN-related symptoms and overall quality of life (QOL) on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst imaginable) scale. PV risk scores were calculated using the 2013 criteria (Leukemia 2013). Comparison of symptoms between groups employed t-tests. Results Patient Demographics and Disease Features Between Phenotypic Groups A total of 1334 PV patients completed the MPN-10, and were assigned to categories of PV-HU (499 [37%]), PV-P (646 [48%]), PV-S (369, [28%]), and PV-HUPS (148 [12%]). The demographics between these groups were similar (comparable age (median range 60-63), PV risk scores (mean risk range: Low 16.4-23.7%; Intermediate 31.4%-36.6%; High 42.8%-47%). Mean hemoglobin was similar among PV subgroups (range 14.4-14.9); PV-HUPS had a higher mean WBC count (20.3 g/dL vs. 8.8-11.8 g/dL) and platelet count (703.5 x 10(9)/L vs. 327.5-462.8 x 10(9)/L), and disease duration (11.5 years vs. 6.4-8.8 years). Prior thrombosis was most common in PV-S patients (28.5% vs. 21.8-25.2%) and prior hemorrhage was most common in PV-HUPS patients (23.8% vs. 13.7-15.8%). Symptom Burden The MPN-10 scores of each problematic PV phenotype (HU, P, S, HUPS) were compared to the remainder of the PV cohort lacking the trait (PV-control; Table 1). Both individual symptom scores and TSS were highest for PV-HUPS patients (mean TSS 32.5 vs. 27.7-29.2). All problematic PV subgroups demonstrated significant differences for individual symptoms and TSS compared to PV-control. Comparing "problematic" subgroup responses, PV-HU patients described more inactivity whereas PV-S patients described more early satiety and pruritus. No statistical differences were noted in PV-HU, PV-P and PV-HUPS patient responses to MPN-10 items of "fever" and "weight loss". Discussion PV patients who have either failed HU, are undergoing phlebotomy and/or have splenomegaly exhibit moderate to severe symptomatology and demonstrate unmet medical need for management. As evidenced in this study, considerable overlap in symptomatology exists in PV-HU, PV-P, PV-S and PV-HUPS. Current randomized trials of JAK inhibitors have demonstrated benefits in a PV-HUPS phenotype. This data suggests that PV patients with any evidence of inadequate control (PV-HU, P, or S) have similarly unmet needs and may be candidates for clinical trials, intensification of medical therapy or perhaps JAK inhibitor therapy. Disclosures Kiladjian: Shire Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Zweegman:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen-Cilag: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Besses:Shire Pharmaceuticals: honoraria for educational lectures Other. Birgegard:Shire Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Etienne:Novartis, BMS, Pfizer, Ariad: Honoraria. Roy:Merck: Peg-Interferon provided for academic clinical trial in CML Other. te Boekhorst:Novartis: Consultancy. Griesshammer:Novartis: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria. Mesa:Incyte Corporation, CTI, NPS Pharma, Inc., Gilead Science Inc., Celgene: Research Funding.
Assessment of Adverse Events From the Patient Perspective in a Phase 3 Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial

JAMA Oncology | September 26, 2019 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 2 | Pages: e193332

10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.3332 | PMID 31556911

Pegylated interferon alfa-2a for polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia resistant or intolerant to hydroxyurea

Blood | September 13, 2019 | Volume: 134 | Issue: 18 | Pages: 1498-1509

10.1182/blood.2019000428 | PMID 31515250

Yacoub et al report excellent responses to pegylated interferon alfa-2a in patients with hydroxyurea-resistant/intolerant polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia.
Impact of Zumba on Cognition and Quality of Life is Independent of APOE4 Carrier Status in Cognitively Unimpaired Older Women: A 6-Month Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias® | August 12, 2019 | Volume: 35 | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1177/1533317519868370 | PMID 31401841

Objective: To investigate the association of a 6-month Zumba intervention with cognition and quality of life among older cognitively unimpaired apolipoprotein ∊4 (APOE4) carrier and noncarrier women. Methods: Fifty-three women were randomly assigned to either twice-weekly Zumba group classes or maintenance of habitual exercise (control group) for 6 months. At baseline, 3, and 6 months, all participants underwent neuropsychological, physical activity, and quality-of-life assessments. Results: Overall, neuropsychological test scores and level of physical activity did not differ between intervention and control groups at any time. However, compared to the control group, quality of life was higher at 3 months, and visuospatial working memory and response inhibition improved more in the intervention group by 6 months. Apolipoprotein ∊4 status did not affect the results. Discussion: Zumba may strengthen performance on visuospatial working memory among cognitively unimpaired older women but this needs to be tested in a larger clinical trial.
Abstract 3132: Immune regulatory gene expression and clinical outcome in the NeoALTTO trial

Cancer Research | August 7, 2019 | Volume: 79 | Issue: 13_Supplement | Pages: 3132-3132

10.1158/1538-7445.am2019-3132

Abstract Background: The level of immune suppression in an individual breast cancer (BC) patient is relevant for having a major benefit from treatments that act via or are directed to the immune response, such as anti-HER2 agents and immune checkpoint molecules, respectively. The link(s) between the tumor immune microenvironment and treatment responses has been investigated in HER2-positive BC. This study analyzed the association between baseline expression of genes regulating T cell activities (PD1, CTLA4, LAG3, TIM3, PDL1, PDL2, FOXP3, IL10, TGFβ (1-3), FOXP1 and other related genes) and pathologic complete response (pCR) rates in the NeoALTTO trial. Methods: NeoALTTO randomized early-stage HER2-positive BC patients to neoadjuvant trastuzumab (T), lapatinib (L) or T+L for 6 weeks followed by 12 weeks of concurrent paclitaxel. Anthracyclines were given after surgery (FEC). Patients with RNA sequencing data from their baseline tumor samples (N=254 patients out of 455 from the original cohort) were included in the current study. The primary endpoint, pCR, was defined as ypT0/is ypN0. Logistic regression was used for analysis of pCR. Cox regression univariate and multivariate (adjusted for clinicopathological parameters and treatment arms) analyses were performed. Results: In the total cohort analyzed, high PD1 (odds ratio, OR: 1.4, P=0.03), PDL2 (OR: 1.4, P=0.04), CTLA4 (OR: 1.4, P=0.03) and TGFβ3 (OR: 1.4, P=0.02) expression was associated with an increased probability of achieving pCR at the multivariate analysis. ERBB2 (HER2) expression was associated with pCR in the three arms (T: OR: 2.7, P=0.02; L: OR: 2.3, P=0.01; T+L: OR: 5, P&lt;0.001). Additionally in the T+L arm, PAM50 HER2-enriched subtype (OR: 2.9, P=0.03), as well as immune genes PD1 (OR: 2.1, P=0.01), PDL1 (OR: 1.8, P=0.03) and CTLA4 (OR: 2; P=0.01), were also associated with pCR. Conclusions: In the NeoALTTO population examined, PD1, PDL2, CTLA-4 and TGFβ3 expression at diagnosis were all associated with improved pCR rates after anti-HER2 treatment. The effect of these treatments seemed to be dependent on HER2 expression levels, which was particularly relevant in the T+L arm. These observations confirm previous findings that link immune infiltrates to higher pCR rates, demonstrate the clinical significance of the PD-1 pathway and additionally show that CTLA-4 and TGFβ3 could also be important in early stage HER2-positive BC. The association of tumors linked with immune regulatory gene expression with positive responses to neoadjuvant anti-HER2 agents suggests that they act in a way that reinvigorates the antitumor immunity in the face of tumor-mediated suppression. Patients whose tumors highly express these genes may be good candidates for immunotherapy before the start or after the neoadjuvant treatment when residual disease is detected at surgery, although these hypotheses require further confirmation. Citation Format: Cinzia Solinas, Pushpamali De Silva, David Venet, Soizic Garaud, Chunyan Gu-Trantien, Florentine Hilbers, Evandro de Azambuja, Olena Werner, Lorena De la Peña, Amylou Dueck, Serena Di Cosimo, Istvan Lang, Jens Huober, Sherko Küemmel, Carsten Denkert, Roberto Salgado, Christos Sotiriou, Martine Piccart-Gebhart, Debora Fumagalli, Karen Willard-Gallo. Immune regulatory gene expression and clinical outcome in the NeoALTTO trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3132.
Oral idasanutlin in patients with polycythemia vera

Blood | June 5, 2019 | Volume: 134 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 525-533

10.1182/blood.2018893545 | PMID 31167802

Abstract A limited number of drugs are available to treat patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). We attempted to identify alternative agents that may target abnormalities within malignant hematopoietic stem (HSCs) and progenitor cells (HPCs). Previously, MDM2 protein levels were shown to be upregulated in PV/ET CD34+ cells, and exposure to a nutlin, an MDM2 antagonist, induced activation of the TP53 pathway and selective depletion of PV HPCs/HSCs. This anticlonal activity was mediated by upregulation of p53 and potentiated by the addition of interferon-α2a (IFN-α2a). Therefore, we performed an investigator-initiated phase 1 trial of the oral MDM2 antagonist idasanutlin (RG7388; Roche) in patients with high-risk PV/ET for whom at least 1 prior therapy had failed. Patients not attaining at least a partial response by European LeukemiaNet criteria after 6 cycles were then allowed to receive combination therapy with low-dose pegylated IFN-α2a. Thirteen patients with JAK2 V617F+ PV/ET were enrolled, and 12 (PV, n = 11; ET, n = 1) were treated with idasanutlin at 100 and 150 mg daily, respectively, for 5 consecutive days of a 28-day cycle. Idasanutlin was well tolerated; no dose-limiting toxicity was observed, but low-grade gastrointestinal toxicity was common. Overall response rate after 6 cycles was 58% (7 of 12) with idasanutlin monotherapy and 50% (2 of 4) with combination therapy. Median duration of response was 16.8 months (range, 3.5-26.7). Hematologic, symptomatic, pathologic, and molecular responses were observed. These data indicate that idasanutlin is a promising novel agent for PV; it is currently being evaluated in a global phase 2 trial. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02407080.