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Stewart, A. Keith

A5109667106 | I2802654988

Mayo Clinic

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Citations 156

Disease and Outcome Disparities in Multiple Myeloma (MM): Exploring the Role of Race/Ethnicity and Obesity in Cooperative Group Clinical Trials

Blood | November 17, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1192-1192

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1192.1192

Abstract Background: Race/ethnicity is associated with disparate incidence and outcomes in MM, as seen in population-based studies. Their effect on outcomes has not been reported in prospective studies. Obesity is the most consistently associated modifiable risk factor for MM and is influenced by race/ethnicity but its association with outcomes has not been explored. We analyzed patient-level data from published ECOG-ACRIN/SWOG clinical trials in newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients (pts) to explore the interplay of race/ethnicity, obesity and outcomes. Methods: Pooled data from 9 ECOG-ACRIN/SWOG clinical trials (E1A06, E4A03, E1A00, E2A02, E5A93, E9486, S0204, S0232, S9321) in NDMM (1988-2011) were analyzed. Pts were divided by race: White (W), African-American (AA), other (O); race/ethnicity: Hispanic (H), non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic AA (NHAA), non-Hispanic other (NHO); and body mass index (BMI): <25, 25-29.9, ≥30. Associations between these and baseline pt/disease characteristics were assessed using chi-square (categorical) and Wilcoxon rank sum (continuous) tests. Survival distributions were estimated with Kaplan-Meier method and compared between groups using log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios in univariate and multivariate models. Time to event data was censored at 6 yrs. Results: Pt distribution by race, race/ethnicity and BMI is shown in Table 1. Race: AA were younger than W (median 59 vs 62 yr), had significantly more females (48% vs 40%; p=0.001) and had a smaller proportion of pts ≥70 yr (18% vs 26%; p<0.001). Median BMI was highest in AA (27.2) and lowest in O (24) (p=0.001) but not significantly different categorically between W and AA only (p=0.908). AA had significantly more pts with hemoglobin (Hb) ≤10 g/dL than W (55% vs 36%; p<0.001). Median creatinine (Cr) was 1.3 mg/dL in O and 1.1 mg/dL in W (p=0.03). There were no differences by race for ECOG performance status (PS), MM stage, lytic lesions, paraprotein subtype, serum calcium (Ca) or β2-microglobulin (β2M). Enrollment to clinical trials over years was significantly different by race (p=0.009). The only study design showing different enrollment by race was with/out stem cell transplant (SCT) (p=0.03; 37% of AA vs 31% of W got SCT trials). Race/Ethnicity: NHO were the youngest (median 58 yr) and NHW the oldest (median 62 yr) subgroup (p<0.001). NHAA had the highest proportion of pts with BMI ≥30 (16%) and NHO the lowest (7%) (p=0.018). H had the smallest proportion of females (33%) while NHO had the largest (54%) (p=0.002). H had the highest number of pts ≥70 yr (28%) and NHAA the smallest (18%) (p=0.003). Anemia rates were significantly different (p<0.001) with Hb ≤10 g/dL in 36% NHW vs 56% in NHAA. No significant differences were seen for PS, MM stage, lytic lesions, paraprotein subtype or other lab parameters. H and NHAA were enrolled in larger numbers in 1992-2011 rather than prior or later years (p<0.001). Among the subgroups, H had largest proportion of patients (75%) on trials without novel agent vs 61.5% for NHW (p=0.047). NHAA had the highest proportion of patients on trials with SCT (38%) while NHO had the smallest (27.3%) (p=0.034). BMI: By gender, 30% of males and 39% of females having BMI <25 (p<0.001). BMI <25 had the highest proportion of pts with ISS stage III (31%) vs 21.5% for ≥30 (p=0.001). A similar trend was seen for DS stage (p=0.005). 64% of ≥30 pts had Hb >10 while 51% of <25 did (p=0.003). There was significant difference in continuous Cr distribution by BMI (p=0.004). Efficacy analysis did not show any significant difference in response rate by race (p=0.132), race/ethnicity (p=0.286) or BMI (p=0.896). In univariate/multivariate analysis, significantly worse overall survival (OS) was seen in males, age ≥70 yr, ECOG PS >0, ISS and DS stage III, presence of lytic lesions, Cr ≥2 mg/dL, Ca >12 mg/dL, Hb ≤10 g/dL. No significant difference was seen in OS or progression free survival by race, race/ethnicity or BMI (Figure 1). Conclusions: Significant differences exist in demographic and clinical characteristics of NDMM pts by race/ethnicity. Median OS was significantly associated with these characteristics but not with race/ethnicity itself. Observed racial/ethnic disparity in outcomes for MM pts may be overcome by access to comparable therapeutic options as seen in clinical trials. Obesity, while associated with MM incidence, does not seem to influence outcomes. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy. Stewart:Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy. Hussein:Celgene: Employment. Zonder:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Other: DSMC membership; Prothena: Consultancy, Honoraria. Barlogie:Mount Sinai Hospital: Employment.
Effect of the Percent Decrease in Monoclonal Protein with Induction Therapy on the Outcome after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with IgG and IgA Multiple Myeloma.

Blood | November 17, 2019 | Volume: 110 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 950-950

10.1182/blood.v110.11.950.950

Abstract One potential approach to improve the results of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) involves the use of more potent induction regimens; the achievement of deeper remission pre-ASCT should translate into longer progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). To evaluate this hypothesis, we assessed the influence of the percent reduction in serum monoclonal protein (M protein) pre-ASCT in patients (pts) treated with dexamethasone-based regimens (most often VAD) on the best response, PFS and OS achieved after ASCT. Between 2000–2006, 376 pts with IgG (267) or IgA (109) non-progressive MM underwent ASCT. Median age was 59 (21–73) yrs; 60% were male. The median hemoglobin at diagnosis was 103 g/L, creatinine 98 μmol/L, β2-microglobulin 241 nmol/L and albumin 35 g/L. Maintenance therapy was given to 84 (22%) after ASCT and consisted of corticosteroids in 29, thalidomide in 10, both in 41 and other regimens in 4 pts. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the per cent reduction in M protein after induction therapy: group A, ≥ 99%; group B, 90–98%; group C, 50–89%; group D, < 50%. Post-ASCT responses included complete remission (CR), very good partial remission (VGPR) (≥ 90% reduction in M protein), PR (≥ 50% reduction) and stable disease (SD). Median follow-up from diagnosis is 37.4 mos and from ASCT 24.1 mos. For all pts, the median OS from diagnosis is 90.8 mos (95% CI 73.9–129.1 mos) and from ASCT 63.9 mos (95% CI 50.8–69.4 mos), while the median PFS from ASCT is 21.3 mos (95% CI 19.1–23.3 mos). Maintenance therapy had no significant effect on PFS (p=0.49) or OS (p=0.59). The post-ASCT results in evaluable patients according to the percent reduction in M protein after induction therapy are summarized below. We conclude: High-grade remissions after dexamethasone-based induction therapy are uncommon, with only 2% achieving ≥ 99% and 13% achieving 90–98% reduction in serum M protein; post-ASCT CR and VGPR rates were higher in these 2 groups; there was no significant difference in PFS or OS-based on protein response prior to transplant; whether newer induction regimens, which incorporate novel agents and which produce more CRs and VGPRs before ASCT, will confer better PFS and OS post-ASCT will be of great interest. Table 1 Group N CR (%)1 VGPR (%)1 PR (%)1 SD (%)1 Median PFS (mo)2 Median OS (mo)3 1p<0.001;2p=0.77;3p=0.79 A 7 50 50 Not reached Not reached B 47 19 64 17 23.3 Not reached C 232 14 17 68 1 20.7 59.1 D 87 11 7 54 28 21.1 69.4 Figure Figure Figure Figure
Myeloma Cells Addicted to Glutamine for Biomass Production Are Sensitive to Lenalidomide

Blood | November 14, 2019 | Volume: 134 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: 4410-4410

10.1182/blood-2019-124967

Introduction We have shown that in myeloma (MM) the immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) lenalidomide and pomalidomide, in a CRBN dependent fashion, inhibit thioredoxin reductase and thus increase intracellular oxidative stress as a consequence of peroxide accumulation (Sebastian et al. 2017). Accordingly, we have also shown that CRBN expression alone does not fully correlate with lenalidomide sensitivity, as the cells ability to decompose H2O2 is important - MM cells with lower H2O2 decomposition capacity are more sensitive to IMiDs. We hypothezised that the specific metabolic pathways used by cells for biomass production would influence IMiD sensitivity since they also influence this cellular oxidative capacity. Cellular proteins are key elements of this biomass, and required for the proliferation of MM cells and production of immunoglobulin proteins. Methods We cultured MM cells under various nutrients conditions to understand its effect on cell proliferation and drug responses. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, the Luminescent Assay, and direct cell counting. MM cells glycolytic rate was measured using the Seahorse XF analyzer. Western blots were performed to quantify various protein expression levels in MM cells cultured under different nutrients conditions. CRBN CRISPR/Cas9 KO plasmid was used to generate CRBN knockout cells and a lentivirus system was used to over-express CRBN in MM cells. Results MM cells resistant to lenalidomide, but still expressing functional CRBN, show a higher glycolytic pathway use than sensitive cells. We found that the lenalidomide sensitive cell line MM1.S is highly dependent on extracellular glutamine for cell proliferation. In contrast, JJN3, a lenalidomide resistant cells line with wild type CRBN, preferentially consumes glucose. We found that glutamine depletion from culture media completely abolished lenalidomide sensitivity in MM1.S cell line. Western blot analysis revealed that antibody production by MM1.S was primarily dependent on glutamine availability, and that JJN3 antibody production was dependent upon glucose availability. While glutamine depletion from culture medium completely abolished lenalidomide sensitivity in MM1.S cell line, IKZF1, and IKZF3 degradation was unchanged. We further studied the role of CRBN in glutamine dependent cellular biomass protein production using isogenic cell lines (+/- wtCRBN). We found that wtCRBN expressing cells proliferate more and show higher antibody production in the presence of glutamine, over CRBN negative isogenic cell lines. Lenalidomide treatment further increased glutamine dependent antibody production in wtCRBN expressing cells. One possibile explanation is that activation of glutamine catabolism can facilitate protein demethylation via the supplementation α-ketoglutarate (α-KG). Therefore, we tested whether lenalidomide treatment could induce protein demethylation in sensitive cell lines. Western blot probed with mono-methyl lysine antibody showed lenalidomide induced protein demethylation. We further confirmed that protein demethylation, and lenalidomide sensitivity is a consequence of elevated α-KG by treating cells with cell-permeable 5-octyl- α-ketoglutarate which act as a substrate of the lysine demethylases. 5-Octyl-α-ketoglutarate treatment inhibited cell proliferation preferentially in wtCRBN expressing cells, and also enhanced lenalidomide induced sensitivity. Protein demethylation is associated with protein ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. We thus hypothesize that lenalidomide induced protein demethylation also likely increases proteasome inhibitors sensitivity in MM. Conclusion MM cells with preferential glutamine consumption are likely to be more sensitive to lenalidomide, and extracellular glutamine depletion can induce lenalidomide resistance. MM cells expressing CRBN, but not dependent on glutamine for protein biomass production are more likely to be resistant to lenalidomide. Our study postulates that CRBN protein requirement in lenalidomide sensitivity cells is restricted to high glutamine dependency, and that it is quite likely CRBN has a role in glutamine metabolism. Moreover, MM cells that consume more glutamine are under higher oxidative stress and exhibit less H2O2 decomposition capacity and therefore increasing sensitivity to IMiDs. References Sebastian , S., et al., Blood 2017 129:991-1007 Disclosures Stewart: Ono: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol Myers-Squibb: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ionis: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Consultancy. Bergsagel:Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy. Fonseca:AbbVie, Amgen, Bayer, Celgene, Kite, Janssen, Juno, Merck, Pharmacylics, Sanofi, Takeda: Other: Consultant/Advisor; Prognosticatin of MM based on Genetic Categorization by FISH: Patents & Royalties; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Other: Scientific Advisory Board.
The Contribution of Proteasome Subunits to Myeloma Cell Viability and Proteasome Inhibitor Sensitivity

Blood | November 14, 2019 | Volume: 134 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: 4337-4337

10.1182/blood-2019-127149

Background Bortezomib (BTZ) is highly effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma; however, emergent drug resistance is common. The underlying mechanisms of such proteasome inhibitor resistance are still incompletely understood. Methods To further understand its resistant mechanism, we generated eight multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines resistant to bortezomib (BTZ) by exposure to increasing drug concentration: five of them acquired novel PSMB5 mutations. Given the rarity of similar mutations in over 1,500 analyzed MM patients, we explored in depth the role of the proteasome on MM cell viability and BTZ sensitivity by systematically deleting the major proteasome targets of BTZ by CRISPR. Results We demonstrated that MM cell lines without PSMB5 were surprisingly viable (mutation corresponding yeast gene pre2 is lethal). PSMB5 mutated, BTZ resistant, MM cell lines were re-sensitized to BTZ when PSMB5 was experimentally deleted, implying that this mutation is activating in its drug resistance function. In contrast PSMB6 knockout was lethal to MM cell lines, which were efficiently rescued by re-introduction of wild type PSMB6. Interestingly, reduction in PSMB6 levels also prevented the splicing of the major catalytic subunits PSMB5, PSMB7, PSMB8 and PSMB10. PSMB6 engineered with no splicing function or catalytic activity, also restored viability, inferring that the contribution of PSMB6 to proteasome structure is more important than functional activity. Supporting this observation, BTZ sensitivity was restored in resistant MM cells line by introducing low level expression of mutated PSMB6 lacking splicing function. As with PSMB6, PSMB7 knockout was lethal to MM cell lines. In contrast, loss of immunoproteasome subunits PSMB8 and PSMB9 was neither lethal nor restored sensitivity to BTZ. Our results demonstrate that expression of the three constitutive proteasome subunits PSMB5, PSMB6 and PSMB7 is highly co-dependent. This dependence is relying on the structure, but not the function, of PSMB5 and PSMB6. Conclusions In summary, PSMB5 and PSMB6, but not PSMB8 and PSMB9, are highly relevant for BTZ sensitivity in MM. Absence of PSMB6 or PSMB7, but not PSMB5, was lethal in MM cell lines. Expression of PSMB5, PSMB6 and PSMB7 was highly co-dependent. Together these findings suggest that the modulation of expression rather than function of PSMB5, PSMB6 or PSMB7 may be a new therapeutic strategy. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Phase 2 Trial of Ixazomib, Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma

Blood | November 14, 2019 | Volume: 134 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: 1904-1904

10.1182/blood-2019-131478

Background: Combinations of alkylating agents with proteasome inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in newly diagnosed and relapsed multiple myeloma (MM), with melphalan or cyclophosphamide combinations being some of the commonly used regimens for initial treatment of MM. Ixazomib (Ixa) is an oral proteasome inhibitor that is approved for use in combination with lenalidomide for patients with relapsed MM. We examined if Ixa can be effectively combined with cyclophosphamide (Ctx) in order to develop a less expensive, all oral regimen for patients with relapsed MM. Patients and Methods: Patients with relapsed MM, who were proteasome inhibitor naïve OR have received less than 6 cycles of therapy with bortezomib and had a better than PR with no progression at the time of discontinuation, were enrolled. The primary objective was to determine overall response rate (ORR). Treatment consisted of Ixa 4mg PO days 1, 8, 15; Ctx 300 mg/m2 PO days 1, 8, 15, 22 and dexamethasone (Dex) 40 mg PO weekly in a 28-day cycle. Overall, 37 patients were accrued; data on 33 eligible patients were available for analysis as of July 18, 2019. Results: The median age was 71 (48-89), 61% were male and the median duration from diagnosis was 46 months (mos). Median number of prior lines of therapy was 4 (range 1-5), 76%, 42% and 67% respectively had a prior IMiD, proteasome inhibitor or stem cell transplant, respectively. At data cutoff, 22 (67%) had progressed, 4 (12%) had died and the median follow up of those alive was 21.3 mos. Fourteen patients are still receiving treatment, with median of 8.5 cycles. Most common reason for treatment discontinuation was disease progression (10 pts; 53%). The ORR was 60% including 6% CR and 24% VGPR. The median event free survival was 11.3 mos (95%CI: 9.0 - 26.8). Overall, 401 cycles have been administered across the study, with dose modifications/ hold required for Ixa, Ctx, and Dex in 9 (27%), 14 (42%), and 22 (67%) patients respectively, the most common reason being hematologic toxicity. A grade 3 or higher adverse event at least possibly attributed to the study drugs was seen in 77% of patients, hematologic in 67% and non-hematologic in 30%. (Table 1) The most commonly observed hematologic toxicities included thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia and anemia; for non-hematologic was nausea, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy toxicity and fatigue. Conclusions: The combination of Ixa, Ctx and Dex (ICd) offers a convenient, all oral regimen for treatment of relapsed disease not refractory to proteasome inhibitors. The regimen has good efficacy in this group f heavily pretreated patients, with an acceptable toxicity profile. Disclosures Lacy: Celgene: Research Funding. Gertz:Ionis: Honoraria; Spectrum: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Prothena: Honoraria; Alnylam: Honoraria. Ailawadhi:Takeda: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cellectar: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy. Bergsagel:Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Fonseca:AbbVie, Amgen, Bayer, Celgene, Kite, Janssen, Juno, Merck, Pharmacylics, Sanofi, Takeda: Other: Consultant/Advisor; Prognosticatin of MM based on Genetic Categorization by FISH: Patents & Royalties; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Other: Scientific Advisory Board. Dingli:alexion: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Rigel: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Research Funding. Kapoor:Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Glaxo Smith Kline: Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Cellectar: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding. Chanan-Khan:AbbVie: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Xencor: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Jansen: Research Funding; Mayo Clinic: Employment; Ascentage: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding. Larsen:Janssen Oncology: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Russell:Imanis: Equity Ownership. Stewart:Roche: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Ionis: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Consultancy; Ono: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol Myers-Squibb: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding.
Gene Expression Profiling of Structural and Functional High-Risk Multiple Myeloma

Blood | November 14, 2019 | Volume: 134 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: 3061-3061

10.1182/blood-2019-124637

Introduction: High-risk multiple myeloma can be defined by the presence of specific cytogenetic abnormalities (structural) or by characteristic changes in bone marrow and peripheral blood biomarkers (functional). While both entities are characterized by therapeutic resistance, frequent disease relapses, and adverse survival outcomes, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Methods: We performed gene expression profiling (GEP) using an Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 microarray on CD138+ bone marrow cells from 137 patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma between 2004 and 2012. All patients underwent Fluorescence In-situ Hybridization (FISH) evaluation, plasma cell labeling, International Staging System (ISS) risk stratification, and GEP prior to initiating treatment with novel agents. The presence of del(17p), t(4;14), t(14;16), and t(14;20) on FISH, a plasma cell labeling index (PCLI) > 2%, and ISS stage III were considered high-risk abnormalities: FISH-HR (n = 15, structural high-risk, at least one high-risk FISH lesion), PCLI-HR (n = 20; functional high-risk, PCLI > 2%), and ISS-HR (n = 12; functional high-risk, ISS stage III). For each HR group we sampled standard risk (SR) controls in a 4:1 ratio. After data quality control and normalization, differential gene expression was estimated using limma. Statistical significance was adjusted for multiple comparisons using a false discovery rate-based approach for genome-wide experiments (q-value). We employed PANTHER pathway analysis for the differentially expressed genes in each HR group. We implemented a simple gene expression score (GES) by calculating the sum of quartiles of the normalized gene expression values for genes differentially expressed in more than one HR group (GES = ΣUP(quartile - 1) + ΣDN(4 - quartile)) and externally validated its prognostic significance (UAMS TT2 / TT3, GSE24080). Survival outcomes were analyzed using the methods described by Kaplan, Meier, and Cox. Computation and visualization were performed in R. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 63 years (32 - 87), 53% of the patients were male. High-risk disease was associated with inferior overall survival, regardless of the used definition (left Kaplan-Meier plots): FISH-HR (HR 4.3, 95% CI 1.9 - 9.8, p < 0.001), PCLI-HR (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4 - 5.3, p = 0.004), and ISS-HR (HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2 - 6.5, p = 0.015). There were 59 (FISH-HR), 424 (ISS-HR), and 507 (PCLI-HR) differentially expressed genes (q < 0.050 for all genes, volcano plots). PCLI-HR and FISH-HR demonstrated a predominance of transcriptional up-regulation while ISS-HR had a balanced gene expression profile with a similar number of genes being up- and down-regulated. The involved cellular pathways were different across the HR groups except for anti-apoptotic signaling (bar graphs). All HR groups had distinct gene expression profiles with no complete overlap between all HR groups. There were 71 genes with overlap between two HR groups (69 up-regulated, 2 down-regulated, Venn diagrams). The median GES was 97 (18 - 206, higher numbers indicating higher expression of up-regulated and lower numbers of down-regulated high-risk genes) in 559 patients treated on UAMS TT2 / TT3 (GSE24080). Tertiles of the GES were associated with event-free survival (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2 - 1.6, p < 0.001) and remained independently prognostic after adjusting for age, sex, and ISS stage (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 - 1.5, p < 0.001). Conclusions: High-risk multiple myeloma remains associated with inferior overall survival, regardless of the used definition (structural or functional). The subtypes of high-risk disease have distinct gene expression profiles and involve different cellular pathways, providing important clues to the underlying biology. A 71 gene signature derived from the different high-risk subtypes was of prognostic significance in a clinical trial population after adjusting for known prognostic factors. Figure Disclosures Lacy: Celgene: Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Akcea: Consultancy; Intellia: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Alnylam: Research Funding. Stewart:Takeda: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; Ono: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ionis: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol Myers-Squibb: Consultancy. Bergsagel:Celgene: Consultancy; Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding.
Results of the Pivotal STORM Study (Part 2) in Penta-Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM): Deep and Durable Responses with Oral Selinexor Plus Low Dose Dexamethasone in Patients with Penta-Refractory MM

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 598-598

10.1182/blood-2018-99-116663

Abstract Introduction: Selinexor is a novel, oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound that blocks exportin 1 (XPO1). Selinexor treatment results in nuclear accumulation and activation of tumor suppressor proteins, inhibition of NF-kB, and translational suppression of several oncoprotein mRNAs (e.g., c-myc, cyclin D).Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable, and most patients (pts) eventually progress through standard drug classes of proteasome inhibitors (PIs), immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), anti-CD38 mAbs and others. The increased use of combinations in MM treatment, (PIs/IMiDs/mAbs), has led to a growing number of pts with penta-refractory MM (pts that have been treated with bortezomib (bort), carfilzomib (carfil), lenalidomide (len), pomalidomide (pom) and daratumumab (dara)). Active novel therapies with different mechanisms of actions are needed to address this unmet medical need. Part 1 of STORM enrolled pts with both quad- (bort, carfil, len, pom, treated MM) or penta-refractory MM and demonstrated an overall response rate (ORR) of 21% (Vogl et al, JCO 2018). Based on these findings, the Pivotal Part 2 of STORM was initiated, enrolling an additional cohort of 122 patients with penta-refractory MM. Methods: Pts with penta-refractory MM were treated with 80 mg selinexor plus 20 mg dexamethasone (Sd) twice weekly. Pts must have received an alkylator, bort, carfil, len, pom and dara, and had MM refractory to ≥1 PI, ≥1 IMiD, dara, a glucocorticoid, and their last therapy. Pts must have a total ANC ≥1000 mm3,platelets ≥50k/mm3 (or ≥75k if marrow plasma cells <50%), and creatinine clearance ≥20 mL/min. The primary endpoint was ORR. Secondary endpoints: duration of response (DOR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Efficacy was assessed by an Independent Review Committee (IRC) based on IMWG criteria. OS was also compared to a cohort of pts with PI, IMiD, dara refractory MM from the Flatiron Health Analytic Database (FHAD), (ref: ASH 2018 abs ID: 116493),who met all the inclusion criteria for STORM. Results: As of 1-Jun-2018, 122 pts (71 M/ 51 F) were enrolled in 38 sites (US and EU). Pt characteristics were [medians (range)]: age 65 yrs (40-85); 7 (3 - 18) prior treatment regimens, 6.6 yrs (<1 - 23.4) from initial MM diagnosis.65 pts (53%) had high risk cytogenetics, 86 pts (70%) had prior dara in combination, 102 pts (84%) had prior stem cell transplantation, 2 pts had prior CAR-T therapy. All pts enrolled with progressive disease (PD), 72% of pts had increases (3% - 792%) in MM markers from screening to C1D1 (median 11 days). Frequently reported Sd treatment related adverse events (AEs) included (all grades, grades 3/4): thrombocytopenia (67%, 53%), nausea (67%, 10%), fatigue (68%, 21%), anorexia (50%, 2%), anemia (46%, 28%), and weight loss (46%, 0%). Eight pts remain on study and 114 pts discontinued treatment (most commonly for PD). There were 4 deaths on treatment: sepsis, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, and an unrelated, unspecified cardiac event. IRC determined ORR (≥PR) was 26.2%, with 6.5% ≥ very good partial response, including 2 stringent complete responses (sCRs; MRD negative at 1:10-6 and at 1:10-4sensitivity). Both pts who relapsed after CAR-T achieved PRs. The CBR (≥minimal response, [MR]) was 39.3%, and 79% of pts achieved ≥stable disease (SD). Responses typically occurred within the first month. Medians: DOR 4.4 months (mo) (range <1 - 10 mo), PFS 3.7 mo, and OS 8.0 mo. Pts with ≥MR had significantly longer OS than pts with PD/NE (median not reached vs 1.9 mo, p=<0.0001). Compared to the FHAD cohort, STORM cohort had longer OS (Figure 1, HR 0.41, p=0.0001). Conclusions: Results of the pivotal STORM Part 2 in penta (PI, IMiD, dara)-refractory MM demonstrated that oral selinexor plus low-dose dexamethasone (Sd) was highly active with an ORR of 26.2%. Importantly, responses were rapid and deep with 2 patients achieving sCRs (both MRD negative) in these heavily pre-treated penta-refractory MM pts (median 7 prior regimens, 53% high risk). AEs are a function of dose/schedule/disease severity and can be managed with dose modifications and supportive care. No major organ toxicity was observed and AEs were typically transient and reversible. Sd is an all-oral, first in class mechanism with novel MOA and represents a potential therapeutic option to the growing number of pts with penta-refractory MM who have exhausted approved therapies. Disclosures Chari: Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Adaptive Biotechnology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; The Binding Site: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Array Biopharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy. Vogl:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Consultancy. Dimopoulos:Takeda: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Nooka:GSK: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive technologies: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Spectrum Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Moreau:Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Cole:University of Michigan: Employment; Cancer Support Community myeloma advisory board: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Dingli:Millennium Takeda: Research Funding; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Participates in the International PNH Registry (for Mayo Clinic, Rochester) for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Participates in the International PNH Registry (for Mayo Clinic, Rochester) for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Millennium Takeda: Research Funding. Vij:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Karyopharm: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol Myer Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Raab:BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Weisel:Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, and Takeda: Honoraria; Amgen, Celgene, Janssen, and Sanofi: Research Funding; Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Juno, Sanofi, and Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Delforge:Celgene and Janssen: Research Funding; Amgen, Celgene, Janssen and Takeda: Consultancy. Stewart:Amgen Inc., BMS, Celgene, Takeda, Roche, Seattle Genetics, Janssen, Ono: Consultancy; Amgen Inc., Celgene, Roche, Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Mohty:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Molmed: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Servier: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; MaaT Pharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Bristol Myers: Consultancy, Research Funding. Sylvain:Gilead: Other: scientific advisor board. Costa:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria; BMS: Research Funding. Shah:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment. Picklesimer:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment. Saint-Martin:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment. Li:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment. Kauffman:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Shacham:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Richardson:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Research Funding; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Jagannath:Celgene: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation: Speakers Bureau; Medicom: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy.
Genomic Abnormalities Among African Individuals with Monoclonal Gammopathies Using Calculated Ancestry

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4458-4458

10.1182/blood-2018-99-117382

Abstract Monoclonal gammopathies, including multiple myeloma (MM), represent a group of plasma cell (PC) disorders that comprise of mostly incurable hematopoietic malignancies with an increasing incidence in the US. Previous epidemiological studies demonstrated a 2-3 fold higher incidence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and a similarly higher incidence of MM along with a ~4-year younger age of onset among African Americans (AA) compared to European Americans (EAs) (Fonseca, Leukemia, 2017). This suggests a possible ancestral-associated genetic predisposition of AAs to the development of monoclonal gammopathies (Landgren, Blood, 2006). When access to care is equal, AAs have a better overall survival compared to EAs suggesting that AAs may have a genetic predisposition that renders them better responders to treatment or have more favorable cytogenetic subtypes of MM (Waxman, Blood, 2010). Previous efforts to understand this disparity have relied on self-reported race rather than genetic ancestry. We hypothesize that quantifying genetic ancestry is necessary to fully understand the genetic mechanisms of racial disparities of monoclonal gammopathies. We describe our study of 881 patients with monoclonal gammopathies who had undergone uniform testing to identify MM-specific cytogenetic abnormalities. DNA from the bone marrow samples was genotyped on the Precision Medicine Research Array. Biogeographical ancestry was assessed using the Geographic Population Structure Origins tool, which provides the ancestral breakdown of 36 admixture components for each individual representing different geographic regions and outputs admixture proportions corresponding to those ancestries (Elhaik, Nat Commun, 2014). We evaluated whether an increase in the percentage of African Ancestry altered the odds of any primary cytogenetic abnormality. We demonstrated that a 10% increase in the percentage of African ancestry was associated with a 6% increase in the odds of detecting either an t(11;14), t(14;16) or t(14;20) (odds ratio = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.11; p-value = 0.05). Although we observed an increase in the odds of each of the individual translocations with 10% increase in African ancestry, l t(11;14) (OR=1.03) t(14;16) (OR=1.11) and t(14;20) (OR=1.10), these three abnormalities were combined to achieve greater statistical power. The differences in cytogenetic abnormalities were most striking among individuals with ≥80.0% African (n=120) compared to individuals with <0.1% African ancestry (n=235). Using these cutoff values comparing the ≥80.0% and <0.1% African ancestry cohorts, there was a higher prevalence of t(11;14), t(14;16) and t(14;20) (51% vs. 33%, respectively, p-value=0.008) and a lower prevalence of trisomies (with or without IgH translocations) (48.3% vs. 61.3%, respectively, p-value=0.066). In addition, the ≥80% African ancestry cohort also displayed a slightly lower prevalence of monosomy 13/13q deletion compared to the cohort with <0.1% African ancestry (34.2% vs. 38.7%, respectively, p-value=0.021). Further, we observed a significantly higher prevalence in the proportion of females with monoclonal gammopathies among the ≥80% African ancestry cohort compared to the cohort with <0.1% African ancestry (56.7% vs. 42.1%, respectively, p-value=0.028). We complement our past studies that relied on self-reported race and characterized patients' demographic and uniformly collected cytogenetic data in relation to genetically defined African ancestry. We demonstrate the prevalence of having one of three specific subtypes (i.e., t(11;14), t(14;16), or t(14;20)) was significantly higher in those with highest (≥80%) compared to lowest (<0.1%) African ancestry demonstrating African ancestry is associated with a subtype distribution of MM that differs from non-African individuals. These differences were only revealed after analysis of individuals with the highest and lowest percentage of African ancestry. Since 38.3% of the individuals with ≥80% African ancestry have the favorable t(11;14) translocation (in comparison to 26.8% of <0.1% African individuals), this finding may explain improved survival with equal access to care. Understanding the genetic mechanisms of this disparity is a fundamental step to understanding differences in incidence and outcomes of patients with monoclonal gammopathies. Disclosures Elhaik: DNA Diagnostics Center: Consultancy. Baird:DNA Diagnostics Center: Employment. Cerhan:Jannsen: Other: Scientific Advisory Board; Nanostring: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Stewart:Amgen Inc., BMS, Celgene, Takeda, Roche, Seattle Genetics, Janssen, Ono: Consultancy; Amgen Inc., Celgene, Roche, Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Celgene, Takeda, Prothena, Jannsen, Pfizer, Alnylam, GSK: Research Funding. Kumar:Novartis: Research Funding; KITE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AbbVie: 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; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; KITE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Merck: 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; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding.
Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly vs Twice-Weekly Carfilzomib Plus Dexamethasone: Subgroup Analysis of the Phase 3 A.R.R.O.W. Study (NCT02412878) By Prior Lines

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3244-3244

10.1182/blood-2018-99-114863

Abstract Introduction: The phase 3 A.R.R.O.W. study (NCT02412878) has shown a favorable benefit-risk profile of once-weekly carfilzomib (K) at 70 mg/m2 over twice-weekly K at 27mg/m2 plus dexamethasone (d) for the treatment of patients (pts) with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) (Moreau. Lancet Oncol. 2018;19:953-964). Once-weekly significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with twice-weekly (median 11.2 vs 7.6 months [mos]; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54, 0.88; P=0.0014). Herein, we present a subgroup analysis of once-weekly vs twice-weekly Kd by previous therapy in pts with RRMM. Methods: 478 pts with RRMM, previously treated with 2 or 3 prior therapies including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent were randomized 1:1 to receive either once-weekly (n=240) or twice-weekly (n=238) Kd. The once-weekly group received K (30-min intravenous infusion [IV]) on days (D) 1, 8, and 15 of all cycles (20 mg/m2 on D1 [cycle 1]; 70 mg/m2 thereafter). The twice-weekly group received K (10-min IV) on D1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 (20 mg/m2 on D1 and 2 during cycle 1 and 27 mg/m2 thereafter). All pts received d at 40 mg/m2 on D1, 8, 15 (all cycles), and 22 (cycle 1-9 only). Treatment was given in 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptably toxicity. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The study secondary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR), survival, safety, and pharmacokinetics. Results: Baseline characteristics were generally balanced. PFS, ORR, and safety outcomes by prior lines of therapy are shown in the Table; PFS curves by prior lines are shown in the Figure. With a median follow-up time of 12.6 mos in the once-weekly group and 12.0 mos in the twice-week group, PFS for pts with 2 prior lines (N=241) was 12.1 mos vs 7.6 mos (HR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.86). Median PFS for pts with 3 prior lines (N=237) was 8.9 mos for once-weekly vs 7.9 mos for twice-weekly (HR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.59, 1.15). ORRs for once- vs twice-weekly were 62.9% vs 40.8% (OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.47, 4.14) in pts with 2 prior lines and 62.9% vs 40.7% (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.46, 4.17) in pts with 3 prior lines. In the 2 prior lines group, 9.5% vs 3.2% of pts had a complete response or better with once- vs twice-weekly Kd respectively. Complete responses or better in pts with 3 prior lines were obtained in 4.8% of pts receiving once-weekly and no pts with twice-weekly Kd. In A.R.R.O.W., 401 (83.9%) pts had prior lenalidomide (LEN) exposure. Median PFS for once- vs twice-weekly was 11.1 mos vs 7.4 mos (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.94) for LEN exposed pts and NE (not estimable) vs 9.4 mos (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.33, 1.21) for pts without prior LEN exposure. ORRs for once- vs twice-weekly were 62.3% vs 39.2% (OR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.72, 3.84) in pts with prior LEN exposure, and 66.7% vs 47.7% (OR: 2.19; 95% CI: (0.86, 5.58) in pts without prior LEN exposure. Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) occurred in 59.1% vs 65.0% (once- vs twice-weekly) of pts with 2 prior lines of therapy, and 75.6% vs 58.0% (once- vs. twice-weekly) of pts with 3 prior lines of therapy. The incidence of Grade ≥3 AEs of interest by prior lines can be found in the Table. Grade ≥3 AEs occurred in 69.3% vs 60.2% (once- vs twice-weekly) of pts with prior LEN, and 57.6% vs 68.2% (once- vs. twice-weekly) of pts without prior LEN. Conclusions: Once-weekly Kd resulted in a favorable benefit-risk profile regardless of the number of prior lines. Although the median PFS was prolonged in both groups, pts with 2 prior lines achieved a greater benefit, underlining the need for using once-weekly Kd early to optimize outcomes for pts with RRMM. Safety profiles were consistent with previous findings and reports. Importantly, low incidences of heart failure were reported across all subgroups and no additional toxicities were found. As described for other K-based regimens, efficacy of K can be further enhanced by being used in earlier lines of therapy for pts with RRMM. This subgroup analysis further confirmed the positive results from A.R.R.O.W. of using once-weekly Kd at 70 mg/m2 regardless of prior therapies and should be considered an additional option to treat pts with RRMM. Disclosures Moreau: Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Stewart:Amgen Inc., Celgene, Roche, Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Amgen Inc., BMS, Celgene, Takeda, Roche, Seattle Genetics, Janssen, Ono: Consultancy. Lazzaro:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding. Dimopoulos:Janssen: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Cavo:AbbVie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Ailawadhi:Amgen: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy. Iskander:Amgen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huang:Amgen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zahlten-Kumeli:Amgen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Mateos:GSK: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GSK: Consultancy, 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; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Results From the Phase II Dose Expansion of Cyclophosphamide, Carfilzomib, Thalidomide and Dexamethasone (CYCLONE) in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 445-445

10.1182/blood.v120.21.445.445

Abstract Abstract 445 Background: Carfilzomib is a proteasome inhibitor that irreversibly binds its target and has a favorable toxicity profile that has shown significant activity in relapsed multiple myeloma (MM), leading to recent FDA accelerated approval. To achieve rapid and deep response in patients eligible for stem cell transplant, we combined carfilzomib with the regimen of cyclophosphamide-thalidomide-dexamethasone (CTD). We recently reported the results of the Phase I component of the trial (in which no MTD was reached) followed by the initial Phase II trial; however, with increasing evidence for the safe and effective use of higher doses of carfilzomib, we now report results from dose escalation extension of the Phase II trial. Methods: Newly diagnosed myeloma patients intended for stem cell transplant were eligible. All patients were treated on a 28 day cycle with Carfilzomib IV Days 1,2,8,9,15,16 (see Table 1 below for dosing per cohort) along with Cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 PO Days 1,8,15, Thalidomide 100 mg PO Days 1–28 and Dexamethasone 40 mg PO Days 1,8,15,22. We initially conducted a Phase I run in trial of 6 patients with no DLT observed before expanding to the Phase II portion of the study. The initial phase II regimen is shown below – as no DLTs were observed, we have now fully accrued to the Phase II dose level +1. Treatment was for 4 cycles with expected SCT post induction. The primary endpoint of the trial is the proportion of patients who have ≥very good partial response (VGPR) to treatment. All patients received herpes zoster prophylaxis and ASA daily. Results: A total of 38 patients have been accrued to the trial, 6 in the initial Phase 1, 21 in the initial Phase II, and the remaining at dose escalated cohorts. We are reporting the 27 patients who have completed therapy and will update with the dose escalated cohorts. Median age was 65 (range 27–74) and 52% were female. ISS Stage was advanced (II-III) in 56%. Best overall response rate during 4 cycles of CYCLONE at dose level 0 is 96%: CR 29%, VGPR 46%, PR 21% (1 pt achieved MR). Adverse events of grade 3 or higher at least possibly related to CYCLONE occurred in 12 (44%). Most commonly reported non hematological toxicities (all grades) included fatigue (67%), constipation (56%), lethargy (41%) somnolence (37%), malaise (30%) depressed level of consciousness (22%); however, grade 3/4 toxicities occurring in >5% were uncommon: thromboembolic event 11%) and muscle weakness (7%). Two cases of pneumonia required hospitalization. Eight patients (30%) developed grade 1 sensory neuropathy; no higher grade or painful neuropathy was evident. There were no cardiac events seen in greater than 5% of patients. Grade 3/4 hematological toxicities included neutropenia (15%) and lymphopenia (7%). All patients advancing to SCT successfully collected stem cells. One patient died on study from pneumonia. Conclusion: The 4 drug CYCLONE regimen is highly efficaceous with a response rate after only 4 cycles of 96% (75% ≥VGPR, 29% CR) at the current dosing level of carfilzomib IV 20/27 mg/m2 in newly diagnosed myeloma. Toxicities are manageable, with only grade 1 neuropathy and minimal cardiac or pulmonary toxicity. Increasing the dose of carfilzomib is feasible and updated results of dose escalated cohorts will be reported at 20/36 and 20/45 mg/m2. Disclosures: Bergsagel: onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Stewart:Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy.