Pardanani, Animesh

Abstract Background: Activating mutations in the pseudokinase domain of JAK2 occur at a high frequency in Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs). Increasing JAK2 V617F allele burden has been shown to correlate with disease severity (bone marrow dysfunction, organomegaly and constitutional symptoms), which is consistent with exaggerated JAK2 signaling playing a central role in MPDs. INCB018424 is a potent and selective JAK1/2 inhibitor currently being evaluated in the clinic for the treatment of MPDs including primary myelofibrosis (PMF), post-polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis (Post-PV/ET MF). Methods: The percentage of mutant JAK2 V617F relative to wild-type JAK2 was determined in peripheral blood using a quantitative single-nucleotide extension assay. The assay is based on the single nucleotide extension of a DNA primer that anneals adjacent to the V617F mutation. The percentage of JAK2 V617F in bone marrow was determined using pyrosequencing as previously described. The relationship between JAK2 V617F allele burden and clinical phenotype was assessed with samples obtained at study entry. JAK2 V617F allele burden was assessed in nineteen PMF and Post-PV/ET MF patients treated with 25 mg BID INCB018424 for a minimum of three months using peripheral blood and bone marrow. Results: There is an excellent correlation in the JAK2 V617F allele burden between samples obtained from bone marrow and peripheral blood, suggesting that the fraction of cells bearing the mutant clone remains stable during hematopoiesis in this patient group. The mean %V617F values were 59%, 80% and 86% for Post-ET MF (n=2), Post-PV MF (n=8) and PMF (n=9) patients. V617F allele burden correlated with spleen size, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and Body Mass Index (BMI) in this patient population (R2 values if 0.61, 0.17 and 0.44, respectively), with a higher allele burden predicting larger spleen size, a higher ANC and a lower BMI. Eighteen of the nineteen evaluable JAK2 V617F-positive patients had baseline JAK2 V617F values above 50%, with the mean %V617F value for all evaluable patients being 81%, implying that the majority of hematopoietic stem cells contain the mutant allele in this patient population. During INCB018424 therapy (at least 3 months of treatment) in these patients, profound improvements in clinical endpoints including reduction or resolution of splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms are observed, yet only a modest decrease in JAK2 V617F allele burden is seen in both bone marrow and peripheral blood (13% and 9 % decrease from baseline, respectively, at 3 months). Conclusions: While the patient group is small and heterogeneous in nature, clinical correlates of V617F allele burden observed in myelofibrosis patients in this study are similar to those reported in PV. In addition, despite profound clinical improvements in these patients, V617F allele burdens do not change dramatically suggesting that the clinical activity of INCB018424 might involve inhibition of downstream signaling in cells harboring activating JAK2 mutations rather than changing the allele burden.

Abstract BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the prognostic relevance of aberrant serum lipid values in the myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) of primary myelofibrosis (PMF), polycythemia vera (PV), and essential thrombocythemia (ET). METHODS: The Mayo MPD patient institutional database was queried to identify clinical history and lipid profiles (within a year of diagnosis). Serum cholesterol (CHOL), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TRI) were assessed compared to clinical outcomes. RESULTS: 558 patients with MPDs (PMF 28%, PV 27%, and ET 45%) (median age at diagnosis of 56 (range18–81)) were identified. A lipid profile obtained a median of 0.0 months from diagnosis (range (-8 to 12 months) from MPD patients displayed low CHOL, LDL-C, and higher HDL-C than typical for the USA. Amongst MPD disease types PMF patients had lower CHOL (p<0.001) and HDL (p<0.001) compared to ET and PV (see table). Amongst PMF patients, although hypocholesterolemia was not a surrogate for malnutrition (p=0.13) median serum albumin 4.1 g/dL (range 2.7–4.8)), there was correlation with the presence of weight loss, hypercatabolic symptoms, and worse Mayo-CBC myelofibrosis prognostic scores (Cancer2006;106:623; p<0.01). Amongst the study group PMF patients had the poorest survival (followed by PV then ET; p<0.001). Decreased cholesterol (CHOL <150mg/dL, or HDL <60 mg/dL) was associated with decreased survival (P<0.001), but only in PMF patients (see figure). Decreased PMF survival was also associated with traditional PMF risk factors of hemoglobin <10g/dL, leukocytes <4 or >30 × 10(9)/L, platelets <100 × 10(9)/L, and circulating blasts. In multivariate analysis (Cox-Proportional Hazard) only the Mayo-CBC score, hemoglobin <10g/dL, circulating blasts and decreased CHOL remained significant for decreased survival (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of hypocholesterolemia is very common in patients with PMF and is independently associated with inferior survival. Survival by HDL-C and Serum Cholesterol (CHOL) in 154 patient’s with Primary Myelofibrosis Survival by HDL-C and Serum Cholesterol (CHOL) in 154 patient’s with Primary Myelofibrosis Lipid Distributions in 558 MPD patients VALUE/ NCEP CATEGORY PMF (N=154) PV (N=149) ET (N=255) NHANES (USA MEANS;95th CI) NCEP: National Cholesterol Education Program: NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (values for all races ages 65–74) Serum Cholesterol (Median) 149 mg/dL 179 mg/dL 199 mg/dL 221 mg/dL (153–301) −>200mg/dl (Desirable) 10% 31% 48% −150–200mg/dL (Desirable) 39% 25% 41% −100–149mg/dL (Desirable) 41% 41% 9% −<100mg/dL (Low) 10% 3% 2% LDL Cholesterol (Median) 33 mg/dL 41 mg/dL 49 mg/dL 149 mg/dL (87–217) −>100mg/dL (Low to high risk) 1% 1% 1% −<100mg/dL (Optimal) 99% 99% 99% HDL Cholesterol (Median) 79 mg/dL 118 mg/dL 108 mg/dL 45.7 mg/dL (29–71) −>60mg/dL (Optimal) 74% 90% 91% −40–60mg/dL (Normal) 16% 10% 8% −<40mg/dL (Low) 10% 0% 1% Triglycerides (Median) 151 mg/dL 89 mg/dL 116 mg/dL 145 mg/dL (62–285) −>200mg/dL (High) 28% 0% 3% −150–199mg/dL (Borderline) 23% 6% 14% −<150mg/dL (low) 49% 94%% 83%

Abstract Background: Previous cytogenetic studies in polycythemia vera (PV) have included a relatively small number of patients (“n” ranging 10–64). In the current study (n=137), we describe cytogenetic findings at presentation and examine their relationship to clinical and laboratory features, including bone marrow JAK2V617F allele burden. Methods: The study consisted of a consecutive group of patients with PV who fulfilled the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria and in whom bone marrow biopsy and cytogenetic studies were performed at diagnosis. Results I: cytogenetic details At diagnosis: A total of 137 patients (median age, 64 years; 49% females) were studied at diagnosis and had adequate metaphases for interpretation. Cytogenetics were normal in 117 patients (85%) and displayed either a sole -Y abnormality in 5 patients (7% of the male patients), and other chromosomal abnormalities in 15 (11%). The latter included trisomy 8 in five patients, trisomy 9 in three patients, two patients each with del(13q), del(20q), and abnormalities of chromosome 1, and one patient each with del(3)(p13p21), dup(13)(q12q14), and del(11)(q21). At follow-up: Repeat cytogenetic studies while still in the chronic phase of the disease were performed in 19 patients at a median of 60 months (range, 8–198) from diagnosis. Of these, 4 had aquired new cytogenetic clones including 3 with normal cytogenetics at time of initial PV diagnosis. The new abnormalities included del(20q), del(5q), del(1p), chromosome 1 abnormality, and inv(3)(q21q26.2). At time of disease transformation: Leukemic transformation was documented in 3 patients of whom cytogenetic information at the time was available in 2 patients; both patients had normal results at time of initial PV diagnosis and complex cytogenetic abnormalities at time of leukemic transformation. In contrast, among 6 patients with available cytogenetic information at time of fibrotic transformation, the results were unchanged from those obtained at time of diagnosis in 5 patients. ii) Correlation between cytogenetics at diagnosis and JAK2V617F allele burden: Allele-specific, quantitative PCR analysis for JAK2V617F was performed in 71 patients using genomic DNA from archived bone marrow obtained at the time of the initial cytogenetic studies. JAK2V617F mutation was detected in 64 of the 71 (90%) patients; median mutant allele burden was 16% (range 3–80%) without significant difference among the different cytogenetic groups: normal vs. –Y vs. other cytogenetic abnormalities (p=0.72). iii) Clinical correlates and prognostic relevance of cytogenetic findings at diagnosis: Among several parameters studied for significant correlations with cytogenetic findings at diagnosis, an association was evident only for age (p=0.02); all –Y abnormalities (n=5) as well as 13 of the 15 (87%) other cytogenetic abnormalities occurred in patients ≥ 60 years of age. Stated another way, the incidence of abnormal cytogenetics (other than -Y) was 4% for patients younger than age 60 years and 15% otherwise. The presence of abnormal cytogenetics at diagnosis had no significant impact on either overall or leukemia-free survival. Conclusions: Abnormal cytogenetic findings at diagnosis are infrequent in PV, especially in patients below age 60 years. Furthermore, their clinical relevance is limited and there is not significant correlation with bone marrow JAK2V617F allele burden.

Abstract Background: Pruritus in polycythemia vera (PV) has been associated with a high JAK2V617F allele burden (Tefferi et al. Cancer. 2006;106:631, Vannucchi et al, Leukemia2007, in press). However, there is limited information regarding clinical correlates of pruritus per se in PV. Accordingly, we conducted a large (n=418) retrospective study in PV to accurately assess the prevalence and severity of pruritus as well as its relationship with presenting clinical features, bone marrow JAK2V617F allele burden, and prognosis. Methods: The study cohort consisted of a consecutive group of patients with PV who fulfilled the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria and in whom information regarding the presence or absence of pruritus at diagnosis was fully documented. Pruritus was graded as being mild, moderate, or severe based on careful review of patient history. Results: Prevalence and severity of pruritus: A total of 418 patients fulfilled the above stipulated criteria for study inclusion (median age of 60 years; 56% males; median follow-up of 73 months). Of these, 131 (31%) experienced pruritus at time of initial diagnosis: mild in 97 patients (74%), moderate in 22 (17%), and severe in 12 (9%). Most patients with mild pruritus (n=92) received no specific therapy for pruritus whereas all 12 patients with severe pruritus required treatment; all 7 patients who received treatment with paroxetine responded. Pruritus and JAK2V617F allele burden: Quantitative measurement of JAK2V617F was performed in 64 patients using genomic DNA from archived bone marrow obtained at the time of PV diagnosis. Mutational frequency was 97%; median mutant allele burden was 25.4% (range 0.2 - 93.3%). Among the 62 V617F-positive patients, 24 (39%) had pruritus; the proportion of patients in the upper and lower quartile allele burden ranges were 50% and 0% in the presence of pruritus and 18% and 34% in its absence (p=0.002). Clinical correlates of pruritus: Pruritus was more prevalent in non-smokers (35% vs. 19%; p=0.004) and non-diabetics (33% vs. 16%; p=0.04) and was associated with a lower rate of arterial thrombosis at diagnosis (8% vs. 17%; p=0.01) as well as during follow-up (16% vs. 30%; p=0.003). These significant associations remained intact during multivariable analysis. Pruritus did not have an impact on the rate of leukemic or fibrotic transformation. Conclusions: Pruritus in PV is independently associated with a lower risk of arterial thrombosis despite high JAK2V617F allele burden and is also more prevalent in non-smokers. These observations suggest that pruritus might be a surrogate for an underlying platelet pathology with functional relevance.

7059 Background: Patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) have historically poor outcomes, with ~6-7 mos median OS in relapsed/refractory (r/r) setting. Splenomegaly is a poor prognostic factor and potential target in CMML. CD123 is detected on blasts, monocytes, and neoplastic microenvironmental plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) infiltrates part of the CMML malignant clone (Solary, et al). Tagraxofusp, a novel CD123 targeted therapy, demonstrated high levels of activity in BPDCN, an aggressive hematologic malignancy derived from CD123-expressing pDCs, and is FDA approved in BPDCN. As such, tagraxofusp may offer a novel approach in CMML. Methods: Multicenter, 2-stage Ph1/2 enrolling patients (pts) with r/r CMML. Objectives: determine optimal dose, evaluate safety and efficacy. Stage 1 dose escalation: IV tagraxofusp (7, 9, and 12 mcg/kg/day) dosed on days 1-3 every 21 days (C1-4), 28 days (C5-7), and 42 days (C8+). Stage 2 (ongoing), pts receive optimal S1 dose (12 mcg/kg/day; no MTD). Results: 20 pts (12 CMML-1; 8 CMML-2) enrolled. 18 pts 2nd-line (2 pts in 1L), HMAs most common prior therapy. Median age 69 (43-80); 81% male. 11 (52%) had baseline splenomegaly (spleen palpable below left costal margin by physical exam) of 2-27 cm. Most common TRAEs: hypoalbuminaemia (35%), thrombocytopenia (35%), nausea (30%), vomiting (30%), and fatigue (20%). Most common ≥Gr3 TRAEs were thrombocytopenia (35%) and nausea (5%). Capillary leak syndrome in 3 pts (15%; all Gr1&2). 100% (10/10) of pts with splenomegaly had spleen response: 80% (8/10) had reductions ≥50% and 67% (4/6) with spleen size ≥5 cm had reductions ≥50%. 3 pts achieved bone marrow complete responses, including 1 pt bridged to SCT in remission. Conclusions: Tagraxofusp demonstrated single agent activity in CMML as 80% of pts showed ≥50% reduction in splenomegaly by palpation. Splenomegaly in CMML, as in myelofibrosis, is a major cause of morbidity and associated with poor prognosis and impaired QoL. Targeting splenomegaly in myeloid neoplasms with proliferative features may be an important therapeutic goal. Given CD123 expression on CMML blasts, monocytes, and malignant pDCs, tagraxofusp may offer a targeted approach, especially in pts with splenomegaly. Updated safety and efficacy data to be presented. Registrational trial planned. Clinical trial information: NCT02268253.

7058 Background: Patients with myelofibrosis (MF) who fail or are intolerant to JAK inhibitors (JAKi) have no standard treatment options. CD123 is expressed on a variety of malignancies, including MF. CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), in the MPN microenvironment, including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and MF, may be tumor-promoting. Monocytosis in MF associated with rapid disease progression and short survival, suggesting an accelerated disease phase. Notably, monocytes share a common precursor with CD123+ pDCs. Tagraxofusp, a novel CD123 targeted therapy, demonstrated high activity in patients with BPDCN, an aggressive hematologic malignancy derived from CD123+ pDCs, and is FDA approved in BPDCN. As such, tagraxofusp may offer a novel therapeutic approach in MF. Methods: Multicenter, 2-stage Ph 1/2 trial enrolling patients (pts) with MF relapsed, refractory, or intolerant to JAKi. Objectives: determine optimal dose, evaluate safety and efficacy. Stage 1 dose escalation: IV tagraxofusp (7, 9, and 12 mcg/kg/day) dosed daily days 1-3 every 21 days (C1-4), 28 days (C5-7), and 42 days (C8+). Stage 2 (ongoing): pts receive optimal S1 dose (12 mcg/kg/day; no MTD). Results: 23 r/r pts treated. Median age 69 (55-81); 57% female. DIPSS Plus: 4% INT-1, 55% INT-2, 41% high. Baseline platelets: median 59 K/uL (15-579); 70% (16/23) <100 K/uL, 8 pts <50 K/uL. 87% (20/23) baseline splenomegaly (palpable ≥5 cm below left costal margin by physical exam). Most common TRAEs: headache (22%), hypoalbuminaemia (22%), ALT incr. (17%) and thrombocytopenia (17%). Most common ≥Gr3 TRAE thrombocytopenia (2%). Capillary leak syndrome in 1 pt (4%; Gr3). 57% (8/14) of pts with baseline spleen ≥5cm BCM spleen responses: 43% (6/14) had ≥29% and 21% (3/14) had ≥45% reduction. 100% of pts with baseline spleen ≥5cm and monocytosis splenomegaly reductions: 80% (4/5) had ≥29% and 40% (2/5) had ≥45%. 6 pts (3 monocytosis pts and 5 pts platelets <100 K/uL) had 6 mos+ duration, 9 pts ongoing. Conclusions: Tagraxofusp demonstrated single agent activity (reduction in splenomegaly) and manageable safety in R/R MF, including pts with monocytosis, an unmet medical need. Given the presence of CD123+ pDCs, tagraxofusp may offer a novel targeted approach in MF. Updated data to be presented. Registrational designs are being evaluated. Clinical trial information: NCT02268253.

7109 Background: We previously reported results of treating MF patients with 3 cycles of 300, 400, or 500 mg of SAR302503 (NCT01420770; Blood 2012;120:21 Abs 2837). This is a report of efficacy and safety after 6 cycles. Methods: Patients ≥18 years of age with intermediate-2 or high-risk MF and splenomegaly were eligible. SAR302503 is administered orally, once a day in consecutive 4-week cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Spleen response (≥35% reduction in spleen volume vs baseline) was assessed by MRI/CT (blinded independent central review). Results: 31 patients were enrolled (n=10 in the 300 and 400 mg groups; n=11 to 500 mg). Risk status was balanced in all but the 300 mg group (70% high-risk). Most patients were JAK2V617F positive (90%) and blood transfusion independent (81%). Spleen response rates at the end of cycle (EOC) 6 (secondary end point) were 30% (3/10) in the 300 mg group, 60% (6/10) with 400 mg, and 55% (6/11) with 500 mg compared with EOC 3 rates of 30%, 50%, and 64%, respectively. One patient on 500 mg who had a spleen response at EOC 3 (39% reduction), but not at EOC 6 (25% reduction) had dose reductions to 200 mg due to anemia. Median number of cycles was 13 (range, 2–17) and 24 patients have been on treatment >12 months. SAR302503 reduced baseline constitutional symptoms at the EOC 3, with the greatest responses for night sweats in 14/15 patients (93%), itching 10/14 (71%), early satiety and abdominal pain, each in 10/18 (56%). Most common adverse events were anemia and diarrhea, with grade 3–4 rates of 58% and 13%, respectively. The rate of grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia was 16%. There was no grade 3–4 neutropenia. The diarrhea rate tended to decrease after the first 2 treatment cycles. There have been no reports of withdrawal syndrome after stopping SAR302503. Median JAK2V617F allele burden was 93% at baseline, 87% at the EOC 3, and 78% at EOC 6 in 19/26 patients who had available samples. The expression of 22 of 97 cytokines was significantly regulated (≥1.5 fold difference; p<0.05) after cycle 1. Conclusions: In this Phase II trial, continued treatment with SAR302503 was associated with clinically meaningful reductions in splenomegaly. Symptom data will be updated. Clinical trial information: NCT01420770.

TPS6641 Background: Hydroxyurea is widely used to treat patients with high-risk PV and ET. However, some patients are either clinically resistant to hydroxyurea or have unacceptable side effects, supporting the need for active therapeutic options in this setting. SAR302503 is an orally administered selective JAK-2 inhibitor that reduced symptom burden and provided a durable clinical benefit, including a reduction in the JAK2V617F allele burden, with an acceptable safety profile in a Phase 1/2 trial of patients with primary myelofibrosis (MF), post-PV MF, or post-ET MF (J Clin Oncol 2011;29:789; Pardanani, ASH 2011; Abs 3838). Based on the results in MF, in October 2011 we initiated a Phase 2 trial to evaluate SAR302503 for the treatment of patients with PV and ET who are resistant or intolerant to hydroxyurea (NCT01420783; ARD12042). Methods: Eligibility criteria include age of at least 18 years, ECOG PS 0–2, and hydroxyurea resistant PV or ET as defined by European LeukemiaNet Consensus Criteria (Blood 2009;113:4829). Patients are being randomized (1:1:1) to receive 100, 200, or 400 mg of SAR302503 orally once daily in consecutive 28-day cycles for at least 8 cycles in the absence of progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end points will be assessed after the completion of 8 cycles and are: for PV, the proportion of patients maintaining a hematocrit below 45% without phlebotomy for at least 3 months; for ET, the proportion of patients with a platelet count lower than 400 × 109/L for at least 3 months. Secondary objectives include safety, response rate, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics as measured by JAK2V617F allele burden and STAT3 phosphorylation inhibition, assessment of disease-related symptoms, and quality of life. Enrollment of the planned total of 90 patients is ongoing at approximately 45 sites globally. Twelve patients have been enrolled as of January 2012.

TPS6639 Background: SAR302503 is an orally administered selective JAK-2 inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of MF. In a phase 1 study, SAR302503 reduced spleen size and disease-related symptoms and provided clinical benefit, including a reduction in the JAK2V617F allele burden, with an acceptable safety profile in patients with primary MF, post-PV MF, or post-ET MF (J Clin Oncol 2011;29:789). An ongoing open-label extension of this trial confirmed the durability of those results and found that doses between 400–500 mg/day of SAR302503 represented the optimal balance between safety and efficacy (Pardanani, ASH 2011;Abs 3838). These results led us to initiate a Phase 3 trial in December 2011 to evaluate SAR302503 at doses of 400 mg/day and 500 mg/day, compared with placebo, for the treatment of patients with MF (NCT01437787; EFC12153). Methods: Eligibility criteria include age of at least 18 years, platelets >50,000/µl, ECOG PS 0–2, and a diagnosis of high- or intermediate-risk 2 primary MF, post-PV MF, or post-ET MF according to IPSS criteria (Blood 2009;113:2895). Patients are being randomized (1:1:1) to receive 400 mg or 500 mg of SAR302503 or placebo orally once a day for at least 6 consecutive 28-day cycles. Assigned treatment will continue as long as patients are deriving benefit or until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Cross-over is allowed after 6 cycles or in case of progression before completion of 6 cycles according to predefined criteria. The primary endpoint is spleen response (≥35% reduction in spleen volume by MRI/CT at the end of cycle 6). Key secondary objectives are symptom response rate and durability of spleen response. Additional secondary endpoints include assessment of allele burden and bone marrow fibrosis reduction. It is planned to randomize 75 patients per treatment group at approximately 130 sites worldwide.