Citations 731

in Philadelphia-Chromosome-Negative Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Late Relapses Are Not Uncommon, Occur Mostly in Patients at Standard Risk and Have a Relatively Favorable Outcome. Results of the International ALL Trial: MRC Ukallxii/ECOG E2993

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 795-795

10.1182/blood.v126.23.795.795

Abstract This study was coordinated by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (Robert L. Comis, MD and Mitchell D. Schnall, MD, PhD, Group Co-Chairs) and the Medical Research Counsel, United Kingdom, and supported in part by Public Health Service Grants CA180820, CA180794, CA180790, CA189859, CA180853, CA180791, and from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services. Its content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute. Background: Late relapse in acute leukemia is considered a relatively rare event. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are often considered cured of the disease at 3 years, but information regarding adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients is scarce. Data are presented from one of the largest prospective adult ALL studies, the MRC UKALLXII/ECOG E2993, to evaluate the rate and characteristics of late relapse in ALL. For this purpose, late relapse was defined, arbitrarily, as relapse 3 years post achievement of complete remission (CR) and very late relapse was defined as relapse > 5 years from CR. Methods: The UKALLXII/ECOG E2993 was an international ALL trial conducted jointly by the MRC in the United Kingdom and ECOG in the United States. All patients received identical induction therapy, followed by central nervous system prophylaxis. Patients with a sibling donor (or a matched unrelated donor in Philadelophia-chromosome-positive ALL) were assigned to receive an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT); all others were randomized to undergo an autologous transplant or protracted standard consolidation/ maintenance therapy. The study accrued 2109 patients from 1993 to 2008. Following relapse, patients were followed for survival. For this report only patients registered before the tyrosine kinase inhibitors era are included in the analysis. Results: 1518 study patients were eligible for this analysis, 1208 (79.6%) Philadelphia-chromosome negative (Ph-neg) and 267 (17.5%) Philadelphia-chromosome positive (Ph-pos). 1381 (91%) of the patients achieved CR; 93% of the Ph-neg and 82% of the Ph-pos. 572 patients (37.7%) underwent allogeneic HSCT. The median duration of follow-up of patients who achieved CR was 10 years. Among the 1381 patients who achieved CR, 626 (45.3%) had a documented relapse; 566 (90.4%) relapsed within 3 years of CR and 60 (9.6%) relapsed beyond 3 years ('late relapse') (Figure 1). Among these 60 patients, 18(2.9%) relapsed after 5 years ('very late relapse'). Table. Patients n CR All relapses Relapses< 3 years Relapses≥ 3 years Relapses≥ 5 years All patients 1518 1381 (91%) 626 (45.3%) 566 (90.4%) 60 (9.6%) 18 (2.9%) Ph-neg 1208 (79.6%) 1123 (93%) 485 (40.1%) 429 (88.5%) 56 (11.5%) 17 (3.5%) Ph-pos 268 (17.5%) 219 (82%) 124 (56.6%) 122 (98.4%) 2 (1.6%) 1 (0.8%) Relapse beyond 3 years occurred in 4.3% of all who achieved CR, in 5% of Ph-neg and 0.01% of Ph-pos patients. Among the 60 late relapses, the median time to relapse was 46 months. 61.7% of the late-relapse patients were males, median age was 32 years, 88.3% were B-lineage ALL and the median white cell count at diagnosis was 6000/ul. 56.7% were in cytogenetic standard risk, 8.3% at high risk and the data of 35% are unknown. The median survival for the late relapse patients was longer than for those who relapsed within 3 years. The overall survival (OS) of the 56 Ph-neg patients who relapsed beyond 3 years is shown in Fig 2. Table.Relapse > 3 yearsRelapse > 3 yearsMedian survival from relapse (months)5.411.23-year OS from relapse6.5%29%5-year OS from relapse5.6%19% Conclusions: Late relapses in adults with Ph-neg ALL are not uncommon. About 10% of relapses occur beyond 3 years and 4.3% of all ALL patients who achieved a CR can expect to have a late relapse. These data are in contrast to AML where only 1% of patients relapse beyond 3 years (Watts JM et al, 2014). Most of the late relapse patients were at standard risk and appeared to have a relatively favorable outcome post relapse. Patients with ALL, particularly those who are Ph-neg, cannot be considered as cured at 3 years and need to be closely followed. Figure 1. Time to relapse of Ph-pos and Ph-neg ALL Figure 1. Time to relapse of Ph-pos and Ph-neg ALL Figure 2. Survival from relapse for Ph-neg patients who relapsed after 3 years from CR. Figure 2. Survival from relapse for Ph-neg patients who relapsed after 3 years from CR. Disclosures Rowe: Amgen: Consultancy; BioSight Ltd.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BioLineRx Ltd.: Consultancy. Douer:Gilead: Consultancy.
Myeloid Sarcoma: The Mayo Clinic Experience of Ninety Six Case Series

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2798-2798

10.1182/blood.v128.22.2798.2798

Abstract Background: Myeloid sarcoma is a tumor mass consisting of myeloid blasts occurring at anatomical site other than the bone marrow (Arber et al. Blood 2016;127(20):2391-2405). It is a subgroup of acute myeloid leukemia, which can be localized or disseminated and may involve multiple organs. It can present with or without a positive bone marrow. It may precede or follow bone marrow involvement. It may be identified at diagnosis or relapse, and is not uncommon after stem cell transplantation (Koc et al. Cancer 1999;85(3):608-615; Yoshihara et al. Biol. Blood Marrow Transplant 2012;18(12):1800-1807). Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics, cytogenetics, prognosis and outcome of patients with myeloid sarcoma with or without bone marrow involvement. Methods: The Mayo Clinic database was interrogated using the ICD-9 codes 205.0, 205.2, 205.3, as well as terms "myeloid sarcoma," "chloroma," and "extramedullary sarcoma" in clinical notes and pathology reports. Patients' follow up information was collected until July 2016. Results: Ninety six patients with a diagnosis myeloid sarcoma were identified. The diagnosis was based on biopsy results and in some cases imaging studies in addition to bone marrow biopsy. The median age was 53 (range 17-83) years, and 64 (67%) patients were males. Myeloid sarcoma with de novo (primary) and secondary acute myeloid leukemia (with antecedent hematologic malignancy and therapy related) accounted for 64% (61) and 36% of the cases respectively. The sites involved based on their frequency of occurrence included integumentary system (skin and soft tissues) in 37 (38%), lymphatic system in 17 (18%), the gastrointestinal and genitourinary system in 14 (15%), the nervous system in 9 (9%), the breast in 3 (3%) and multiple and other single sites in 16 (17 %). Bone marrow cytogenetics findings were documented in 74 (77%) patients; favorable, intermediate, and poor cytogenetic abnormalities account for 7 (9%), 45 (61%), and 22 (30%) cases respectively. After a median follow up of 135 weeks, 57 (59%) patients died. The median survival of primary and secondary acute myeloid leukemia with myeloid sarcoma was 52 and 11.5 months (P<0.0001); and that of favorable, intermediate and unfavorable cytogenetics abnormalities was 169, 52 and 17.5 months (P=0.04) respectively. Twenty six (27%) patients had no bone marrow involvement; and 18 (69%) of them were primary myeloid sarcoma (without antecedent malignancy or therapy). The median (range) age of those with and without bone marrow involvement was 53 (17-83) and 56 (17-81) years (P=0.6). At diagnosis patients with and without bone marrow involvement have a median (range) hemoglobin (gm/dL) (10.3 (6.2-15.4) vs 13.1 (9.9-15.2) P=0.0002), white blood cell count (X109/L) (21.4 (1.1-182.5) vs 5.8 (2.4-23.2) P<0.0001), and platelet count (X109/L) (71 (8-437) vs 250 (17-561) respectively. Aggressive chemotherapy therapy was given to 58 (83%) and 20 (77%) of patients with and without bone marrow involvement (P=0.6). The median survival was 17 and 20 months with and without bone marrow involvement (P=0.4). Of those with bone marrow involvement, 49 (70%) achieved complete remission, and 26 (53%) of those individuals subsequently relapsed. Conclusion: The treatment outcome of patients with myeloid sarcoma with or without bone marrow involvement seems the same. The conventional risk factors, antecedent hematological neoplasms and cytogenetic findings, have significant impact on survival. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding; Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding.
The Role of Spleen Directed Therapy and Predictors of Outcomes with Reduced Intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients with Primary Myelofibrosis and Splenomegaly

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 4370-4370

10.1182/blood.v126.23.4370.4370

Abstract Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment for primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allows otherwise ineligible patients to proceed with HSCT. Host factors in PMF such as bone marrow (BM) fibrosis, massive splenomegaly, and transfusion related allo-immunization increase the risk of engraftment failure, especially with RIC. Spleen directed therapy (SDT) is often used in PMF patients with splenomegaly to help with engraftment, however little data exists supporting this practice. This study was carried out to investigate the role for SDT and the predictors of outcomes with RIC HSCT for PMF. Methods :After IRB approval, the Mayo Clinic HSCT registry was queried for patients with PMF that underwent RIC allo-HSCT from 2005-2014. Disease and transplant related data were retrospectively abstracted and analyzed for HSCT related outcomes. SDT was defined as a therapeutic strategy with specific intent to overcome an enlarged spleen prior to HSCT and included splenectomy, splenic artery embolization, splenic irradiation, or JAK inhibitor therapy that was stopped <30 days before HSCT. Survival estimates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and means were compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox regression modeling. Results :51 patients (67% males) with WHO defined PMF with palpable splenomegaly that underwent RIC allo-HSCT were included in the study; median age 57 years (range, 35-68). The median follow-up was 12.2 months, and at last follow up, 19 deaths (37%) and 4 relapses (8%) were documented. The median OS for the group was not reached (mean 34.2 months); 88% at 100 days and 60% at 2 years. 17 deaths were attributed to non-relapse mortality (NRM). There were 3 engraftment failures (6%). 32 patients (63%) developed acute GVHD (grades II-IV) and 24 patients (47%) developed chronic GVHD (all grades). Twenty-one patients (41%) received SDT; 10 (48%) splenectomy, 2 (9%) splenic irradiation, and 9 (43%) JAK inhibitor therapy (ruxolitinib). The SDT group had a median spleen size of 14.5 cm (range, 1-29 cm) below the left costal margin (LCM) and 13 patients (62%) with spleen size >10 cm below LCM, while the no SDT group had a median spleen size of 7 cm (range, 1-19 cm) and 12 patients (40%) with spleen size >10 cm below LCM; p = 0.01. Seven (64%) of 11 patients receiving splenic irradiation (n = 1) or JAK inhibitor therapy (n = 6) were eligible for IWG-MRT spleen response, and 2 (29%) responded (both in JAK inhibitor group). Of the remaining 5 patients, 2 had a response not meeting IWG-MRT criteria. There were no differences in age (p = 0.09), gender (p = 1.0), DIPSS + score (p = 0.35), or HCT-CI (p = 0.61) between the two groups. There was a statistically significant difference in engraftment failure, with all 3 engraftment failures occurring in the SDT group (2 splenectomy patients, 1 splenic irradiation patient; p = 0.02). Engraftment failures were not attributable to insufficient cell dose, donor specific antibodies, or identifiable host factors. The patient with engraftment failure who underwent splenic irradiation had persistent massive splenomegaly. There were similar outcomes with regards to relapse rates, NRM, and acute and chronic GVHD. In the SDT group, the median OS was 13.3 months; 81% at 100 days and 33% at 2 years. In the no SDT group, the median OS was not reached; 94% at 100 days and 68% at 2 years; p=0.13. In a univariate survival analysis that included age, gender, SDT, DIPSS+ score, HCT-CI, CMV status, ABO status, HLA matching, donor source, graft source, engraftment status, and acute and chronic GVHD, predictors of survival were engraftment failure (p = 0.02) and major/bidirectional ABO incompatibility (p = 0.02). Similar results were obtained when JAK inhibitor therapy was considered separately from other forms of SDT. In a multivariate analysis, engraftment failure (HR 8.2, 1.8-27.2; p = 0.01) and major/bidirectional ABO incompatibility (HR 4.1, 1.4-10.9; p = 0.009) retained independent prognostic significance. Discussion:In patients with PMF and splenomegaly, there was no demonstrable benefit from SDT. Predictors of post-HSCT survival included engraftment failure and major/bidirectional ABO incompatibility. These findings need validation in a larger cohort of patients. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding. Mesa:Gilead: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Consultancy; NS Pharma: Research Funding.
Clinical Features and Outcomes of Isolated Myeloid Sarcoma in the United States: Analysis Using a National Dataset

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1618-1618

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1618.1618

Abstract Introduction Isolated myeloid sarcoma is a rare form (<1%) of acute myeloid leukemia presenting as extramedullary tumor. Contemporary clinical data are mostly limited to institutional case series. Using the National Cancer Database, the largest public cancer registry covering >70% of all newly diagnosed cancers in the United States, we determined the patterns of anatomical presentation and clinical outcome of myeloid sarcoma. Methods We identified patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of isolated myeloid sarcoma from 2004-2013 using International Classification of Diseases for Oncology version 3 (ICD-O-3) code: 9930. To allow at least 1 year of follow-up, only patients diagnosed from 2004-2012 were included in the survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Results A total of 746 patients were included in the study. The median age of patients was 59 years (range, 41 to 73) and 56% were males. The anatomical distribution and median overall survival of patients are depicted in the Table. The top 3 most common sites of presentation were connective/soft tissues (31.3%), skin/breast (12.3%), and digestive system (10.3%). Compared to other races, Blacks were more likely to have presentation in bones/joints (11.8% vs 6.3% in others), lymph nodes/spleen (22.1% vs. 9%), and less likely in skin/breast (4.4% vs. 13.8%). Asians were more likely to present with cardiopulmonary/mediastinal disease as compared to other races (13.6% vs. 4.2%). According to outcomes, we can categorize the patients into 3 groups: good (median overall survival >30 months: reproductive and digestive systems), intermediate (median overall survival 15-30 months: head/neck and kidney/bladder/retroperitoneum/adrenal), and poor (median overall survival <15 months: nervous system, connective/soft tissue, and bones/joints). There was no significant difference in overall survival between males and females (P =0.06). Among the races, Blacks had the worst overall survival (P =0.02; Figure). Conclusions This is the largest registry-based study on isolated myeloid sarcoma in the United States. Isolated myeloid sarcoma has a diverse anatomic clinical presentation and the overall survival varied significantly according to sites of presentation and racial subgroups. The results of our study may aid the prognostication of patients for treatment decision making and in the understanding of the biological differences by anatomic sites of presentation. Table Anatomical distribution and median overall survival of isolated myeloid sarcoma Table. Anatomical distribution and median overall survival of isolated myeloid sarcoma Figure Overall survival by sex and race in isolated myeloid sarcoma Figure. Overall survival by sex and race in isolated myeloid sarcoma Disclosures Al-Kali: Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.
Fludarabine Busulfan Compared to Fludarabine Melphalan Is Associated with Increased Relapse Risk in Reduced Intensity Conditioning Transplant Despite Pharmacokinetic Dosing

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 736-736

10.1182/blood.v126.23.736.736

Abstract Background: Fludarabine plus busulfan (FB) and fludarabine plus melphalan (FM) are two commonly used reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). A recent analysis showed that both regimens had similar overall survival (OS) but relapse incidence (RI) was significantly higher with FB with a trend towards higher non-relapse mortality (NRM) in FM (Baron et al., Cancer 2015). However, that cohort included patients treated with oral and intravenous busulfan without pharmakokinetic targeting of intravenous which may impact anti-leukemic activity. Aim: Compare transplant related outcomes of FB vs. FM using intravenous (IV) busulfan targeted to the area under the curve (AUC). Methods: After due IRB approval, patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) receiving RIC-SCT from 2008-2014 were identified. All baseline and laboratory features were retrospectively extracted. Busulfan dose in FB was 0.8 mg/kg IV for 10 doses with therapeutic AUC target of 900-1500 mcmol/L (min). All patients received T-cell replete grafts. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using Pearson's chi-squared and Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis, respectively. Survival estimates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and curves were compared using the log-rank test. Cumulative incidence was computed as competing events using Grey's model. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox regression modeling. Results: A. Baseline characteristics and AUC monitoring: 134 pts were identified (47 FB and 87 FM). Median follow up of the entire cohort was 40 months (0-63.3) and at last follow up, 60% and 29% have died or relapsed, respectively. Baseline characteristics stratified according to conditioning regimen are shown in table 1. Younger age (60 yrs FB vs. 61 yrs FM, p = 0.015) and a trend towards a higher CMV R-/D- status (28% FB vs. 14% FM p = 0.064) were the only significant differences identified. All patients in the FB group received intravenous busulfan and 46/47 patients had evaluable AUC data with a range of 732-1354 mcmol/L (min). A total of 19 patients were outside of range, all <900 mcmol/L (min) and required a median dose increase of 28.1% (3.3-50.2%) B. Engraftment and toxicity data: The median time for platelet engraftment was 19 days (0-48) for FB vs. 16 days (14-183) for FM (p = 0.0023) whereas the median time to absolute neutrophil count (ANC) engraftment was 18 days (7-30) for FB and 15 days (11-40) for FM (p = 0.077). Cumulative incidence of grade II-IV, III-IV acute GVHD and chronic GVHD at 2-yr was 57.3%, 11% and 52.8% for FB and 48.6%, 17% and 63.4% for FM (p = 0.73, 0.4 and 0.21, respectively). Two patients in the FM group died of cardiac causes (heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest). No cases of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome were observed in either arm C. Transplant outcomes: A significantly higher 2-yr relapse incidence (RI) was associated with FB vs. FM at 35.6% vs 17.3%, respectively (p = 0.0058). 2-yr progression free survival (PFS) was also significantly lower in the FB vs. FM at 51.2% vs. 65.1%, respectively (p 0.031). However, 2-yr OS and NRM was similar for FB vs. FM (53.1% and 22.9% vs 63.9% and 21.9%, respectively p = 0.26 and 0.89). Necessitating a dose adjustment based on AUC did not increase the risk for relapse or affect NRM. In multivariate analysis, FB was associated with increased RI with hazard ratio (HR) 2.29 (1.07-4.88; p = 0.033). Other factors significantly associated with RI on multivariate analysis were secondary/therapy related disease with HR 2.84 (1.34-6.02; p = 0.0067) and CR1 vs. other with HR 0.39 (0.17-5.32; p = 0.019). The significance of the results remained unchanged after exclusion of MDS patients (data not shown) Conclusion: Despite AUC dose adjustment, FB compared to FM was associated with increased RI with a similar OS and NRM. AUC dose adjustment did not impact transplant outcomes and its routine use in RIC should be further evaluated. Given the wide use of FB as a conditioning regimen, these important observations should be prospectively studied in a randomized fashion. Figure 1. Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 2. Disclosures Al-Kali: Novartis: Research Funding. Wolf:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Consultancy.
Long-Term Outcome of Treatment with Ruxolitinib in Myelofibrosis

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1752-1752

10.1182/blood.v118.21.1752.1752

Abstract Abstract 1752 Background: Patients with primary (PMF) or post-polycythemia vera/essential thrombocythemia (post-PV/ET MF) myelofibrosis often harbor a JAK2 mutation and also display abnormally increased inflammatory cytokines (J Clin Oncol. 2011;29:1356). Therefore, JAK-STAT is an appealing drug target in such patients. Ruxolitinib (INCB018424) is a small molecule ATP mimetic that inhibits both JAK1 and JAK2 and has been evaluated for its therapeutic activity in MF, in the setting of phases 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials. Methods: The first phase-1/2 MF study using ruxolitinib was conducted at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and Mayo Clinic. A total of 153 patients were included in the study whose first line results were published in September, 2010 (NEJM 2010;363:1117). The current report constitutes a sponsor-independent analysis of long-term outcome in the 51 Mayo Clinic patients who participated in the particular clinical trial. Results I: Baseline characteristics: The 51 patients (37 males) from the Mayo Clinic were enrolled between October, 2007 and February 2009. The median time from treatment initiation is now 3.5 years. MF subtype distributions were PMF 60%, post-PV MF 32% and post-ET MF 10%. Median (range) values were age 61 years (39–79), hemoglobin 10.6 g/dL (7.4-15.3), leukocyte count 15.8 (2.0–136), and palpable spleen size 19 cm (0–32). The proportion of patients with red cell transfusion dependency was 24%, hemoglobin <10 g/dL 38%, unfavorable karyotype 18%, pruritus 24%, night sweats 26%, and JAK2V617F 84%. DIPSS-plus risk distributions were high 18%, intermediate-2 48%, intermediate-1 22% and low 14%. Results II: Response and treatment duration: According to the International Working Group for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment (IWG-MRT) criteria, spleen response rate was 29% and anemia response rate 21%. Responses were also seen in constitutional symptoms (63%) and pruritus (92%). To date, treatment has been discontinued in 47 (92%) patients. The treatment discontinuation rates at 1, 2 and 3 years were 51%, 72% and 89%, respectively. For the 47 patients who were taken off study, median duration of treatment was 9.2 months (range 1.3–42 months). Reasons for treatment discontinuation included loss or lack of response/disease progression (∼40%), toxicity with and without lack of response/disease progression (∼34%), patient/physician choice often associated with lack of response (13%), and death on study (∼4%). Results III: Toxicity: Grade ≥2 thrombocytopenia and anemia occurred in 26% and 33% of patients and persisted in the majority of afflicted patients after drug discontinuation. To date, 18 deaths (36%) and 5 (10%) leukemic transformations have been recorded. Serious adverse events occurred upon drug discontinuation in 6 cases (13%) and were characterized by immediate relapse of symptoms, rapid and painful enlargement of spleen sometimes associated to splenic infarct, and acute hemodynamic decompensation occasionally leading to a septic shock-like syndrome. Results IV: Survival: There was no significant difference in the survival of the 51 ruxolitinib-treated patients compared to that of a cohort of 410 cases of PMF seen at the Mayo Clinic in the most recent 10-year period: unadjusted (Figure 1; p=0.43) and adjusted for DIPSS-plus (Figure 2; p=0.58). Conclusions: Ruxolitinib is effective in alleviating constitutional symptoms in the majority of patients with MF. Its activity in reducing spleen size is modest and not always durable. It is imperative that patients be alerted about important drug adverse events including potentially irreversible thrombocytopenia, worsening of anemia, and potentially catastrophic withdrawal symptoms. Ruxolitinib therapy does not appear to affect survival in MF. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A Clinical Measure of DNA Methylation Predicts Outcome in De Novo AML

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 2591-2591

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2591.2591

Abstract Background: Despite advances, the majority of patients (pts) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) will die of their disease. Current genetics-based risk classification schemes inadequately predict outcome. We sought to determine if a novel methylation-based biomarker could enhance risk stratification in AML. Methods: Using a novel methylation assay (xMELP) validated for the clinical laboratory, we performed DNA methylation assessment at 17 previously identified prognostic loci to calculate a summary methylation statistic (M-score, Wertheim et al. Clin Chem 2015) for 166 pts with de novo AML treated at the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN). Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 33 hematologic malignancy-associated genes was performed for a 136 pt subset. The association of M-score with other prognostic variables and outcome [complete remission (CR) and overall survival (OS)] was evaluated. Median follow-up was 68.1 mos (range 1.4-150.2) among 38 survivors and 10.5 mos (range 0.1-95.2) among those (n=128) deceased. The optimal M-score for identifying groups with differing OS in the total UPENN cohort defined a binary classifier. The classifier was validated in UPENN subgroups and in a separate ECOG ACRIN E1900 trial cohort. Results: The mean and median M-score for the UPENN cohort was 92.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.4-97.2) and 91.4 (range, 30.8-97.3), respectively; the M-score was not significantly associated with age, gender, specimen type, blast percent, NPM1, or FLT3-ITD. Patients with favorable cytogenetics had a lower mean M-score than those with non-favorable cytogenetics; there was no difference between intermediate and unfavorable cytogenetic groups. Univariate analyses demonstrated that a 10-unit increase in M-score was associated with a 10% increase in the hazard of death (HR 1.1; P<.0001) and a 20% increase in the odds of failing to achieve CR (OR 1.2, P<.0001). In multivariable Cox analysis, higher M-score (HR 1.1, P=.011) and older age (P=.001) were significantly associated with increased hazard of death, while NPM1+/FLT3-ITD-status (P=.031) was associated with decreased hazard of death. In a multivariable logistic analysis, higher M-score (HR, 1.1, P=.034) and older age (P=.007) were associated with increased odds of failing to achieve CR, while favorable cytogenetics (P=.030) was associated with achievement of CR. Based on the maximization of the log-rank statistic, the optimal M-score cutpoint was 86, which defined a binary risk classifier (hazard of death for high vs low M-score: unadjusted HR 2.5, P<.0001; adjusted HR 1.9, P=.003). Median OS was 26.6 vs. 10.6 mos for low and high M-score groups (Figure). The CR rates for low and high M-score groups were 84% and 61%, respectively. The performance of the M-score classifier was confirmed in pts ≤ 60 yrs with intermediate cytogenetics (log-rank P=.001, OS in high vs low M-score groups: 36.4 vs 14.0 mos) and among pts who achieved CR with initial therapy (log-rank P<.00001, OS 43.9 vs 17.2 mos). The M-score classifier identified groups with different outcome regardless of allogeneic transplant. The M-score classifier was validated in the E1900 cohort (n=383). The mean and median M-scores were similar to the UPENN cohort and M-score was significantly associated with OS on multivariable analysis (P<0.0001). The M-score classifier identified E1900 subgroups with different OS (log-rank P<.00001; OS 29.5 vs 12.6 mos), a finding confirmed in the intermediate cytogenetics group, in those aged <50 and ≥50 yrs, and among pts assigned to both standard and high dose daunorubicin. Notably, high dose daunorubicin benefited patients with high M-scores (P=.001), but not those with low M-scores (P=.328). We also evaluated the prognostic value of the M-score in the context of an extended molecular profile. Random forest analysis of the UPENN cohort showed that M-score and age are the most robust predictors of OS, while a subset of recurrent mutations (FLT3-ITD, NPM1, IDH2, TET2, TP53, NRAS, CEBPA) also contribute to prognosis, but to a lesser degree. Conclusion: The M-score and associated classifier represent promising tools for clinical decision-making in AML and deserve further investigation. The prognostic value of the M-score may be superior to mutational analysis. Optimal methods for integration of M-score, clinical and genetic information are being defined. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Loren: Merck: Research Funding. Levine:Foundation Medicine: Consultancy; CTI BioPharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Loxo Oncology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
A Phase I Dose Finding Trial of Eltrombopag during Consolidation Therapy in Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Employing a Unique Dosing Design: PrE0901, a Precog Study

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4053-4053

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4053.4053

Abstract Introduction: High-dose cytarabine consolidation chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) induces profound transient myelosuppression. Thrombocytopenia is a limiting factor in chemotherapy administration for maintaining dose intensity and schedule as thrombocytopenic-related hemorrhage may contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic and prophylactic platelet (plt) transfusions remain the treatment of choice but the benefits typically last only 3-7 days, are expensive, time consuming, and may induce alloimmunization and transmit infection. PrE0901 was a phase I multi-center study to evaluate the safety and toxicity of eltrombopag, an orally bioavailable thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist, for plt recovery in AML patients (pts) receiving consolidation therapy. Methods: The primary objectives were to determine the safety, tolerability, and optimal dosing of eltrombopag while describing the kinetics of plt recovery in AML pts receiving intensive consolidation. Plt recovery was defined as a sustained plt count of ≥ 20 x 109/L following the nadir with no plt transfusions in prior 7 days or a continued upward trend in plt count for at least 2 successive measurements despite no plt transfusions in 48 hours. We used a standard 3+3 design utilizing a novel dose escalation/de-escalation strategy for pts in either first or second complete remission, ≥18 and ≤70 years of age, who had an ECOG performance status of 0-2. Cytarabine was administered at 3 g/m2 (1.5 g/m2 for pts >60 years) IV over 3 hours twice daily on days 1,3,5. Eltrombopag at assigned dose was administered with a first cycle of cytarabine only. Planned eltrombopag dose levels -2, -1, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 50, 100, 150, 150, 150, 200, and 300 mg, respectively (Table 1). Eltrombopag was to start on days X, X, 3, -1, -5, -5, and -5 relative to day of cytarabine start and levels -2, -1, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively, with day X being variable depending on timing of observed dose limiting toxicities (DLTs). The eltrombopag was continued until plt recovery or for up to 35 consecutive days, whichever occurred first. An exploratory objective was to determine if eltrombopag had an effect on TPO and EPO blood concentrations in this setting. Results: Accrual began on July 31, 2012 and the trial closed on January 8, 2016 upon recommendation after an independent Data and Monitoring Committee reviewed a separate trial of eltrombopag therapy in MDS which demonstrated futility. 104 pts were screened. 54 declined participation and 35 were deemed medically ineligible. A total of 15 eligible pts were enrolled; 14 were treated on study with one pt being withdrawn prior to starting treatment due to infection. Three pts were treated at each of dose levels 1-4 and two were treated on dose level 5. No DLTs were observed. Median time to plt recovery of all pts treated on study was 22.5 (range 16-43) days. Pts in cohort 1 dosed with eltrombopag 150 mg daily starting on day 3 of consolidation demonstrated the fastest plt recovery (median =19 days; range 19, 19, 19) compared to cohort 2 who received 150 mg daily starting on day -1 of consolidation and recovered the slowest (median 23 days; range 16, 23, 43). Dose escalation in terms of starting eltrombopag further in advance of chemotherapy exposure as within cohort 3 (150 mg starting day -5) was associated with a median plt recovery of 27 (range 22, 27, 27) days. Eltrombopag dose intensification with cohort 4 at 200 mg daily and cohort 5 at 300 mg daily was associated with median plt recoveries of 24 (range 18, 24, 26) and 23 (range 19, 27) days, respectively. Kinetics of plt recovery for all cohorts are represented in Figure 1 and duration of eltrombopag exposure for each individual patient is represented in Table 2. Conclusions: Endogenous cytokine (TPO and EPO) levels varied inversely with plt and hematocrit values and did not appear to be affected by eltrombopag dose / schedule (details to be provided at ASH Annual Mtg). Unusually high screen fail numbers warrant examination to guide future trial design in the post-remission setting. The addition of eltrombopag to high-dose cytarabine consolidation therapy was well-tolerated and no DLTs were observed. The results for cohort 1 [eltrombopag 150 mg daily starting on day 3 of consolidation] demonstrated the fastest plt recovery. Further investigation is needed to define the optimal role, dose, and schedule of eltrombopag in the treatment of chemotherapy associated myelosuppression. Disclosures Strickland: Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Ambit: Consultancy; Baxalta: Consultancy; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy, Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; Cyclacel: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Karyopharm Therapeutica: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding.
Survival Trends in Adult T-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia / Lymphoma (ALL), a Comparative Analysis of 92 Patients By Year of Diagnosis

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 2490-2490

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2490.2490

Abstract Background: Adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia / lymphoma (T-ALL) is an rare and aggressive hematological malignancy with overall survival (OS) according to the UKALL XII/E2993 of 48% at 5 years (Marks et al, Blood 2009). Over the last decade, the incorporation of L-asparaginase, dose intensification (similar to pediatric protocols), availability of newer agents such as clofarabine (Dec 2004) and nelarabine (Oct 2005) have been shown to improve outcomes. We carried out this study to see if the above mentioned changes in treatment have translated to an OS benefit. Methods: After due IRB approval, adults diagnosed with T-ALL from 1990-2014 at Mayo Clinic were identified. All clinical and pathologic data was retrospectively reviewed Comparative analysis was performed based on year of diagnosis before and after 2005 (Group 1, diagnosis prior to 2005, and Group 2, diagnosis post 2005). Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier Method and log-rank test. Chi-square test was used to compare variables. Results: A. Patient Characteristics: Between 1990 and 2014, a total of 92 consecutive patients (pts) with T-ALL were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 33 years (range; 18-88 years) with 72% males. Distribution of pts by year of diagnosis was as follows: Group 1(n= 47) (51%), and Group 2 (n=45) (49%). Median overall survival was 97.2 months. Median follow up for Group 1 was 50 months, during which time 23 (39%) deaths were documented, and 22.8 months (0.9 - 115.4) for Group 2 at which time19 deaths (42%) were documented (p= 0.04). Pts in Group 2 were older than Group1 (median age 41 vs 27 years (p= 0.004). Apart from age, the two groups were similar in other characteristics (Table 1). B. Therapy received by patient groups: We observed a high use of L-asparaginase containing regimens in Group 1 vs Group 2 [35(74%) pts vs 19 (42%), p=0.0013]. In contrast there was an increase in use of Hyper-CVAD in Group 2; 23(51%) vs. 3 (6%) (p<0.0001). There was no difference in the use of intensive pediatric protocols (p=0.11). There was a trend of increased use of nelarabine in Group 2, however clofarabine usage was not different (p=0.09, and p=0.6 respectively) (Table1). Allogenic stem cell transplant was offered more in Group 2 compared to Group 1, 16 (36%) patients vs. 10 (21%) patients (p=0.0009). In contrast, 7 (19%) patients underwent autologous transplantation in group 1 vs. none in group 2 (p=0.0009). C. Overall outcome by patient groups: We did not observe any difference in CR, or relapse rates among the two groups. The median OS and time to relapse were also not statistically different among Group 1 and 2 [102.6 vs 61.8 months Figure A, and 7.1 vs 14.1 months respectively]. Furthermore, age adjusted survival analysis was also not statistically significant. Conclusion: In this large cohort of adult T-ALL patients, in spite of significant advances in treatment strategies over the last two decades, we observed no difference in overall and relapse free survival prior to and after 2005. Figure 1. Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 2. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding. Thompson:Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Witzig:Spectrum: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria; Valeant Pharma: Equity Ownership.
Treatment with Anti-CD19 BiTE® Blinatumomab in Adult Patients with Relapsed/Refractory B-Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (r/r ALL) Post-Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 861-861

10.1182/blood.v126.23.861.861

Abstract Introduction: Current therapies for patients with r/r ALL who have had prior allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) have very poor outcomes. Improvements in the therapeutic options available for adult r/r ALL are required. Blinatumomab is a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE®) antibody construct that redirects cytotoxic T cells to lyse CD19-positive B cells. The aim of the present analysis was to characterize a subset of patients with r/r ALL and prior alloHSCT before treatment with blinatumomab from a large confirmatory open-label, single-arm, multicenter phase 2 study (Topp MS et al Lancet Oncol 2015;16(1):57-66). Methods: Eligible patients (≥18 years) had Philadelphia chromosome-negative r/r ALL with 1 of the following negative prognostic factors: primary refractory, first relapse within 12 months of first remission, relapse within 12 months of alloHSCT, or second or greater salvage. Patients with active acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) were excluded. Patients were required to stop all immunosuppressive GvHD therapy within 2 weeks before starting blinatumomab. A total of 189 patients were enrolled and received blinatumomab by continuous intravenous infusion (4 weeks on/2 weeks off) for up to 5 cycles. The primary endpoint was complete remission or complete remission with partial hematologic recovery (CR/CRh) within the first 2 cycles. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and adverse events (AEs). Results: 64 (34%) patients had received alloHSCT before study enrollment; 10 patients had 2 prior alloHSCTs. Donor types primarily included 29 (45%) matched sibling and 31 (48%) unrelated, with 34 (59%) patients receiving myeloablative conditioning regimens (donor chimerism data were unavailable). Among those with prior alloHSCT, median age (range) was 32 (19-74) years. At baseline, 23 (36%) patients had 1 prior relapse, 24 (38%) had 2 prior relapses, and 17 (27%) had ≥3 prior relapses; 28 (44%) patients had relapsed post-alloHSCT. Of the 55 patients who had received previous salvage therapy, 38 (69%) had received salvage therapy after last alloHSCT and prior to blinatumomab. Median time (range) between the last alloHSCT and subsequent relapse was 6 (1-33) months. Median time from last prior alloHSCT to first dose of blinatumomab was 10 (3-40) months. Nineteen (30%) patients had a history of GvHD, and 42 (66%) had ≥50% bone marrow blasts at start of treatment as assessed by a central laboratory. Patients received blinatumomab for a median of 2 (1-5) cycles. Efficacy data are presented in Table 1. Overall, 45% (29/64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 33-58) of patients achieved CR/CRh within the first 2 cycles, with similar rates of remission also observed in the alloHSCT-naïve (42%; 52/125) group. With a median follow-up of 8.8 months, median (95% CI) OS was 8.4 (4.2-9.4) months for the 64 patients with prior alloHSCT treated with blinatumomab. Of the 29 responders (CR, n=18 and CRh, n=11), 22 (76%) had a minimal residual disease (MRD) response and 19 (66%) achieved a complete MRD response. Median RFS (95% CI) was 6.1 (5.0-7.7) months. 9/29 (31%) responders subsequently underwent another alloHSCT. In total, 56 (88%) patients had grade ≥3 treatment-emergent AEs, with the most frequent including neutropenia (22%), febrile neutropenia (20%), anemia (17%), and thrombocytopenia (14%). Six patients reported treatment-emergent GvHD (two grade ≥ 3) during blinatumomab treatment, 3 of whom had GvHD in skin. Eight patients had fatal treatment-emergent AEs, which included 1 due to gastrointestinal hemorrhage, 1 due to respiratory failure, and 6 due to infection/infestation; 1 of these (candida infection) was considered to be possibly related to treatment by the investigator. Of the subjects who had treatment-emergent fatal AEs, none were in remission at the time of death. Summary: In this heavily pretreated group of patients with r/r ALL and prior alloHSCT, single-agent blinatumomab was able to induce a CR/CRh rate of 45%, with an AE profile consistent with that previously reported. Post-alloHSCT patients who had relapsed performed equally as well as those without prior alloHSCT. To prolong remission in this poor outcome patient group, the addition of other immunotherapies to the treatment regimen may be considered for future investigations. Disclosures Stein: Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Topp:Astra: Consultancy; Regeneron: Consultancy; Affimed: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Other: Travel Support; Jazz: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel Support. Goekbuget:Erytech: Consultancy; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy; Kite: Consultancy; Mundipharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Equity Ownership; Sanofi: Equity Ownership; GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Eusapharma/Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Medac: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; SigmaTau: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Bargou:Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Patents & Royalties: Patent for blinatumomab; University of Wuerzburg, Germany: Employment; GEMoaB GmbH: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria. Rambaldi:Roche: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Celgene: Research Funding; Pierre Fabre: Honoraria. Zhang:Amgen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zimmerman:Amgen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Forman:Mustang: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy.