Schwager, Susan M.

Abstract Background Although hypogammaglobulinemia is a well-recognized complication in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), its prevalence at the time of CLL diagnosis and association with novel prognostic markers and clinical outcomes are not well understood. Methods All patients seen at Mayo Clinic between 1/1995 - 4/2013 with newly diagnosed CLL (<12 months diagnosis) and who had baseline assessment of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) were included in this analysis. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics as well as serum IgG levels measured by either immunoassay or serum protein electrophoresis analysis were recorded. Based on the normal range for IgG at our laboratory, patients with serum IgG<757 mg/dL were classified as having hypogammaglobulinemia. Patients with IgG<757 were also further stratified by terciles (lower tercile: IgG<585 mg/dL; middle tercile: IgG 585-687 mg/dL, upper tercile: IgG 688-756 mg/dL). The relationship between hypogammaglobulinemia at diagnosis and prognostic parameters including immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGHV) gene mutation status, genetic abnormalities detected by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), and ZAP-70, CD38 and CD49d expression was assessed. Associations of hypogammaglobulinemia with time to first treatment (TTT) and overall survival (OS) was also evaluated. Results Of 1485 patients who met the eligibility criteria, 382 (26%) had hypogammaglobulinemia (median IgG=624 mg/dL) at the time of CLL diagnosis while the remaining 1103 (74%) had normal serum IgG levels (median IgG=1040 mg/dL). Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with and without hypogammaglobulinemia are shown in Table 1. When patients with hypogammaglobulinemia (IgG<757 mg/dL) were further stratified into terciles, patients in the lower tercile (n=127) were more likely to have advanced Rai stage (III-IV) at diagnosis (15% vs. 6% vs. 4%, p=0.008), be CD49d positive (56% vs. 43% vs. 32%, p=0.01), and have trisomy 12 on FISH testing (29% vs. 24% vs. 9%, p=0.005) compared to patients in the middle (n=127) and upper (n=128) terciles. After median follow-up of 4.2 years, 479 (32%) patients had received treatment for CLL, and 328 (22%) patients had died. The median TTT for patients with hypogammaglobulinemia was 3.8 years compared to 7.4 years for patients with a normal IgG (p-value<0.001). Among patients with hypogammaglobulinemia, the median TTT for patients in the lower, middle, and upper terciles were 1.7, 2.9, and 6.3 years respectively (p-value<0.001, Figure 1). On multivariable analysis that included age, gender, Rai stage, IGHV mutation status, FISH risk category and hypogammaglobulinemia, the following were independently associated with a shorter TTT: advanced (III-IV) Rai stage (hazard ratio [HR] =15.3, p<0.0001); intermediate (I-II) Rai stage (HR=3.0, p<0.0001); unmutated IGHV (HR=2.6, p=<0.0001); and hypogammaglobulinemia (HR=1.5, p=0.02). Conclusion In this large cohort study, approximately one-quarter of CLL patients had a low serum IgG level at the time of diagnosis. High-risk features, including advanced Rai stage and expression of CD49d, were associated with greater risk of hypogammaglobulinemia at the time of diagnosis. Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia at diagnosis had shorter TTT, a finding that persisted after adjusting for other prognostic factors. Evaluation of acquired hypogammaglobulinemia during the course of follow-up among patients who initially had normal IgG levels is ongoing. Disclosures: Shanafelt: Genentech: Research Funding; Glaxo-Smith-Kline: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Polyphenon E International: Research Funding.

Abstract Background Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can effect renal function in a variety of ways including direct infiltration of the kidney, ureteral obstruction by lymphadenopathy, and treatment related tumor lysis syndrome (uric acid nephropathy). Rarely, CLL has also been reported to be associated with light chain nephropathy, renal amyloidosis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), granulomatous interstitial nephritis (GIN), and minimal change disease (MCD). Nearly all the data on the effects of CLL on renal function is at the case report level. We systematically evaluated the prevalence of renal insufficiency at diagnosis as well the incidence of acquired renal insufficiency during follow-up in a large cohort of patients with newly diagnosed CLL to more accurately define the effects of CLL on the kidney and its impact on clinical outcomes. Methods Between January 1995 -February 2013, previously untreated CLL patients seen in the Division of Hematology at Mayo Clinic at diagnosis (<12 months) and who had baseline assessment of serum creatinine were included in this analysis. Patients with serum creatinine (Cr) ≥1.5 mg/dL at baseline were classified as having renal insufficiency at diagnosis. Patients who initially had baseline creatinine <1.5 mg/dL but who developed a Cr≥1.5 mg/dL during the course of their disease were considered to have acquired renal insufficiency. Results Existing renal insufficiency at the time of CLL diagnosis: Of 2047 patients who met the eligibility criteria, 153 (7.5%) patients had renal insufficiency (Cr≥1.5 mg/dL) at the time of CLL diagnosis including 15 (0.7%) with a Cr≥3 mg/dL. Renal insufficiency was also more common among men (9.3% vs. 3.9%; p<0.00001), those with advanced stage disease (Rai 0=7.0%; Rai I-II=6.4%, Rai III-IV=20.2%; p<0.0001), and CD49d positive patients (6.8% vs. 3.8%; p<0.038). Patients with renal insufficiency at diagnosis were also older (median age 72.2 vs. 63.9; p<0.0001). No difference in the prevalence of renal insufficiency at diagnosis was observed based on cytogenetic abnormalities detected by FISH or CD38, ZAP-70 or IGHV gene mutation status. Although renal insufficiency at diagnosis was strongly associated with OS on univariate analysis (p<0.001), no association was observed between renal insufficiency and TTT or OS on multi-variate analysis adjusting for age, sex, and Rai stage. Acquired renal insufficiency during CLL disease course: Among the 1894 patients with normal renal function at diagnosis, 304 (16.1%) acquired renal insufficiency (Cr≥1.5 mg/dL) during the course of their CLL disease course including 43 (2.3%) with peak Cr≥3 mg/dL. In addition to age (older) and male sex, a number of CLL disease characteristics were associated with a higher likelihood of acquired renal insufficiency including: IGHV UM (OR=2.0; p=0.0001), unfavorable FISH (del17p- or 11q-; OR=2.0; p=0.001), and being CD49d+ (OR=1.8; p=0.002), ZAP-70+ (OR=1.6; p=0.004), or CD38+ (OR=1.4; p=0.0.032),. Shorter TTT (p<0.001) and OS (P<0.001) was observed among patients with initially normal creatinine who acquired renal insufficiency (Figure 1A and 1B). On MV analysis adjusting for age, sex, and stage at diagnosis, acquired renal insufficiency remained an independent predictor of TTT (OR=1.77; p=0.001) and OS (OR=2.67; p<0.001). Renal insufficiency and therapy selection After median follow-up of 4.5 years (range 0-18.0), 620 of 2047 (30.3%) patients have progressed to require treatment. Patients with renal insufficiency prior to treatment were less likely to receive purine nucleoside analogue based therapy and more likely to receive single agent alkylator based treatment. Conclusions Approximately 1 in every 13 patients (7.5%) with CLL has renal insufficiency at the time of diagnosis and an additional 16.1% acquire renal insufficiency during the course of the disease. The risk of developing renal insufficiency is associated with a variety of CLL B-cell characteristics and is associated with TTT and OS. Data on causes of acquired renal insufficiency is being abstracted and will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures: Shanafelt: Genentech: Research Funding; Glaxo-Smith-Kline: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Polyphenon E International: Research Funding. Off Label Use: MK2206 in a phase 1 trial of CLL.

Abstract Introduction Approximately 2-8% chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients develop diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL, so-called Richter syndrome [RS]) over long-term follow-up. The outcomes of patients with RS are variable and poorly understood. Methods CLL patients seen at Mayo Clinic from January 1995 to April 2013 who developed biopsy-proven DLBCL during follow-up were included in this analysis. Clinical characteristics, therapy and overall survival (OS) of all patients with RS were analyzed. Results One hundred and twenty patients with biopsy-proven RS were identified in the Mayo Clinic database. The median age at diagnosis of RS was 67 years (range, 29-88 years), 87 (73%) were male, and 83 (69%) had received prior CLL therapy. The median duration between diagnosis of CLL and development of RS was 3.8 years (range, 0-34.5 years). Stereotyped B-cell receptors were found in 9/30 (30%) RS patients compared to 219/1294 (17%) non-RS patients (OR=2.1, p=0.07). IGHV4-39 gene usage was present in 2/26 (8%) RS patients compared to 57/1354 (4%) non-RS patients (p=0.3). Of the 30 RS biopsy samples in which Epstein Barr virus (EBV) in-situ hybridization studies were performed, EBV was detected in 7 (23%) patients. After a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 86 (72%) patients have died. Causes of death were as follows: progressive DLBCL (n=46, 53%), progressive CLL (n=2, 2%), infection (n=8, 9%), unknown (n=20, 23%) and other (n=10, 12%). The median OS of the entire cohort was 0.9 years (95% CI, 0.5-1.3 years). Tsimberidou and colleagues proposed a prognosis score (RS score) based on the following variables at the time of RS diagnosis: Eastern Co-operative Group performance status of 2-4, lactate dehydrogenase >1.5 x normal, platelets<100 x 109/L, tumour size >5 cm and >1 prior therapy for CLL. Each parameter was assigned one point, and patients were then assigned to one of four risk groups based on their calculated RS score: 0 or 1, low risk; 2, low-intermediate risk; 3, high-intermediate risk; 4 or 5, high risk. The OS according to the RS score for our group of patients is shown in Figure 1. Median survival in the low, intermediate-1, intermediate-2 and high-risk groups were 2.4 years, 0.7 years, 0.3 years and 0.2 years, respectively (p<0.001). Fifteen (12%) patients received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP) as initial therapy for RS, and 68 (57%) received rituximab in addition to CHOP (R-CHOP). There was no difference in survival among patients who received CHOP compared to R-CHOP (median, 1.8 years. vs. 1.2 years, p=0.5). Twenty-four patients (20%) received non-CHOP-based chemotherapy, and treatment was unknown in 4 (3%) patients. Nine patients (7%) died before definitive therapy could be instituted. Thirteen (11%) patients were able to proceed to stem cell transplantation (SCT): 10 (8%) autologous SCT, 2 (2%) allogeneic SCT and 1 (1%) autologous SCT followed by an allogeneic SCT. Although RS patients who underwent SCT were younger compared to those who did not undergo SCT (median, 59 years. vs. 69 years, p=0.001), no differences in prior CLL therapy or receipt of R-CHOP therapy for DLBCL was noted between the two groups. The median survival of patients who proceeded to SCT was superior compared to those who did not (5.2 years vs. 0.7 years; p=0.005). Conclusion Stereotyped B-cell receptors but not VH4-39 had a suggested evidence of an increased risk of RS in our cohort. Although 90% RS patients received intensive chemotherapy, only 11% patients were able to proceed to SCT. Median survival of RS patients remains dismal at 1 year, and newer therapies are needed to improve outcomes. Disclosures: Shanafelt: Genentech: Research Funding; Glaxo-Smith-Kline: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Polyphenon E International: Research Funding.

Abstract Introduction: Our current understanding of CLL biology and optimal therapies is based on clinical trials that have largely enrolled White patient populations. Whether these findings are applicable to Hispanic or non-White patients is unknown but critical to evaluate given the growing numbers of minority patients in the U.S. While retrospective studies have suggested inferior outcomes in non-White patients, prospective data on these disparities are lacking. Patients and Methods: We utilized the Mayo Clinic CLL database to better understand variations in disease characteristics, molecular differences, and treatment selections between non-Hispanic White patients and those not in this category (referred to hereafter as “other race”). After excluding 49 patients with missing diagnosis date and another 490 patients with missing race and/or ethnicity, the remaining 4104 cases within the registry were included in the analysis. Comparisons by race were made using Chi-square or Wilcoxon rank sum tests for qualitative or quantitative variables, respectively. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from diagnosis until death or last known alive date; time to first treatment (TTFT) was calculated from diagnosis until treatment date or date last known to be untreated. OS and TTFT were displayed via Kaplan-Meier plots, and differences in OS and TTFT by race were calculated using log-rank statistics. Individuals who were enrolled in early intervention trials (n=61) were excluded from analyses involving treatment. Results: In total, 4104 CLL patients were identified: 4011 (97.7%) non-Hispanic Whites and 93 (2.3%) other races. Median age at CLL diagnosis was younger for other race patients (59 vs. 63 years; p=0.002), while gender and stage distributions were comparable between both groups. Serum β-2-microglobulin and absolute lymphocyte counts at diagnosis were similar but more other race patients had elevated LDH (29.5% vs. 16.1%; p=0.02). Cytogenetic data by FISH were available for 1884 non-Hispanic Whites and 46 other race patients; poor-risk cytogenetics (17p and/or 11q deletions) were present in 23.9% of other race and 13.5% of non-Hispanic White patients, respectively (p=0.04). No statistically significant differences were observed for CD38, ZAP-70, or IGHV by race TTFT was similar for both non-Hispanic Whites and other race patients (4.6 vs. 5.5 years, respectively; p=0.12). First-line treatment selection was similar for both groups (Table). . With a median follow-up of 12.1 years, median overall survival was 9.3 years for other race and 12.2 years in non-Hispanic White patients (P=0.15; Figure). Conclusions: This prospective data supports the notion that CLL might be biologically different between non-Hispanic White and other race patients with less favorable FISH present in the latter group. Despite the observation that TTFT and type of first therapy are similar between both groups, the trend towards shorter OS in other race patients argues that other factors might contribute to outcome differences, such as disease biology, access to care, co-morbidities, and socioeconomic considerations. Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted. Table: First-line treatment selection among treated individual by racial First-line Treatment Non-Hispanic Whites(n=1875) Other race(n=41) Chemoimmunotherapy Purine analogue-based Alkylator-based 675 (36.0) 495 (26.4) 180 (9.6) 15 (35.6) 9 (22.0) 6 (14.6) Purine analogue -monotherapy 157 (8.4) 4 (9.8) Alkylator monotherapy 610 (32.5) 9 (22.0) PA+Alkylator 41 (2.2) 1 (2.4) Antibody alone 190 (10.1) 6 (14.6) Other 202 (10.8) 6 (14.6) Figure: Overall survival in CLL cases stratified by race Figure:. Overall survival in CLL cases stratified by race Disclosures Nabhan: Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Kay:Celgene: Research Funding. Shanafelt:Genentech: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Celegene: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics/Jannsen: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding; Polyphenon E Int'l: Research Funding.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Our group has periodically analyzed (Silverstein et. al. JAMA1974;227(4):424 to Tefferi et. al. Blood2000;95(7):226) presentation, peri-operative and long-term outcomes from splenectomy for myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) in an attempt to improve patient selection and management. We now report on an additional 91 patients (pts) to see if control of post splenectomy thrombocytosis, and modern techniques, have diminshed morbidity and mortality. Additionally, we provide long-term follow-up on prior cohorts across a twenty-eight year period. METHODS: A comprehensive retrospective analysis of presentation, peri-operative and long-term outcomes in a single institution experience with splenectomy in pts with MMM from 1976–2004. RESULTS: Presplenectomy : 314 MMM pts (171 men 54%; 208 (66%) with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia) were included. Presplenectomy 55% of pts presented with a Lille MMM prognostic score of ≥1, 90 pts (29%) failed a prior therapy for splenomegaly and pre-operatively had median spleen size of 20cm below the left costal margin (95%CI 18.7–20.4). Perioperative Outcomes : Pts were splenectomized (1976–1985 (Decade 1(D1)) (n=90 (29%)); 1986–1996 (D2) (n=133 (42%)); 1997–2004 (D3) (n=91 (29%)) a median of 27 months (range 0–389 months) after the diagnosis of MMM (age at diagnosis (median 65 (range 19–83)) with a median splenic mass 2700 gm (range 300–11750)). Primary indication for surgery included mechanical symptoms n=156 (49%), anemia n=78 (25%)), portal hypertension n=47 (15%), or thrombocytopenia n=33 (11%). Peri-operative complications occured in 103 pts (33%) and included infection (n=30), thrombosis (n=34), and bleeding (n=48; 37 required a second laparotomy) of which 28 (9% of all pts) were fatal (30 day mortality (D1=10%, D2=9%, D3=7.7% (p=NS)). Overall length of hospital stay (D3) was median of 8 days (range 3–63), during which 6 pts (7%) required platelet pheresis (1–8 times; for platelet counts of 870–2400 x 109/L) and/or acute platelet lowering agents (n=12; 13%), respectively. Additionally, median post-splenectomy increases in leukocyte and platelet count were 8 x 109/L (range −65 to 190.2) and 127 x 109/L (range −270 to 1221), respectively. Long-Term Outcomes and Survival : Amongst the recent cohort (n=91) 69 pts (76%) experienced a palliative benefit for their primary surgical indication for a median of 12 months (range 1–91). Post splenectomy rates of thrombocytosis (21%), accelerated hepatomegaly (8%), and leukemic transformation (11%) did not vary across the three decades analyzed. Overall survival (n=263 (84%) have expired)) from the diagnosis of MMM and splenectomy was 62 months (95%CI 54–66) and 19 months (95%CI 14–22), respectively. Survival after splenectomy was not significantly different by type of MMM, surgical indication, Lille MMM prognostic score, leukemic transformation or decade performed. However, patients with preoperative thrombocytopenia (<50 x 109//L (p<0.0001) or <100 x 109/L (P=0.006)) clearly had a decrease in survival, although this was independent of the development of peri-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy for MMM remains a procedure with significant peri-operative risks, but potential for palliating symptoms. Decreased survival in thrombocytopenic pts probably arises from advanced disease as opposed to increased complications. The lack of improvement in overall post-splenectomy survival across the study period may not be attributable to peri-operative issues but a reflection on the failure of medical therapy to improve survival in MMM.

Abstract Abstract 4252 Background: Multiple recent studies have demonstrated the survival benefits of reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplant for high risk CLL patients. These transplant series, however, represent highly selected cases where age, co-morbidities and performance status preclude transplant in many patients with CLL. The portion of newly diagnosed CLL patients that are eventually considered for transplant is unknown, as well as the proportion that are referred for transplant evaluation; the proportion that actually receive stem cell transplant, and the reasons for not pursuing transplant in referred patients. We conducted a cohort study of newly diagnosed CLL patients to address this gap in knowledge. Methods: We used the Mayo Clinic database to identify all patients with newly diagnosed CLL seen at Mayo Clinic within 1 year of diagnosis between July of 2003 and May of 2011 (time interval during which reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation was part of routine care at Mayo Clinic). Electronic medical record and laboratory studies were reviewed to identify all patients referred for stem cell transplant evaluation (either allogeneic transplant for progressive CLL or autologous stem cell transplant for Richter's transformation). Patients referred for transplant were analyzed to determine what proportion completed transplant and, for those who were not transplanted, the reason they were not transplanted (e.g. lack of insurance approval, co-morbidity, lack of a donor, inadequate disease control, death prior to transplant or patient preference). Results: A total of 1250 patients with newly diagnosed CLL between July 2003 and May 2011 who were seen at Mayo Clinic within 1 year of diagnosis were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 63.6 yrs and 34.2% were women. With respect to disease stage, 48.7% were Rai stage 0, 45.5% Rai stage I/II, and 5.8% Rai stage III/IV. CLL FISH analysis revealed 126 (13.6%) patients who had either del (17p) or del (11q) and 801 (86.4%) patients who had other FISH abnormalities or normal FISH results. After a median follow-up of 41 months, 425 (34%) of patients have received treatment. A total of 54 patients (4.3%) were referred for a transplant evaluation during follow-up. Of these 54 patients, 48 (3.8% overall cohort) were referred for consideration of allogenic transplant for treatment of progressive CLL and 6 (0.5%) were referred for autologous transplant for treatment of Richter's transformation. Baseline characteristics associated with subsequent transplant referral included age at diagnosis (median: 56 yrs) (p &lt; 0.0001, Odds Ratio (OR) for each year older = 0.91, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=(0.88, 0.95)), Rai stage (III/IV vs. 0) (p = 0.0002, OR = 22.7, 95% CI=(5.1, 102.4)) and FISH (del(11q), del(17p) vs Normal, del(13q) or Trisomy 12) (p &lt; 0.0001, OR = 7.3, 95% CI=(3.3, 16.1)). Gender, Rai stage (I/II vs. 0), and patient residence (local vs. not local) were not significant. Among the 54 patients referred for transplant, 28 (51.9%) completed a transplant. This included 22 (45.8%) patients referred for allogenic transplant and 6 (100%) patients referred for autologous transplant. Among the 26 patients referred who did not undergo transplant, the principal reasons were patient preference (n = 6, 23.1%), patient still being evaluated for transplant as of the study end date (n = 6, 23.1%), alternative therapy chosen (n = 5, 19.2%), inadequate disease control (n = 3, 11.5%), death prior to transplant (n = 3, 11.5%), lack of insurance approval (n = 2, 7.7%), and lack of a donor (n = 1, 3.8%). Conclusion: 4.3% of the newly diagnosed CLL patients in this series were considered for stem cell transplant at some point during follow-up. Young age, high Rai stage and high risk FISH abnormalities are principal reasons for transplant referral. Only 51.9% of those considered for transplant completed transplant. The principal reasons for referral patients not completing transplant who had adequate time to follow were patient preference, alternative therapy, inadequate disease control and death prior to transplant. The remaining 6 patients (23%) are in process of transplant evaluation with longer follow required. These analyses provide first incidence data for CLL transplant referral in a cohort of newly diagnosed patients. Disclosures: Zent: Biothera: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKlime: Research Funding. Shanafelt:Celgene: Research Funding; Teva/Cephalon: Research Funding; GlaxoSmith Klein: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding; Polyphenon E International: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 3903 The clinical utility of 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scans in the management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has not been clearly defined. CLL cells typically have low FDG avidity and the addition of the PET component has not been shown to improve the utility of CT scans in the management of patients with CLL. However, patients with CLL are at increased risk of developing FDG avid complications including more aggressive lymphomas, other second malignancies, and infections for which FDG PET-CT scans are a useful imaging modality. We hypothesized that FDG PET-CT scans are sensitive tests for evaluation of these complications in patients with CLL. Patients and Methods: This observational study was performed with IRB approval. We studied all 4030 CLL patients seen at least once in the Division of Hematology at Mayo Clinic Rochester between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2011 using data prospectively collected into the Mayo Clinic CLL database. We reviewed the clinical and radiological records of the 272 (7%) patients who underwent 526 FDG PET-CT scans of the trunk during this time period to determine the indication for PET-CT scan, results of imaging, and the effects of the use of PET/CT scan on management. Results: Four hundred and seventy two (90%) of the 526 PET-CT scans were reported as abnormal. Of these, 78 (17%) scans were useful in directing a tissue biopsy of high FDG avidity lesions. Of the 37 (8%) positive PET-CT scans that facilitated the diagnosis of new complications of CLL, 21 (4%) scans led to a diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma and 9 (2%) scans led to a diagnosis of a solid malignancy. The FDG component of 22 PET-CT scans done because of clinical suspicion of complications of CLL were negative, and thus useful in management of these patients. PET-CT scans showed progressive CLL in 138 (29%) studies but in these patients, the PET component of the scan did not provide additional information about the status of the patients' CLL compared to the CT component alone. Conclusions: FDG PET-CT scans are not of proven value in staging CLL or determining response to treatment. However, our data suggest that they could be of considerable value in evaluation for complications, especially more aggressive lymphomas, other cancers, and infections that complicate the course of CLL. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Phase I study using PGG beta glucan in CLL. Zent:Biothera: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 2342 Poster Board II-319 PURPOSE: Numerous clinical and biologic parameters are able to predict time to first treatment (TFT) and overall survival (OS) for patients with CLL. The utility of prognostic testing in CLL patients may vary based on age at diagnosis given the higher mortality from other causes among older individuals. The goals of the present study were to i) evaluate differences in natural history of CLL patients based on age at diagnosis, ii) compare survival to age-matched individuals in the general population, and iii) determine the age-stratified utility of prognostic testing. METHODS: All 2487 CLL/SLL patients diagnosed between January 1995 and June 2008 and cared for in the Mayo Clinic Division of Hematology were categorized by age at diagnosis (<55 years, 55-64 years, 65-74 years, or ≥75 years) and evaluated for differences in clinical characteristics, TFT, and OS using chi-square tests. IGHV gene mutation analysis, ZAP-70 status, CD38 status, and cytogenetics abnormalities by interphase FISH testing were performed as part of clinical and/or research studies using methods previously described by our group. Cox regression was used to evaluate the ability of prognostic parameters to predict clinical outcome stratified by age at diagnosis. Patient survival was compared to that of the age matched Minnesota population. RESULTS: When grouped by age, 593 patients were age <55, 713 age 55-64, 748 age 65-74, and 433 age ≥75 at diagnosis. As of last follow-up, 268, 282, 296, and 108 patients in these age groups have been treated, respectively and 112, 171, 254, and 199 patients have died. Survival decreased as the age at diagnosis increased (p<0.001). OS of CLL patients was significantly shorter than that of the age-matched general population for patients age <55 years (p<0.001), 55-64 years (p<0.001), and 65-74 years (p<0.001) at diagnosis but not those ≥75 years (p=0.136). Among Rai stage 0 patients, survival was also shorter than that of the age-matched general population for CLL patients age <55 years (p<0.001), 55-64 years (p<0.001), and 65-74 years (p<0.001) but not those ≥ age 75 at diagnosis (p=0.07). No statistically significant differences were observed in CD38 status, IGHV mutation status, ZAP-70 status or the frequency of common cytogenetic abnormalities on FISH based on age at diagnosis category. Consistent with prior reports, all of these parameters were powerful predictors of TFT and OS for the overall cohort on univariate analysis (all p<0.001 for both TFT and OS). Given the variation in TFT and OS based on age at diagnosis, we next evaluated the utility of these prognostic parameters for predicting TFT and OS in each age category after adjusting for stage. CD38, IGHV mutation, and ZAP-70 each predicted TFT independent of stage for all age groups (all p <0.05). FISH results predicted TFT independent of stage for patients age 55-64 and 65-74 however did not reach statistical significance for those age <55 (p=0.18) or ≥75 (p=0.07). The utility of these parameters for predicting OS independent of stage was less consistent and varied by age. IGHV predicted OS independent of stage for patients <age 55 (p<0.001), 55-64 (p=0.007), and 65-74 (p'0.001) but was not a significant predictor of OS among those ≥75 (p=0.15). CD38, ZAP-70, and FISH each predicted survival independent of stage for only 2 of the 4 age categories (ZAP-70 for age <55 and 55-64; FISH for age <55 and 65-74; CD38 for 55-64 and ≥75). CONCLUSIONS: Survival of CLL patients is shorter than that of the age-matched general population for individuals age <75 at diagnosis regardless of disease stage. In contrast, survival does not differ from the age-matched general population among CLL patients ≥age 75 at diagnosis. Prognostic testing using CD38, IGHV mutation, and ZAP-70 is useful for predicting TFT independent of stage for CLL patients of all ages (including those ≥age 75) but has less value for predicting OS particularly as the age at diagnosis increases. IGHV appeared to be the best predictor of OS independent of stage among all patients age <75. Unexpectedly, prognostic testing had little utility for predicting OS independent of stage among patients age ≥75. These findings have important implications regarding the use of prognostic tests in patients with CLL as well as the use of test results to select patients for clinical trials testing early treatment for asymptomatic individuals. Disclosures: Shanafelt: Cephalon: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Polyphenon Pharma : Research Funding; Hospira: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Kay:Biogenc-Idec, Celgene, Genentech, genmab: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech, Celgene, Hospira, Polyphenon Pharma, Sanofi-Aventis: Research Funding. Zent:Genentech, Bayer, Genzyme, Novartis: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 4410 BACKGROUND Autoimmune cytopenia occurs in 5%-10% of patients with CLL. Treatment for patients with both autoimmune cytopenia and progressive CLL is challenging due to poor tolerance of myelosuppression, and the risk of exacerbation of autoimmune cytopenia by purine analogues. METHODS We identified 20 patients from our CLL database of approximately 3000 patients who were treated with a chemoimmunotherapy regimen of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CVP) for both autoimmune cytopenia and progressive CLL from January 2000-December 2008 at Mayo Clinic Rochester. RESULTS Autoimmune cytopenia responded in 19 patients (14 CR and 5 PR) with a median time to progression (TTP) of 13.6 months (range 5 – 29). Five patients remain in sustained remission at last follow up (range 15 – 30 months) and 4 patients have had recurrent autoimmune cytopenia requiring re-treatment. Six patients required maintenance corticosteroid therapy after completing R-CVP. Progressive CLL responded to treatment in 17 patients (9 CR/CCR, 8 PR by NCI-WG 1996 criteria) with a median TTP of 6.3 months (range 1-40 months). Fourteen patients have required additional treatment for progressive CLL at a median of 5.4 months (range 4-22 months). Five patients have not required additional treatment for either CLL or autoimmune cytopenia at 15 -30 months after completing treatment. R-CVP treatment toxicity included 3 patients with grade 3-4 infections, 2 with grade 1 peripheral neuropathy, and one with grade 3 drug-induced pneumonitis. No patient required blood cell transfusions after the completion of cycle 1 of therapy. CONCLUSIONS Although R-CVP is an effective and tolerable therapy for patients with simultaneous autoimmune cytopenia and progressive CLL requiring therapy, the duration of response is suboptimal. Clinical trials testing alternative treatment strategies are needed for this patient population. Disclosures: Zent: Genentech, Bayer, Genzyme, Novartis: Research Funding. Shanafelt:Cephalon: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Polyphenon Pharma : Research Funding; Hospira: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Kay:Biogenc-Idec, Celgene, Genentech, genmab: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech, Celgene, Hospira, Polyphenon Pharma, Sanofi-Aventis: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 804 Background: We have demonstrated that crosstalk between CLL B-cells and marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can modulate the activation of both. Soluble factors in the CLL-condition media (CM) regulate the migration and proliferation of MSC. We previously found that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors were selectively activated in MSC by CLL-CM and are necessary for the downstream Akt activation in MSC. PDGF is capable of promoting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in MSC; however, several questions remain unanswered. Can CLL B-cells produce PDGF; is PDGF the specific mediator in CLL-CM responsible for PDGFR activation in MSC; what is the mechanism of PDGF mediated VEGF production in MSC; and is there any clinical significance of PDGF mediated VEGF production by MSC for CLL patients? Methods: MSC were generated from CLL patients and controls as previously described. To determine the specific ligand responsible for PDGFR activation mediated by CLL-CM blocking antibody to PDGF or VEGF or both was used to neutralize the binding activity of PDGF or VEGF in the CLL-CM. Subsequently, the pattern of membrane receptor activation was evaluated using a commercially available receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) array assay. ELISA was performed to measure PDGF and VEGF levels from plasma and CM of CLL patients and normals. The protein expression of PDGF isoforms in CLL and normal B-cells was assessed using Western blot. To assess the mechanism of PDGF mediated VEGF production by MSC, we used either a PI3K inhibitor, LY294002 (20 mM), or a p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB202190 (100 nM), to block these pathways in MSC. Results: The known ligands for PDGF receptors, PDGF and VEGF, were detected in the CLL-CM (PDGF, 113.7 ± 23.6 pg/ml, VEGF, 186.94 ± 54.57 ng/ml; n = 12). We also found that PDGF is present in CLL cells by Western blot analysis and expression of PDGF in CLL cells was up regulated by hypoxia. By using PDGF- or VEGF-blocking antibody or both to neutralize the binding activity of PDGF or VEGF in CLL-CM, we found only PDGF-blocking antibody was able to neutralize the majority of PDGFRa activation, indicating that PDGF in the CM is the predominant ligand for PDGFR activation in MSC. CLL MSC was exposed to either pooled CLL (n = 5) or pooled normal plasma (n = 5). Interestingly, PDGFR was more potently activated by CLL plasma than the normal plasma, suggesting PDGF levels were elevated in the CLL plasma. Indeed, PDGF in the normal plasma appeared to be much lower compared to the CLL plasma [normal (n = 11): 554.43 ± 88.55 pg/ml; CLL (n=43): 3115.36 ± 428.79 pg/ml. p < 0.0001]. In addition, the plasma PDGF level was found to be weakly correlated with VEGF level in 43 CLL patients assessed using Spearman correlation analysis (r = 0.3, p = 0.001). However, when CLL patients were grouped by clinical prognostic factors, the plasma PDGF level was found to be strongly correlated with plasma VEGF level in CLL patients with high-risk features including more advanced Rai stage 2-4 (r = 0.87, p < 0.0001), ZAP-70 positive (r = 0.8, p =0.04) and CLL patients who had required treatment (r = 0.8, p = 0.0008). To examine the mechanism for PDGF augmentation of VEGF by MSC, we found that PI3K pathway interruption using LY294002 (n = 6, p = 0.04), but not p38 MAPK inhibition (n = 6, p = 0.5), was able to abrogate the PDGF mediated VEGF production in MSC. Importantly, we also found that the secreted VEGF level in the CM of unstimulated CLL MSC appeared to be significantly higher compared to the level from culture media of unstimulated normal MSC [CLL (n = 14) vs. normal (n = 5), 298.1± 61.2 vs. 109.9 ± 52.3, p = 0.03]. Conclusions: These results indicate that PDGF secreted by CLL B-cells is necessary for PDGFR activation in MSC and can lead to increased VEGF production by MSC via a PI3K-Akt dependent mechanism. These findings have clinical implications as plasma PDGF levels are strongly correlated with plasma VEGF levels in high risk CLL. The finding that CLL MSC are more prone to secrete VEGF than normal MSC suggests the stromal microenvironment may function to facilitate CLL disease progression. Finally, as VEGF is known to enhance CLL B-cell survival and drug resistance, interrogation of the PDGF-VEGF regulation in the microenvironment of CLL patients should yield important information that can be used for therapeutic strategies in CLL. Disclosures: Kay: Biogenc-Idec, Celgene, Genentech, genmab: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech, Celgene, Hospira, Polyphenon Pharma, Sanofi-Aventis: Research Funding.