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263 citation(s) found for "Chanan‐Khan, Asher".

PD-1 Blockade with Pembrolizumab in Relapsed CLL Including Richter's Transformation: An Updated Report from a Phase 2 Trial (MC1485)
Call, Timothy G. , Leis, José F., He, Rong , LaPlant, Betsy, Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Asmus, Erik, Dyke, Daniel L. Van , Conte, Michael, Bowen, Deborah A., Secreto, Charla, Tian, Shulan , Micallef, Ivana N. , Yan, Huihuang , Ansell, Stephen M. , Ding, Wei , Le‐Rademacher, Jennifer , Parikh, Sameer A. , Shanafelt, Tait D. , Habermann, Thomas M. , Lin, Yi , Feldman, Andrew L. , Witzig, Thomas E. , Sinha, Sutapa , Zhang, Henan , Liu, Xin , Braggio, Esteban , Kay, Neil E. , Dong, Haidong

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4392-4392

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4392.4392 Get It

Abstract Background: CLL patients (pts) treated with novel targeted therapies continue to experience disease progression. Approximately 7-15% of relapsed CLL treated with ibrutinib or venetoclax developed Richter's syndrome (RS), an aggressive high grade lymphoma transformation. Standard chemotherapy has limited efficacy in RS. We hypothesized that checkpoint blockade would re-establish anti-tumor immune response in progressive CLL/RS and here we aim to update the clinical data and correlative analysis of MC1485: a phase 2 study of PD-1 blocking antibody pembrolizumab in relapsed/refractory CLL and RS. Methods: Relapsed/refractory CLL including RS enrolled in the CLL arm of MC1485 trial was reported here. The primary end point of this study is overall response rate (ORR). Pts with prior allogeneic stem cell transplant were excluded. Pembrolizumab 200 mg was administered intravenously every 3 weeks. NCI CTCAE v4.0 and IWCLL 2008 criteria were used for non-hematological adverse events (AE) and for CLL grade hematological AE. Tumor expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 were assessed with standard immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Percentage expressions of individual antigens were analyzed with whole-slide scanning followed by image analysis with Image-Pro software (Media Cybernetics). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on available CLL/RS tissue sections to assess copy number of chromosome 9p region that contains PD-L1 and PD-L2. Results: 25 pts including 16 CLL and 9 RS (biopsy-proven large cell lymphoma) were enrolled in CLL arm. The median age was 69 years (46-81). Twelve (48%) pts had del(17p) or monosomy 17 or TP53 mutation. The median number of prior therapies was 4 (1-10). 96%, 72% or 48% of pts had received alkylator and anti-CD20 antibody, purine analog or anthracycline. Fifteen (60%) pts had prior ibrutinib and 12 (48%) progressed clinically while receiving ibrutinib, including 6 who progressed to RS and 6 who developed progressive CLL. The median number of pembrolizumab doses that pts received was 3 (1 to 21), administered over a median treatment duration of 11 weeks (1 to 56). Drug-related AE occurred in 21 pts (88%) with the most common ones being neutropenia in 9 (37%), cough in 7 (29%) and dyspnea in 6 (25%) pts. Drug-related grade 3 or above AE occurred in 9 (38%) pts with most common ones being thrombocytopenia (5, 21%), dyspnea (2, 8%), and fatigue (2, 8%). The most common immune-related AE was liver enzyme elevation (12%, 8% G3) and was reversible with therapy interruption or steroid therapy. Based on investigator assessment using the Revised Response Criteria for Lymphomas and IWCLL 2008 criteria, one RS pt had complete response (CR, 4%), 3 RS had partial responses (PR, 12%). Among 9 RS pts, 1 CR (11%), 3 PR (33%), 3 SD (33%) and 2 PD (22%) were observed. Thus the ORR in RS was 44%. No CLL pts achieved a CR/PR, 3 had SD and 9 had progressive disease (PD). The ORR of all pts was 16%. Of the 4 RS who had CR/PR, responses occurred early after 2 cycles of therapy and median duration of therapy for CR/PR pts was 8.3 months with data cut-off by June 30th 2016 (Figure 1A). The causes for therapy discontinuation in RS were PD (3, 33%), alternate therapy (2, 22%), and thrombocytopenia due to increased marrow CLL (1, 11%). Increased marrow CLL was observed in 2 RS pts with PR to RS phase of disease assessed by PET, thus the protocol was amended to allow addition of idelalisib/ibrutinib to control the underlying marrow CLL. For RS pts who had a CR/PR or SD, variable nodal responses were observed (Figure 1B). In particular, 6 RS who had prior ibrutinib experienced CR or PR or SD with nodal responses. After a median follow-up of 10.2 (1.9 to 16.1) months, the median overall survival (OS) for all pts was 10.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4 to not reached). The 6 month OS rate for RS and CLL pts were 73% and 59%, respectively. Biomarker assessment using IHC analysis on 10 pts with available tumor/nodal tissues (6 RS and 4 CLL) showed an increased expression of PD-L1 (p = 0.02) and a trend for an increased expression of PD-1 (p = 0.1) in the group of pts with CR/ PR versus pts in the group with no clinical response. One out of 10 tested showed polysomic for chromosome 9p. Conclusion: Pembrolizumab had an acceptable safety profile in CLL and RS patients. We confirmed that pembrolizumab has substantial therapeutic activity in RS. Single-agent pembrolizumab does not appear to have clear activity in CLL. Disclosures Ding: Merck: Research Funding. Parikh:Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding. Shanafelt:GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding.
Genomic Variability in Multiple Myeloma (MM) Patients By Race: An Analysis of the Publically Available Mmrf Commpass Study Database
Paulus, Aneel , Sharma, Mayank , Paulus, Shumail M., Menghani, Richa, Frank, Ryan D. , Cooper, George , Hodge, David O. , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Paulus, Aneel , Rodriguez, Elisa M., Roy, Vivek , Fonseca, Rafaël , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Ailawadhi, Sikander

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4432-4432

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4432.4432 Get It

Abstract Background: Outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) have improved significantly over the years but disparities in outcomes exist among MM patients (pts) belonging to different racial subgroups. Previous studies have explored healthcare access and utilization disparities for pts of different races as potential causes, but genomic differences, which could alter disease biology and clinical behavior, have not been studied. We utilized the MMRF CoMMpass database, which prospectively captures clinical and molecular characteristics of MM patients to explore race-based differences at the genomic level. Methods: The publically available CoMMpass trial database (data release version IA8) was utilized. Pts with race category of White (total n=698) and non-White (total n=223, comprising 129 Blacks, 19 Asians and 45 others) were analyzed for genomics including cytogenetics (fluorescent in situ hybridization; FISH), tumor diploidy (conventional karyotyping), gene expression profiling (GEP), gene copy number variations (CNV), gene single nucleotide variations (SNV) and genomic translocations analysis focused on genes from the FoundationOne Heme panel¨ (402 genes). GEP was considered significantly different between categories for more than or equal to a 2-fold change for a given gene (p<0.05). Categorical variables for FISH probes and diploidy status were compared by Chi-square or Fischer exact test, wherever applicable. Results: GEP clustering analysis uncovered 67 genes differentially expressed between Whites vs. non-Whites (Fig 1A). Baseline cytogenetics aberrations between both race cohorts showed statistically insignificant differences. Multiple cytogenetic abnormalities were seen most commonly in both race groups (~31%) with the distribution of others (in descending order) as such: Del13 > No abnormalities > t(11;14) > 1q amplification > Del17p or p53 > t(4;14) > Del1p > t(14;16) > t(14;20). Aneuploidy status showed insignificant differences between race groups with ~34% of patients from both groups having no aneuploidy. SNV data was present for 90% of Whites and 57% of non-Whites. Overall, 84% of genes had>1 SNV (84%), 2% translocations only and 14% had neither SNVs or translocations. SNVs were classified as Non-specific Non-Synonymous coding (NNSCs), Splice-site (SS) or Tier 1 (T1, codon deletion, insertion, frame-shift, etc.). A total of 880 NNSCs SNVs were observed: 670 in Whites across 227 genes, 210 in non-Whites across 120 genes. In whites, 57% of NNSC SNVs consisted of transition-type mutations and 43% as transversions. In non-Whites, transition mutations comprised 64% of all NNSC SNVs and transversions in the remaining 36%. A total of 38 SS SNVs were observed, 30 in Whites and 8 in non-Whites observed in 25 and 6 genes, respectively. In Whites, 57% of SS SNVs were transition type and remaining 43% were transversion. In non-Whites, an equal % of SS transition and transversion mutations were noted. A total of 240 T1 SNVs were noted; 182 in Whites seen in 82 genes; 58 in non-Whites seen 6 genes. In both Whites and non-Whites, frameshifts (41% in Whites, 47% in non-Whites) and stop-gained (46% in Whites, 45% in non-Whites) SNVs were most common. A total of 17 genes with>10 distinct SNVs were identified in Whites; 5 genes in non-Whites and 4 genes commonly seen in both cohorts (Fig 1B). In Whites, 17 genes were found to have translocations (intrachromosomal TRAF3 and PIK3R2 most common); in non-Whites, 5 genes had translocations (intrachromosomal CIC and EMSY most common). CNV analysis demonstrated 21 genes that were significantly altered with either copy number gain or loss between Whites vs. non-Whites (Fig 1C). Conclusions: We present the first race-based comprehensive genomic analysis utilizing the public interface of the CoMMpass trial. We discovered genomic differences between Whites and non-Whites at several levels including GEP, SNV and CNV, but not at the level of cytogenetics, which are in fact the most commonly performed clinical genomic analysis. Correlation of these variations with MM pt outcomes would be invaluable in understanding disease biology and hopefully mitigating some of the outcome disparities by pt race. As the database grows and becomes more enriched, separate analyses for Blacks, Asians and Hispanics would be attempted. Acknowledgments: We would like to thank the MMRF, Ms. Mary Derome and Dr. Jonathan Keats for providing scientific overview and technical support. Disclosures Fonseca: Millennium, a Takeda Company: Consultancy; Millennium, a Takeda Company: Consultancy; AMGEN: Consultancy; AMGEN: Consultancy; Patent: Patents & Royalties: Prognostication of MM based on genetic categorization of FISH of the disease; Patent: Patents & Royalties: Prognostication of MM based on genetic categorization of FISH of the disease; Patent Pending: Patents & Royalties: The use of calcium isotopes as biomarkers for bone metabolisms; Patent Pending: Patents & Royalties: The use of calcium isotopes as biomarkers for bone metabolisms; Celgene: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Millennium, a Takeda Company: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; AMGEN: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Patent: Patents & Royalties: Prognostication of MM based on genetic categorization of FISH of the disease; Novartis: Consultancy; Patent Pending: Patents & Royalties: The use of calcium isotopes as biomarkers for bone metabolisms; Sanofi: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Millennium, a Takeda Company: Consultancy; AMGEN: Consultancy; Patent: Patents & Royalties: Prognostication of MM based on genetic categorization of FISH of the disease; Patent Pending: Patents & Royalties: The use of calcium isotopes as biomarkers for bone metabolisms. Ailawadhi:Takeda Oncology: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy.
Targeting Bcl-2 Enhances the Anti-Tumor Effects of Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in in Vitro and In Vivo Models of Multiple Myeloma
Paulus, Aneel , Bashir, Yamima, Paulus, Shumail M., Menghani, Richa, Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Paulus, Aneel , Akhtar, Sharoon , Roy, Vivek , Ailawadhi, Sikander

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4480-4480

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4480.4480 Get It

Abstract Introduction. In comparison toCLL, single agent clinical efficacy of venetoclax (a Bcl-2 inhibitor; Bcl-2i) in multiple myeloma (MM) has been modest (ORR of ~12%; Kumar et al ASCO 2016). Clinical experience to date unequivocally directs towards a combination strategy in MM for venetoclax. Our prior work has demonstrated that interaction between tumor and stromal cells upregulates phospho-Bcl-2 (pBcl-2, more stable than Bcl-2) which undermines activity of Bcl-2i. We also noted that this can be overcome using agents such as lenalidomide, which can impair the protective effect of stromal cells. Our goal in this investigation was to determine if the antitumor effect of lenalidomide/dexamethasone (Ld) regimen can be further optimized through leveraging the Bcl-2 targeting properties of venetoclax thereby sensitizing MM cells to enhanced lethality. Given the known effects of Ld on activating host immune effector cells, we hypothesized that immune mediated cytotoxicity (engaged by Ld) can be further enhanced through concurrent treatment with venetoclax. Data presented here provides preclinical rationale and proof-of-principle for clinical development of Bcl-2i in combination with Ld. Methodology. Malignant plasma cell cancer models (MM1.S, BCWM.1, KMS11) and stromal cell line (HS5) were used. Bcl-2 and pBcl-2 were determined by flow cytometry. Drug cytotoxicity was determined by MTS assay and/orAnnexin-V/PI staining. SCID mice were used for xenograft studies. Bcl-2 inhibitors (venetoclax; Bcl-2 specific inhibitor, AT-101; pan Bcl-2 inhibitor) as well asLd were purchased from commercial sources. Results. Tumor cell lines were treated with Bcl-2i for 24hrs and showed significant loss of viability (51 - 68%) and induction of apoptosis (~40%) in vitro. To replicate microenvironment conditions, we co-cultured tumor and stromal cells for 48hrs followed by treatment with Bcl-2i (1uM). Under these conditions, we noted a significant reduction in apoptosis (~50%) in Bcl-2i-treated cells indicating the protective effect of the stroma (Fig.1a). Under similar settings, we examined Bcl-2 species in tumor cells +/- stromal cells. The ratio of pBcl-2:Bcl-2 in tumor cells without stromal contact was 0.7, whereas, the ratio increased to 1.8 when tumor and stromal cells were cocultured suggesting increased pBcl-2 as a protective mechanism (Fig.1b,c). We then investigated the potential of Ld (1uM) +/- Bcl-2i to downregulate pBcl-2:Bcl-2 and whether this correlated with increased tumor lethality. While solo Bcl-2i treatment of tumor + stromal cells downregulated pBcl-2 and Bcl-2 (ratio 1.5), a marked reduction was noted in Ld + Bcl-2i treated tumor cells (ratio of 0.3). And this correlated with enhanced tumor cell apoptosis; analogous to that observed in tumor cells without stroma (Fig.1a and c). As these experiments indicated the triple combination to overcome protective effects of the stroma through decreasing bioavailability of pBcl-2 in vitro, we next validated these observations in a xenograft model. MM1.S cells were subcutaneously implanted in SCID mice with local tumor growth monitored by caliper measurement and systemic dissemination measured by Human-Ig lambda levels. DMSO-treated mice demonstrated tumors averaging ~410mm3 by Day 24 post-tumor implantation, whereas mice treated with Bcl-2i (35mg/kg QD, oral gavage) or Ld alone (Len 10mg/kg QD; Dex 0.5mg/kg QD, IP injection) showed tumors ~330mm3. In Ld + Bcl-2i- treated mice, tumor size was ~250mm3- significantly lower than DMSO (p<0.001) or Bcl-2i orLd group mice (p<0.054) (Fig.1d). A similar trend was seen when systemic Human-Ig-lambda was measured (Fig.1e). Notably, mice tolerated the triple combination treatment well; with no significant weight loss or other toxicities noted. Conclusions. Regulation of the Bcl-2 pathway is an important approach for controlling tumor cell proliferation; most recently validated with the approval of venetoclax for treatment of CLL. Herein we demonstrateLd as an attractive partner regimen to enhance the effects of not only Bcl-2i but also that ofLd in MM. Ongoing work is investigating the combination ofLd + venetoclax and preliminary in vitro results in venetoclax-insensitive MM cells (IC50 >5uM) show significant apoptosis induction with combination therapy (Fig.1f). Altogether our studies provide the rationale for clinical evaluation of this combination platform (Len/Dex + Bcl-2i). Disclosures Ailawadhi: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy.
Secondary Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after Primary Solid Organ Malignancy: A SEER Analysis of Incidence and Outcomes
Swaika, Abhisek, Finn, Laura , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Foran, James M. , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Yang, Dongyun

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 935-935

10.1182/blood.v124.21.935.935 Get It

Abstract Background: The incidence of secondary Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia (sALL) after a preceding first primary solid organ malignancy (1M) is not well defined. We undertook a Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-based analysis to describe the occurrence of sALL among adult patients with a history of common 1M's. We also evaluated differences in sALL survival on the basis of age, the site and extent of 1M, and for evidence of any underlying racial/ethnic disparity. Methods: The SEER-18 database (1973-2011) was interrogated for the current study. All confirmed cases of ALL (ICD-O-3 codes: 9811, 9812, 9814-18, 9826-28, 9835-37) in adult patients (age ≥18 years) were identified. De novo ALL vs. sALL was determined by using the SEER variable ‘First Malignant Primary Indicator'. 1M prior to the diagnosis of ALL was identified by merging all SEER databases together by patient ID number. Those with 1M stage of ‘in situ'; sALL cases reported <2 months after the diagnosis of 1M; and those with “unknown” information on 1M (n=471) were excluded. Standard race/ethnicity categories were used. Latency interval (time from diagnosis of 1M to sALL) was calculated for all patients. Overall survival (OS) was calculated as the interval from diagnosis to death, or censored at date of last contact, December 31st 2011, or 5 years after diagnosis, whichever came first. A proportional hazards Cox regression model was performed to evaluate the impact of sALL and latency on OS, adjusting for age at diagnosis, race/ethnicity, marital status, birthplace, SEER registry site, and year of diagnosis. All statistical tests were two-sided and utilized the SAS software (v9.4) with a two-sided significance level of 0.05. Results: A total of n=8,398 adult patients with primary ALL (1ALL) and n=414 with sALL were identified. Patient characteristics were significantly different between 1ALL & sALL (Table). Males comprised 49.8% of sALL patients as compared to 58% with 1ALL. Age at diagnosis of ALL was also significantly different, with 55.5% of sALL patients being ≥65 years as compared to 51.4% of 1ALL observed in the 18-44 years age group. Non-Whites comprised 27.3% of sALL and 40.4% of 1ALL, with Hispanics having the most differential distribution of 13.3% and 24.6%, respectively in the two groups. Distribution of sALL patients by latency from 1M is shown in Table. The majority of sALL patients had a diagnosis of local/regional (rather than advanced stage) 1M (Table). sALL patients had a significantly inferior OS when compared to 1ALL (HR 1.211, 95%CI 1.079-1.359) (Median OS 14 months vs. 18 months, Figure). sALL cases with longer latency interval (>5 year) appeared to have better median OS compared to shorter latency intervals, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.53). Conclusion: We have performed the largest population-based analysis identifying sALL after 1M, demonstrating that sALL patients are older and have significantly worse OS than 1ALL. We noted a lower relative incidence of sALL in Hispanics as compared with 1ALL, while the converse was true for Whites. Although detailed treatment data (specifically with respect to chemotherapeutic agents) is not available in SEER, it is possible that treatment for local/regional 1M - presumably adjuvant in nature - may be associated with the risk of sALL. Further analyses are required and are ongoing to confirm the relative incidence after specific 1M's, and the impact of both specific treatment modalities and the era of treatment for 1M on risk of developing sALL. Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 2. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Early Changes in Circulating T-Cell Immune Profiles in Patients with Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Data from the Phase 3, Double-Blind HELIOS Trial
Damle, Rajendra N. , Schäffer, Michael , Chaturvedi, Shalini, Phelps, Charles E. , Aquino, Regina , Mahler, Michelle, Salman, Mariya, Howes, Angela, Loscertales, Javier, Yehuda, Dina Ben , Pristupa, Alexander , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Balasubramanian, Sriram , Chaturvedi, Shalini, Trněný, Marek

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4397-4397

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4397.4397 Get It

Abstract Introduction Ibrutinib is a first-in-class, once-daily, oral, covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) that as a single agent has significantly improved overall survival in patients (pts) with both treatment naïve and relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). In the phase 3 HELIOS trial, the addition of ibrutinib to bendamustine + rituximab (BR) resulted in an 80% reduction in disease progression or death (HR, 0.203, 95% CI, 0.150-0.276; p < 0.0001) and confirmed for the first time, in a randomized setting, the benefit of ibrutinib-based therapy compared with standard chemoimmunotherapy in previously treated pts (Chanan-Khan, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2016;17(2):200-11). Independent Review Committee assessed progression-free survival (PFS) at 18 months was 79% (95% CI: 73%-83%) in the ibrutinib +BR (I+BR) arm and 24% (95% CI: 18%-31%) in the placebo + BR (P+BR) arm. While the activity of ibrutinib is primarily in B-cells where it inhibits BTK-dependent survival pathways, it may also have significant effects on the immune system by exerting an effect on T-cells (by inhibition of interleukin-2-inducible kinase and related shift from Th2 to Th1-based immunity, which in turn affects Treg and Th17 activity) and via normalization of immune function, thus affecting tumor response. Here, we report changes in circulating T-cell immunophenotypes in a subset of pts treated with either I+BR or P+BR in the HELIOS study. Methods HELIOS is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study. Pts with active CLL/SLL following ≥ 1 prior therapy were randomized 1:1 to receive BR (≤ 6 cycles) with either ibrutinib (420 mg daily; n = 289) or placebo (n = 289). Pts with del17p (> 20% of cells) were excluded. Peripheral blood was collected at the start of the study, at Cycle 1, Day 15 (C1D15) and at the end of treatment/time of progressive disease (EOT/PD). From these samples, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were separated and cryopreserved. PBMC were subjected to flow-cytometric analysis of T-cell subsets including CD4, CD8 and markers indicative of Treg cells (CD25+CD127low) and Th17 cells (CCR4+CCR6+). In addition, expression of T-cell checkpoints ICOS, PD-1 and OX-40 by CD4 and CD8 cells were evaluated as an indicator of cell activation or activation/exhaustion. The findings from the HELIOS study reported here are based on analysis of paired samples (C1D1 and C1D15) of 29 CLL cases from the I+BR arm and 22 cases from the P+BR arm. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied to determine the significance of the differences in each of T-cell subtype between the two arms. Results Overall, there was a net increase in the percentage of CD3+ cells with treatment in both the I+BR-treated pts and P+BR-treated pts, which was observed as early as Day 15 (+12.0% and +11.42% of total lymphocytes, respectively, at C1D15 compared with C1D1; Figure 1). The EOT/PD samples showed a continued increase in the percentage of CD3+ cells in the I+BR pts, the majority of whom (11/12) were responders, while the opposite trend was observed in the P+BR patients (8/21 responders). Focusing on the early changes in the analysis of T-cell subsets, a pronounced decrease in the percentage of Th17 CD4+ cells was noted in the I+BR pts (mean: -2.49%) but in the P+BR pts, an increase of this subset (mean: +2.66%) was observed (p = 0.011; Figure 2). When comparing other CD4+ subsets, decreases in Treg cells were seen in both pt groups, with a corresponding increase in the T-cell activation marker ICOS. Less significant changes were observed in the other T-cell markers studied, however, a trend to increased PD-1 was seen in the P+BR pts but not in the I+BR pts. The safety profile in these pts was consistent with previous reports for the study. Conclusions These results suggest that the addition of ibrutinib to BR helped restore T-cell proportions in this subset of cases and it is noteworthy that this effect was visible even within 15 days of initiation of therapy. Data from the I+BR pts showed a pronounced decrease in the percentage of Th17 CD4+ cells, which are primarily pro-tumorigenic but may sometimes have anti-tumor effects, and a concomitant decrease in the percentage of Treg cells, which may explain the overall increase in T-cell activation. These findings may also be related to the observed increase in PFS with the addition of ibrutinib to BR reported in the trial. Disclosures Damle: Janssen Research & Development: Employment. Schaffer:Janssen Research & Development: Employment. Chaturvedi:Janssen Research & Development: Employment. Phelps:Johnson & Johnson: Employment, Equity Ownership. Aquino:Janssen Research & Development: Employment. Mahler:Janssen Research & Development: Employment. Salman:Janssen Research & Development: Employment, Equity Ownership, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses. Howes:Janssen Research & Development: Employment. Loscertales:Janssen Research & Development: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy. Trneny:Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen Research & Development: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Balasubramanian:Janssen Research & Development: Employment.
Clinically Ascertained Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis: Risk of Progression to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Requiring Therapy and Outcomes
Chaffee, Kari G. , Call, Timothy G. , Leis, José F., Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Bowen, Deborah A., Conte, Michael, Schwager, Susan M., Hanson, Curtis A. , Parikh, Sameer A. , Ding, Wei , Kenderian, Saad S. , Slager, Susan L. , Kay, Neil E. , Shanafelt, Tait D.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 3228-3228

10.1182/blood.v128.22.3228.3228 Get It

Abstract Background: Individuals with clinically ascertained monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (c-MBL) having the phenotype of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have a 1-4% per year risk of progression to CLL requiring therapy. The risk factors for progression and the outcomes of individuals with c-MBL are not well defined. Methods: Using the Mayo Clinic CLL Database, we identified individuals with c-MBL (absolute B-cell count of <5x109/L, in the absence of symptoms, organomegaly, splenomegaly and cytopenias) who were seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN between 01/1995 - 5/2016. Patients in whom an absolute B-cell count was not available were included in the analysis if the absolute lymphocyte count was <5x109/L. Baseline clinical characteristics and prognostic test results (including IGHV mutation status, genetic abnormalities detected by FISH, and expression of ZAP-70, CD38 and CD49d) were recorded. Time to first therapy (TFT) was analyzed using cumulative incidence methods accounting for competing risk of death. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify factors that predicted TFT. Because of missing data for some prognostic parameters, multiple models were run, introducing one novel prognostic factor at a time to the base model (which consisted of age and sex). Overall survival (OS) of these individuals was compared to age- and sex-matched population of the state of Minnesota. Results: Eight hundred and fifty-one individuals with c-MBL were identified and included in this analysis. Median age was 69 years (range, 38-95 years), and 527 (62%) were males. The median absolute B-cell count at the time of diagnosis was 2.6 x 109/L (range, 0.1-5.0 x 109/L). The median serum beta-2 microglobulin (β2M) was 2.2 mg/dL (range, 1.0 - 21.5 mg/dL). One hundred and nine (30%) individuals had unmutated IGHV genes, and 38 (7%) had high-risk FISH (defined as either del17p13 or del11q23). The CD38 (≥30%), ZAP-70 (≥20%), and CD49d (≥30%) status was positive in 19%, 23% and 34% individuals, respectively. After a median follow-up of 6.8 years, 99 individuals required therapy for progressive disease (at a rate of 2.1% per year, Figure 1). On multivariable analysis, the following factors were associated with a higher risk of progression to CLL requiring therapy: a) unmutated IGHV status (hazard ratio [HR]:3.8, 95%CI 2.1 - 7.0, p<0.0001); b) positive CD49d status (HR: 3.1, 95%CI 1.6 - 5.9, p=0.0006); and c) positive CD38 status (HR: 2.8, 95% CI 1.7 - 4.8, p<0.0001). Although the HR for high-risk FISH was 2.0 (95% CI 0.9 - 4.4), it was not significantly associated with TFT (p=0.11), likely due to small sample size. Age, sex, serum β2M, and ZAP-70 expression were not predictive of TFT. Among these individuals with B-cell counts <5x109/L, further stratification of the absolute B-cell count at diagnosis showed no association with TFT (Figure 2). The median OS of individuals with c-MBL was 11.8 years. Although the OS among individuals with c-MBL and the age- and sex-matched general population of Minnesota appeared similar for the first 10 years of follow-up, OS was significantly shorter in the c-MBL group during the full follow-up interval (p=0.004, Figure 3). Conclusion: In this large cohort of individuals with clinically ascertained MBL, the risk of progression to CLL requiring therapy was 2.1% per year. Biological characteristics of the B-cell clone including IGHV mutation status, and CD49d and CD38 status predicted time to first CLL therapy. On extended follow-up, the OS of individuals with c-MBL was significantly shorter relative to age- and sex-matched general population. These findings have important implications for counselling individuals with clinically ascertained MBL. Disclosures Parikh: Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding. Ding:Merck: Research Funding. Kenderian:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Shanafelt:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithkKine: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding.
Indatuximab Ravtansine (BT062) in Combination with Low-Dose Dexamethasone and Lenalidomide or Pomalidomide: Clinical Activity in Patients with Relapsed / Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Kelly, Kevin R. , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Somlo, George, Heffner, Leonard T., Zimmerman, Todd M., Munshi, Nikhil C. , Madan, Sumit , Mohrbacher, Ann , Barmaki-Rad, Farima, Rühle, Markus, Herrmann, Eva , Wartenberg‐Demand, Andrea, Haeder, Thomas, Siegel, David S. , Jagannath, Sundar , Lonial, Sagar , Rühle, Markus, Anderson, Kenneth C.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4486-4486

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4486.4486 Get It

Abstract Background: BT062 (Biotest AG, Dreieich, Germany) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprising a CD138-binding chimerized antibody and the cytotoxic maytansinoid, DM4. It is designed to target and kill CD138-positive cancer cells. CD138 (Syndecan-1) is highly expressed on a number of solid tumors and hematological malignancies and is one of the most reliable markers for multiple myeloma (MM) cells. BT062 was previously evaluated as a monotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory MM and found to have an acceptable tolerability profile with preliminary evidence of activity (Heffner et al, Blood. 2012; 120: Abstract 4042). Phase I/IIa testing was initiated with BT062 in combination with lenalidomide (Len) and low-dose dexamethasone (dex). The combination was well tolerated at BT062 doses up to 100 mg/m², defined to be the recommended Phase 2 dose (RPTD), and induced meaningful responses, including in patients previously treated with both Len and bortezomib (Bort) (Kelly et al, Blood. 2014; 124: Abstract 4736). Based on these promising results, further investigation of BT062 in combination with pomalidomide (Pom) and dex was initiated in patients with prior Len and Bort exposure, a patient population known to have a poor outcome. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and activity of BT062 (on days 1, 8, and 15 in a 4-week cycle) used in combination with dex (20-40 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22) and Len (25 mg, daily on days 1-21) or Pom (4 mg, daily on days 1-21) in patients with relapsed/refractory MM. Methods: This is a prospective, open label, multicenter Phase I/IIa study. The RPTD of BT062 in combination with Len/dex was defined to be 100 mg/m², and 38 patients were treated with BT062/Len/dex at the BT062 RPTD. An additional 17 patients were treated with BT062/Pom/dex at the BT062 RPTD. Patients aged ≥18 years with relapsed/refractory MM were eligible to participate. Prior treatment with Len, Pom, and/or dexamethasone (any dose) was allowed. To qualify for treatment with BT062/Len/dex at the BT062 RPTD, patients must have received at least one but no more than six prior therapies.To qualify for treatment with BT062/Pom/dex, patients must have received at least two prior therapies, including both Len and Bort, and progressed on or within 60 days of completion of their last therapy, with no limit on number of prior therapies. Patients with clinical response (or no evidence of disease progression) without unacceptable toxicities were eligible to receive additional treatment cycles. Toxicities were assessed by CTCAE v4. Clinical response was assessed by the investigator according to International Myeloma Working Group criteria. Results: Sixty-four patients have received BT062 in combination with dex and Len or Pom in this ongoing study. The combinations have been generally well tolerated, with approximately 90% of adverse events (AEs) reported CTC grade 1 or 2. The most common AEs reported are diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. Forty-seven patients have received BT062 with Len/Dex (3 at 80 mg/m², 38 at 100 mg/m², 6 at 120 mg/m²), with 8 patients still on treatment. Among these 47 patients, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 16.4 months. Forty-three patients completed at least two treatment cycles and were evaluable for response. Of these patients 33 achieved a partial response (PR) or better, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 77% and a median duration of response (DOR) of 21.0 months. Thirteen of the evaluable BT062/Len/dex-treated patients had prior exposure to both Len and Bort and progressed on or within 60 days of their last therapy. ORR was 54% among these patients, including 1 complete response (CR), 4 very good partial responses (VGPR) and 2 PRs. Seventeen patients were treated with BT062/Pom/dex, all had prior exposure to both Len and Bort and progressed on or within 60 days of their last therapy. ORR was 79%, with 4 VGPR and 7 PR among the 14 patients evaluable for efficacy. Median PFS has not been reached after 7.5 months median follow up, with 7 patients still on treatment. Updated safety and activity data will be presented. Conclusion: BT062 has been found to be well tolerated when used in combination with Len/dex or Pom/dex, with encouraging activity even in patients with Len- and Bort-pretreated disease progressing on or within 60 days of completion of their last therapy. Disclosures Kelly: Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Siegel:Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Merck: Honoraria. Somlo:Millennium: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Heffner:Millennium: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Madan:Onyx: Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Lonial:Celgene: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy. Barmaki-Rad:Biotest AG: Employment. Rühle:Biotest AG: Employment. Herrmann:Biotest AG: Employment. Wartenberg-Demand:Biotest AG: Employment. Haeder:Biotest AG: Employment. Anderson:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncoprep: Equity Ownership; Acetylon: Equity Ownership; Acetylon: Equity Ownership; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncoprep: Equity Ownership; Millennuim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennuim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
11q Deletion (del11q) Is Not a Prognostic Factor for Adverse Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (CLL/SLL) Treated with Ibrutinib: Pooled Data from 3 Randomized Phase 3 Studies
Janssens, Ann , Byrd, John C. , Fraser, Graeme , Jaeger, Ulrich, Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Salman, Mariya, Solman, Isabelle G., Cheng, Mei, Phelps, Charles E. , Ninomoto, Joi , Howes, Angela, James, Danelle F. , Hallek, Michael , Byrd, John C. , Kipps, Thomas J. , Hillmen, Peter , Demırkan, Fatih , Grosicki, Sebastian , Coutré, Steven , Barrientos, Jacqueline C. , Barr, Paul M. , O’Brien, Susan , Cramer, Paula , Stilgenbauer, Stephan , Byrd, John C

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2042-2042

10.1182/blood.v128.22.2042.2042 Get It

Abstract Background: Patients (pts) with CLL/SLL that have del11q tend to have relatively short remission durations and shorter overall survival (OS) with standard chemotherapy regimens. Ibrutinib (ibr), a first-in-class, oral, once-daily inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is indicated by the US FDA for the treatment of pts with CLL/SLL and allows for treatment without chemotherapy. In phase 3 studies, treatment with single-agent ibr was superior to treatment with ofatumumab (ofa) in relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL/SLL (RESONATE; Byrd, N Engl J Med 2013) or chlorambucil (clb) in treatment-naïve (TN) CLL/SLL (RESONATE-2; Burger, N Engl J Med 2015); treatment with ibr + bendamustine/rituximab (BR) was also superior to treatment with BR in R/R CLL/SLL (HELIOS; Chanan-Khan, Lancet Oncol 2016). We examined the outcome of pts in these 3 studies who did or did not have del11q to determine the impact of del11q on clinical outcomes. Methods: In RESONATE, pts with R/R CLL/SLL received ibr 420 mg/day until progressive disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity (tox) vs ofa for up to 24 weeks (300 mg week 1, 2000 mg weekly for 7 weeks, 2000 mg every 4 weeks for 16 weeks). In RESONATE-2, pts ≥65 years of age with TN CLL/SLL (excluding del17p) received ibr 420 mg/day until PD or tox vs clb 0.5 mg/kg (up to max of 0.8 mg/kg) on days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle (≤12 cycles). In HELIOS, pts with R/R CLL/SLL (excluding del17p) received BR (≤6 cycles) with or without ibr 420 mg/day (starting on day 2 of cycle 1) followed by single-agent ibr or placebo continued until PD or tox. Data from pts in the 3 studies were pooled (ibr pool, comparator pool) and analyzed based on whether or not their CLL/SLL had del11q. We performed a multivariate analysis to examine for risk factors prognostic for survival (del11q del17p, age, sex, race, current Rai stage, baseline ECOG PS, number of prior therapies, cytopenias; no multiplicity adjustment). Results: A total of 1210 pts with del11q data were included in the analysis: 609 in the ibr pool (179 with del11q, 430 without del11q) vs 601 in the comparator pool (149 with del11q, 452 without del11q). Demographics and baseline characteristics were generally similar in pts regardless of del11q status; differences of more than 10% included proportions with bulky disease ≥5 cm (63% vs 49%) and unmutated IGHV (88% vs 72%) in pts with or without del11q, respectively. Median lymphadenopathy and absolute lymphocyte counts were also higher in pts with del11q. At the time of the primary analysis, median treatment durations in the ibr pool were 20.0 mo with del11q and 18.7 mo without del11q; in the comparator pool 5.3 mo with del11q and 8.5 mo without del11q. Overall, ibr-treated pts had higher overall response rate (ORR) and complete response (CR) rates and longer progression-free survival (PFS, Figure) and OS than comparator-treated pts regardless of del11q status. In the ibr pool, the presence of del11q was associated with a trend of longer PFS and OS while in the comparator pool, pts with del11q had shorter PFS (Figure, Table), as compared to pts without del11q. Results were similar when excluding pts with del17p (10% of ibr pool [6%/11% with/without del11q] and 9% of comparator pool [8%/10% with/without del11q]; Table). By multivariate analysis, in the comparator pool, del11q, male sex, >1 prior therapy, presence of cytopenias, and unmutated IGHV (in R/R only) were associated with shorter PFS. However, these differences were not found in the ibr pool. The presence of del11q did not unfavorably impact the tempo of reductions in lymphadenopathy for ibr-treated pts, but did for comparator-treated pts. Adverse events leading to discontinuation were similar in ibr- and comparator-treated pts (12% [9% vs 13% with/without del11q] vs 13% [12% vs 13% with/without del11q]). Deaths within 30 days of last dose occurred in 31 pts (5% [3% vs 6% with/without del11q]) in the ibr pool and 28 pts (5% [6% vs 4% with/without del11q]) in the comparator pool. Conclusions: Treatment with ibr was superior to comparator regardless of del11q status; the benefit of ibr was most marked for pts with CLL/SLL with del11q. Presence of del11q was associated with a trend of longer PFS and OS in ibr-treated pts and shorter PFS and lower ORR in comparator-treated pts. By multivariate analysis, presence of del11q was a prognostic factor for shorter PFS for comparator-treated pts, but not for ibr-treated pts. Disclosures Kipps: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Hillmen:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead: Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding. Demirkan:Amgen: Consultancy. Coutre:Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Barrientos:Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding. Barr:Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy. O'Brien:Pharmacyclics, LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria. Fraser:Celgene: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Jaeger:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses. Cramer:Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Mundipharma: Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Astellas: Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Roche: Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding; Gilead: Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding. Stilgenbauer:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Boehringer-Ingelheim: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Mundipharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Hoffman La-Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Salman:Janssen Research & Development: Employment, Equity Ownership, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses. Solman:Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Employment, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; AbbVie: Equity Ownership. Cheng:Johnson & Johnson: Equity Ownership; AbbVie: Equity Ownership; Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Employment. Phelps:Johnson & Johnson: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ninomoto:Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Employment; Amgen, Inc.: Equity Ownership; AbbVie: Equity Ownership. Howes:Janssen: Employment, Other: Leadership; Johnson & Johnson: Equity Ownership. James:Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Employment; AbbVie: Equity Ownership. Hallek:Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel support, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel support, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel support, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Mundipharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel support, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel support, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel support, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; F. Hoffmann-LaRoche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel support, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.
Liver Dysfunction in Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Prevalence and Outcomes in a Large Cohort
Hampel, Paul J. , Chaffee, Kari G. , Douglas, Simonetto A, Call, Timothy G. , Leis, José F., Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Bowen, Deborah A., Conte, Michael, Achenbach, Sara J., Schwager, Susan M., Ding, Wei , Kenderian, Saad S. , Slager, Susan L. , Kay, Neil E. , Shanafelt, Tait D. , Parikh, Sameer A.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 5585-5585

10.1182/blood.v128.22.5585.5585 Get It

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of liver dysfunction in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is unknown; knowledge of which may provide important context for emerging therapeutic options with possible hepatotoxicity. The impact of liver dysfunction on outcomes of CLL patients is not well described. METHODS: Between 09/1993 and 04/2016, previously untreated CLL patients seen in the Division of Hematology at Mayo Clinic at diagnosis (<12 months) and who had baseline assessment of at least one of the following liver function tests (LFTs): alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), or total bilirubin were included in this analysis. Baseline lab values were defined as the closest value to CLL diagnosis for each lab within 12 months prior to diagnosis up through 6 months after CLL diagnosis. Patients with at least one abnormal LFT (defined as greater than 1.5 x the upper limit of normal) were classified as having liver dysfunction at diagnosis. Analysis for factors related to baseline liver function was performed using age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression models. Kaplan-Meier methods and multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate time to first treatment (TTFT) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Of 2336 previously untreated CLL patients who met the inclusion criteria, 123 (5%) patients had at least one abnormal LFT value at time of diagnosis. Thirty five patients had abnormal AST (median value 106 U/L, range 72-745 U/L, reference range 8-48 U/L), 25 patients had abnormal ALT (median 112 U/L, range 82-313 U/L, reference 7-55 U/L), and 54 patients had abnormal total bilirubin (median 2.10 mg/dL, range 1.8-26.5 mg/dL, reference range ≤ 1.2 mg/dL). Forty five patients had abnormal alkaline phosphatase; 35 patients in the year 2003 or later (median 198 U/L, range 172-2269 U/L, reference range 45-115 U/L) and 10 patients in 2002 or earlier (median 471.5 U/L, range 394-706 U/L, reference range 98-260 U/L). Abnormal LFTs were more common among those with advanced Rai stage disease (Rai 0-II=4.7% vs. Rai III-IV=13.4%; p<0.001) and among patients with lower hemoglobin (median 13.1 g/dL vs. 13.9 g/dL; p<0.001) at diagnosis. No difference in the rate of abnormal LFTs was observed based on cytogenetic abnormalities detected by FISH or CD38, CD49d, ZAP-70 or IGHV gene mutation status. There was no significant difference in prior alcohol abuse history between patients with liver dysfunction at diagnosis (6%) and those without (5%) (p=0.63). Similarly, there was no significant difference in body mass index between groups (median 27.8 vs. 27.8; p=0.12). After 12 years of follow-up, an estimated 69% of the cases with abnormal LFTs were treated. The most common type of treatments included anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy only, followed by purine nucleoside based chemoimmunotherapy, and an alkylating agent with a monoclonal antibody. The median time to treatment was 4.3 years for cases with abnormal LFTs compared to 6.3 years for cases without abnormal LFTs (p=0.02). However, after adjusting for age, sex and Rai stage, there was no difference in TTFT among patients with abnormal LFTs at baseline compared to those with normal LFTs (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.2 (95% CI, 0.9-1.6); p=0.23). The median survival of CLL patients with abnormal LFTs at diagnosis was significantly shorter than those with normal LFTs (8.6 vs. 11.6 years, p<0.001, Figure 1). After adjusting for age, sex and Rai stage, multivariable cox regression analysis showed that abnormal LFTs retained independent prognostic significance for OS with a HR of 1.4 (95% CI, 1.1-1.8; p=0.012). CONCLUSION: At the time of CLL diagnosis, ~1 out of every 20 patients with previously untreated CLL has abnormal LFTs. These data provide context to the recent reports of hepatotoxicity with the use of signal inhibitors in untreated CLL. Although the presence of liver dysfunction at diagnosis does not seem to predict a shorter TTFT, the OS of these patients is significantly shorter compared to patients who have normal LFTs. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Ding: Merck: Research Funding. Kenderian:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Kay:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Tolero Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Morpho-Sys: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Infinity Pharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Shanafelt:Janssen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithkKine: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding. Parikh:Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding.
Venetoclax Combined with Bortezomib and Dexamethasone for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Agarwal, Amit B., Kumar, Shaji , Cordero, Jaclyn, Munasinghe, Wijith, Jia, Jia , Maciag, Paulo , Verdugo, Maria, Moreau, Philippe , Roberts, Andrew W. , Facon, Thierry T.F. , Touzeau, Cyrille , Ross, Jeremy A. , Salem, Ahmed Hamed , Leverson, Joel D. , Harrison, Simon J

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 975-975

10.1182/blood.v128.22.975.975 Get It

Abstract Background: BCL-2 and MCL-1 promote multiple myeloma (MM) cell survival. Venetoclax (VEN) is a potent, selective, orally bioavailable small-molecular inhibitor of BCL-2. When combined with bortezomib, which can inhibit MCL-1, VEN can enhance the activity of bortezomib in MM cell lines and xenograft models. Methods: In this Phase 1b, open label, dose escalation study, patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) MM received daily VEN (50 - 1200 mg per designated dose cohort) with bortezomib and dexamethasone. The objectives of the study were to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, maximum tolerated dose, recommended phase 2 dose (R2PD), and efficacy (objective response rate [ORR], time to progression [TTP], and duration of response [DoR]) of combination therapy in this patient population. Results: As of 01July2016, 66 patients were enrolled, with 54 in the dose escalation cohort and 12 in the safety expansion at R2PD of 800 mg. The median age was 64 years and 39 (59%) were ISS stage II/III. The median number of prior therapies was 3 (range: 1 - 13), and 21 (32%) were refractory to prior bortezomib, 37 (56%) were refractory to prior lenalidomide, and 41 (62%) had prior stem cell transplant. Forty-three (65%) patients discontinued the study for the following primary reasons: 33 related to disease progression, 5 due to AEs (1 each: respiratory failure and cardiac failure, lung adenocarcinoma, sepsis, renal impairment, and Guillain-Barre syndrome; none were considered by the investigator as related to VEN), 2 withdrew consent, and 3 for other reasons not specified. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 65 (99%) patients, with common AEs in ≥20% of patients being diarrhea (41%), thrombocytopenia (39%), constipation (38%), nausea (36%), insomnia (32%), peripheral neuropathy (30%), peripheral edema (29%), anemia (27%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (27%), dyspnea (24%), fatigue (24%), and asthenia (24%). Grade 3/4 AEs in ≥10% of patients included thrombocytopenia (29%), anemia (15%) and neutropenia (14%). Serious AEs in ≥2 patients were febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, cardiac failure, pyrexia, influenza, lower respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, sepsis, acute kidney injury, respiratory failure, embolism, and hypotension. One dose-limiting toxicity of lower abdominal pain was reported for a patient who received 1200 mg VEN. Five deaths were reported during the study, 4 due to disease progression and 1 due to respiratory syncytial virus infection (not considered by the investigator as related to VEN). After co-administration with bortezomib and dexamethasone, dose-normalized VEN exposure at steady-state appeared to be within the exposure range observed with VEN monotherapy in patients with MM. The ORR for all evaluable patients was 68% (44/65) and 26 (40%) achieved very good partial response (VGPR) or better (3 stringent complete response [sCR], 8 CR, 15 VGPR) (Figure). For all patients, median DoR was 8.8 months (95% CI: 7.2, 15.8) and TTP was 8.6 months (95% CI: 5.7, 10.2), with a median follow up of 4.9 months (range: .03 - 26.7). High ORR of 89% was seen in patients who were non-refractory to prior bortezomib (39/45) or who had 1 - 3 prior therapies (31/35). In 31 patients who were non-refractory to bortezomib and had 1 - 3 prior therapies had ORR of 94% (29/31), 68% (21/31) with VGPR or better; median DoR was 10.6 months and TTP was 11.3 months for this subgroup. Moreover, patients who were bortezomib naïve and had 1 - 3 prior lines of therapy had ORR of 100% (12/12), and median DoR was 15.8 months and TTP was 17.1 months. In patients who were non-refractory to prior bortezomib but who were refractory to lenalidomide, the ORR was 86% (19/22) as compared with 91% (20/22) in those non-refractory to lenalidomide. Clinical responses were comparable in patients with t(11;14) MM (ORR, 78% [7/9]) and without t(11;14) MM (ORR, 66% [37/56]). In the t(11;14) group, 3 patients were bortezomib-refractory, and 2 of them achieved a PR as best response. Also, 4 patients had more than 3 prior lines, with 3 of them achieving PR. Conclusions: VEN in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone has an acceptable safety profile in patients with R/R MM. Efficacy results, including 68% ORR in all patients and 94% ORR in patients not refractory to bortezomib and who received 1 - 3 prior lines of therapy, indicates promising efficacy of this novel combination and supports the ongoing Phase 3 trial with this regimen in patients with R/R MM. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Moreau: Janssen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Roberts:Genentech: Patents & Royalties: Employee of Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research which receives milestone payments related to venetoclax; AbbVie: Research Funding; Servier: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding. Agarwal:AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Facon:Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Millenium/Takeda: Consultancy; Bristol: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Karyopharm: Consultancy. Kumar:Glycomimetics: Consultancy; AbbVie: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kesios: Consultancy; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding. Touzeau:AbbVie: Research Funding. Cordero:AbbVie: Employment. Ross:AbbVie: Employment, Equity Ownership. Munasinghe:AbbVie: Employment. Jia:AbbVie: Employment. Salem:AbbVie: Employment. Leverson:AbbVie: Employment, Other: Shareholder in AbbVie. Maciag:AbbVie: Employment. Verdugo:AbbVie: Employment, Other: may own stock. Harrison:Janssen Cilag: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: Research Funding.