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IgM Associated Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis: Delineating Disease Biology with Clinical, Genomic and Bone Marrow Morphological Features
King, Rebecca L. , He, Rong , Tandon, Nidhi , Kourelis, Taxiarchis , Viswanatha, David S., Muchtar, Eli , Kapoor, Prashant , Lacy, Martha Q. , Hayman, Suzanne R. , Kyle, Robert A. , Kumar, Shaji , Muchtar, E , Sidana, Surbhi , Greipp, Patricia T. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Gonsalves, Wilson I. , Buadi, Francis K. , Leung, Nelson , Gertz, Morie A.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4460-4460

10.1182/blood-2018-99-117695 Get It

Abstract Introduction: IgM light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a rare complication of IgM associated disorders, with very limited data on biology and outcomes. Our study compares the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and outcomes in a large cohort of patients with IgM vs. non-IgM AL to delineate the underlying disease biology of this entity. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed AL (2006-15) were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database and grouped by IgM heavy chain. Bone marrow (BM) morphology was reviewed by an expert hematopathologist (RLK). FISH testing included probes for t(11;14) and trisomies of odd numbered chromosomes. MYD88L265P testing was carried out by allele specific PCR and CXCR4WHIM mutation testing was performed by bridged nucleic acid (BNA)-enhanced Sanger sequencing. Results: Patients with IgM AL comprised 6.6% (75/1128) of the study cohort. Baseline characteristics are listed in Table 1. IgM AL patients were older and had a higher proportion of males. They had less frequent cardiac involvement (60 vs. 75%) and less frequent involvement of > 1 organ. Light chain burden was lower in this group (dFLC 12.5 vs. 22.7 mg/dL), while there was no difference in BM clonal cell percentage (10% each). Morphology: BM morphology in 71 patients with IgM AL revealed a pure plasma cell disorder (PPCD type) in 25% (n=18); low-grade B-cell lymphoma (LGBCL) with plasmacytic features (LPL type) in 62% (n=44) [well defined LPL: 38% (n=27), LGBCL with plasmacytic features: 24% (n=17)]; LGBCL, other: 6% (n=4). In the remaining 7%, three patients had other diagnoses and no BM disease in two patients. Median clonal cell % in LPL vs. PPCD type IgM AL was 20% vs. 5%, p<0.001. Genetics: In patients with IgM AL vs. non-IgM AL, t(11;14) was present in 27% vs. 49%, p=0.009 and trisomies in 9% vs. 24% of patients, p=0.06, respectively. In the IgM AL cohort, MYD88 mutation was seen in 56% (23/41) & CXCR4 mutation in 15% (5/34; S388 type: 3, other: 2) of patients. Importantly, MYD88 and CXCR4 mutations were found only in patients with LPL morphology, while t(11;14) was found only in the PPCD morphology group. There were no patients with both t(11;14) and MYD88 abnormalities (N=26 for both tested). Mutations seen in the LPL vs. PPCD type IgM AL were: MYD88, 88% (22/25) vs. 0% (0/14), p<0.001 and CXCR4, 26% (5/19) vs. 0% (0/13), p=0.02. Conversely, t(11;14) was seen in 0% (0/18) in LPL type vs. 60% (9/15) in PPCD type IgM AL, p <0.001. Treatment details were known in 63 patients with IgM AL; rituximab-based: 21 (33%), bortezomib/alkylator: 16 (25%), transplant 17 (27%), steroids: one and no treatment: 8 (13%). Treatment in IgM AL LPL type (n=36) was: rituximab based: 16 (44%),bortezomib/alkylator: 5 (14%), transplant: 10 (28%) and none: 5 (14%). In PPCD type [n=17), treatment was rituximab based: 2 (12%), bortezomib/alkylator: 8 (47%), transplant: 7 (41%). At 6 months, very good partial response or better was observed in 26% (10/39) vs. 41% (270/660) of patients with IgM vs. non-IgM AL, p=0.05. There was no difference in overall survival (OS) when all patients with IgM AL were compared to non-IgM AL (Fig 1a). However, when stratified by early (Stage 1/2) or advanced (stage 3/4) 2012 Mayo stage, patients with IgM AL fared worse (Fig 1b-c). On multivariate analysis, IgM AL was an independent predictor for inferior OS [HR with 95% CI: 1.6 (1.1-2.4), p=0.02] after adjusting for age, Mayo 2012 stage and type of therapy (transplant vs. not). However, when OS was adjusted for 6 month VGPR, there was no difference in OS for IgM AL vs. non IgM AL, p=0.2. In the IgM AL cohort, patients with LPL type IgM AL had inferior OS compared with PPCD type IgM AL, 21 vs. 82 months, p=0.01 (Fig 1d). Conclusions: Patients with IgM AL have distinct clinical and genetic features, with lower rates of cardiac involvement and a lower frequency of t(11;14) or trisomies compared with non-IgM AL. Even though IgM AL is a rare entity, we were able to delineate two distinct sub-types of IgM AL: LPL type and PPCD type, with implications for therapy and outcomes. Along with unique morphologic findings, presence of MYD88 and CXCR mutations was only seen in LPL type IgM AL and t(11;14) in PPCD type IgM AL. Despite lower cardiac involvement, IgM AL was associated with inferior OS outcomes, likely due to lower response rates, particularly in LPL IgM AL group, which had the lowest OS. Therapeutic approaches targeted towards disease biology to achieve deep responses are needed in this disorder. Disclosures Sidana: Janssen: Honoraria. Dispenzieri:Celgene, Takeda, Prothena, Jannsen, Pfizer, Alnylam, GSK: Research Funding. Kapoor:Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. Kumar:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; KITE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; KITE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Gertz:Abbvie: Consultancy; Ionis: Honoraria; spectrum: Consultancy, Honoraria; Apellis: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Prothena: Honoraria; Teva: Consultancy; Alnylam: Honoraria; celgene: Consultancy; Medscape: Consultancy; janssen: Consultancy; Research to Practice: Consultancy; Physicians Education Resource: Consultancy; annexon: Consultancy.
Impact of MYD88L265P mutation Status on Histological Transformation of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Zanwar, Saurabh , Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Ansell, Stephen M. , King, Rebecca L. , He, Rong , Kyle, Robert A. , Novak, Anne J. , Inwards, David J. , Nowakowski, Grzegorz S. , Thompson, Carrie A. , Johnston, Patrick, Thanarajasingam, Gita , Micallef, Ivana N. , Porrata, Luis F. , Lacy, Martha Q. , Muchtar, Eli , Kourelis, Taxiarchis , Kumar, Shaji , Kapoor, Prashant , Muchtar, E , Gertz, Morie A. , Greipp, Patricia T. , Habermann, Thomas M. , Dingli, David , Buadi, Francis K. , Bennani, N. Nora , Witzig, Thomas E. , Villasboas, José C. , Dispenzieri, Angela , Go, Ronald S. , Gonsalves, Wilson I. , Lin, Yi , Rajkumar, S. Vincent

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2884-2884

10.1182/blood-2018-99-120046 Get It

Abstract Background: Limited data exist regarding histological transformation in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). In this study, we present the disease characteristics, outcomes and risk factors for histological transformation in WM. Methods: Patients with WM seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN between January 1996 and December 2017 were included. Patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the setting of WM were considered to have transformation. Univariate analysis for comparing baseline characteristics of transformed versus non-transformed WM was performed using Wilcoxon, Fisher's exact and Chi square tests, as appropriate. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis. Cox proportional hazard method was used to assess the impact on time-to-transformation. All time-to-event analyses were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Of 1014 patients with WM, 42 patients (4.1%) developed histological transformation. The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 9.5 years (95% CI: 8.8-10.5 years). The cumulative probability of transformation was 2.3% at 5 years, 5.3% at 10 years and 8.5% at 15 years from diagnosis of WM, respectively. There was no difference in the 5-year cumulative probability of transformation in patients with WM diagnosed between 1996-2000 (2.1%), 2001-2005 (2.9%), 2006-2010 (2.7%) and 2011-2015 (3.8%), p=0.61.The disease characteristics, laboratory parameters and histology at transformation are outlined in Table 1. In patients with DLBCL histology (n=39), Revised-International Prognostic Index was calculable in 28 patients, with 50% (n=14), 46% (n=13) and 4% (n=1) of DLBCL belonging to poor, good and very good risk groups, respectively. For DLBCL histology, 18 patients were classifiable using Hans algorithm into germinal center B-cell (GCB) type (n=3, 17%) and non-GCB type histology (n=15, 83%). The median lines of therapy received prior to transformation for the entire cohort was 2 (range 0-9), with 5 (11%) patients not having received any therapy for WM before transformation. Number of lines of alkylator-based therapy used prior to transformation [median 1 line (range 0-4)] was comparable to that used in patients in whom WM did not occur [median 1, (range 0-6); p=0.78]. The median time-to-transformation from diagnosis of WM was 4.8 years (95% CI: 2.6- 6.8 years). Overall survival (OS) from transformed disease was 3.2 years (95% CI 1.1-3.9 years). The 10-year OS of patients with WM who transformed was lower (46%) compared to patients without transformation (60%) with a trend towards statistical significance (p=0.08), Figure 1. The MYD88L265P mutation status was available in 333 patients in the entire cohort (22/42 pts in the transformed cohort and 311/972 in the non-transformed cohort. Of the 22 patients in the transformed WM cohort, 13 (59%) exhibited MYD88WT genotype and 9 (41%) exhibited MYD88L265P genotype. The risk of transformation was higher in patients with MYD88WT status [Odds ratio 6.3 (95% CI: 2.6-15.5); p<0.0001]. Additionally, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was higher at diagnosis of WM in patients who transformed, Table 2. On multivariate analysis, MYD88WT status remained an independent predictor of disease transformation [p=0.003; odds ratio 10 (95% CI: 2.1-48)]. On univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis for identifying predictors of time-to-transformation, only MYD88WT mutational status was associated with shorter time-to-transformation with a 5-year transformation rate of 15.5 % for MYD88WT versus 2.6 % with MYDL265P mutated patients [risk ratio 6.2 (95% CI: 2.5-16.4); p<0.0001]. Treatment-related details in the transformed cases were available for 37 (90%) patients; R-CHOP was the most common (41%) frontline therapy for transformation; 33% patients underwent autologous stem cell transplantation for transformed disease during their disease course. Conclusion: Histological transformation is an uncommon event in WM but confers poorer survival. MYD88WT genotype is independently associated with histological transformation a shorter time-to- transformation in patients with WM. Disclosures Ansell: Trillium: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; LAM Therapeutics: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding; Merck & Co: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding. Gertz:Apellis: Consultancy; Alnylam: Honoraria; spectrum: Consultancy, Honoraria; janssen: Consultancy; annexon: Consultancy; Prothena: Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; celgene: Consultancy; Teva: Consultancy; Medscape: Consultancy; Ionis: Honoraria; Research to Practice: Consultancy; Physicians Education Resource: Consultancy. Dingli:Millennium Takeda: Research Funding; Millennium Takeda: Research Funding; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Participates in the International PNH Registry (for Mayo Clinic, Rochester) for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Participates in the International PNH Registry (for Mayo Clinic, Rochester) for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Witzig:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Celgene, Takeda, Prothena, Jannsen, Pfizer, Alnylam, GSK: Research Funding. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. Kumar:Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; KITE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; KITE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Kapoor:Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.
PD-1 Overexpression in Richter's Transformation (RT) and Aggressive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) after Progression on Ibrutinib Increases Bcl-2 Expression Via Akt/mTOR Pathway
Price-Troska, Tammy, Tian, Shulan , Secreto, Charla, Wu, Xiaosheng , Call, Timothy G. , He, Rong , Leis, José F., Yan, Huihuang , Liu, Minetta C. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Sinha, Sutapa , Parikh, Sameer A. , Kenderian, Saad S. , Rech, Karen L. , Kay, Neil E. , Ding, Wei

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 586-586

10.1182/blood-2018-99-112575 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Given the established role of PD-1 in mediating immune suppression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), we tested and reported the efficacy of PD-1 blocking antibody pembrolizumab in relapsed and transformed CLL patients. A selective response of pembrolizumab (~40%) in patients with RT, particularly after prior ibrutinib, was observed (Ding, Blood, 129:3419). Correlative analysis showed PD-1 expression in tumor B-cells of patients with RT and aggressive CLL after progression on ibrutinib. PD-1, an inhibitory receptor expressed on CLL T-cells, inhibits the immune synapse and cytotoxic T cell functions via the interactions with its ligands. However, the expression pattern and role of PD-1 in tumor B-cells is not well defined. In this study we investigated the functional implication of the PD-1 signaling axis in B-cell pathobiology in CLL and RT patients. Methods: 26 CLL-involved lymph node (LN) and 20 RT-involved LN were tested for PD-1 expression by immunohistochemistry (mouse clone NAT105, Abcam). For in vitro study, we checked PD-1 expression in 11 lymphoma cell lines and 1 CLL cell line by both flow cytometry and Western blot (WB) analysis. Effect of PD-1 knockdown using CRISPR/Cas9 system (Addgene) and over-expression of PD-1 using pLEX-lentiviral (Thermoscientific) or pRetro-retroviral (Clonetech) system were evaluated on pro-survival and apoptotic signaling pathways by Western blot analysis. Gene expression signatures in CLL and RT patients were also evaluated by Illumina-based RNA sequencing using FFPE-nodal tissue obtained by clinical biopsy (Tempus Labs; Chicago, IL). Results: The expression of PD-1 was significantly increased in RT-LN compared to CLL-LN. (mean ± SEM in RT vs. CLL, 30.6 ± 4.7 vs. 11.5 ± 2.8, p < 0.001). PD-1 expression was highest in patients with RT where the immediate prior CLL therapy was ibrutinib (Figure 1A). Among all cell lines tested for PD-1 expression, the expression of PD-1 by WB and flow was highest in Mino (mantle cell lymphoma line), followed by moderate expression in Jvm2 (B-PLL line) and Mec1 (CLL line), and very low-level expression in both Jeko-1 (B-NHL line) and lymphoma line 'Karpas299'. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated depletion of PD-1 in Mino cells inhibited constitutively active Akt, p70S6K and mTOR pathway, accompanied by significant downregulation of the anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2, Mcl-1 and XIAP, but P-ERK1/2 was not affected. Constitutive lentiviral (pLEX-PD-1)-mediated overexpression of PD-1 in Jeko-1 and doxycycline regulated inducible retroviral (pRetro-PD-1) mediated overexpression of PD-1 in Karpas299 activated Akt, mTOR and p70S6K pathway. Overexpression of PD-1 in Jeko-1 significantly increased Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 and in Karpas299 increased Bcl-2, Mcl-1 and XIAP expression (Figure 1B). A parallel genetic analysis using RNA sequencing was performed on 5 nodal tissues involved by either RT or progressive CLL after these patients developed clinical progression after prior ibrutinib therapy. In all 5 patients, overexpression of PD-1 was associated with increased expression of Bcl-2 and mTOR regardless of the genetic mutations detected (including TP53, ATM, BTK, NOTCH1, XPO1, SF3B1, TET2 etc). However, in 2 patients who received prior chemoimmunotherapy, similar overexpression of gene signature was not observed by RNA sequencing analysis, alternative pathways including Met or NFkB overexpression was detected. Given these clinical and laboratory findings, we have treated 2 RT patients with a combination of BTK and Bcl-2 inhibitors (ibrutinib and venetoclax, respectively) whose CLL transformed after prior ibrutinib. Significant reduction of tumor burden was observed in both cases with one complete response and one mixed response. Conclusion: An increased expression of PD-1, Akt/mTOR and Bcl-2 gene signature was first observed in RT patients after prior ibrutinib therapy. PD-1 overexpression in the tumor B-cells of RT and progressive CLL patients likely regulate AKT/mtOR to upregulate Bcl-2. Targeting both BTK and Bcl-2 pathways in addition to PD-1 blockade appear to be a promising strategy to treat these aggressive diseases. Disclosures Parikh: Gilead: Honoraria; Janssen: Research Funding; Abbvie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding; MorphoSys: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Research Funding. Kenderian:Novartis: Patents & Royalties; Tolero Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Humanigen: Research Funding. Ansell:Takeda: Research Funding; Trillium: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding; Merck & Co: Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding; LAM Therapeutics: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding. Kay: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; Acerta: Research Funding; Agios Pharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Cytomx Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Tolero Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, 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; Pharmacyclics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Ding:Merck: Research Funding.
Marrow Blast Percentage Impact on High-Grade Myelodysplastic Syndrome By the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System
Alkharabsheh, Omar , Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Gangat, Naseema , Begna, Kebede H. , He, Rong , Nguyen, Phuong L., Litzow, Mark R. , Al‐Kali, Aref , Alkhateeb, Hassan B. , Shah, Meera , Hogan, William J. , Greipp, Patricia T.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 5510-5510

10.1182/blood-2018-99-113943 Get It

Abstract Introduction: The revised international prognostic scoring system (IPSS-R) for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is widely accepted and has been validated in multiple studies. Patients with adverse cytogenetics do poorly and that is reflected in this scoring system by having the highest score for cytogenetics; 2 for intermediate, 3 for poor and 4 for very poor. Little is known about the effect of marrow blasts in adverse cytogenetic in the high-grade MDS defined by IPSS-R intermediate (>3), high (>4.5) and very high (>5). The goal is to examine the effect of marrow blast percentage on outcome in patients with adverse cytogenetics that is present in the high-grade MDS. Methods: We performed data collection from the Mayo clinic records for patients with confirmed MDS after obtaining appropriate IRB approval. Patients were divided based on their total IPSS-R score and we extracted high-grade MDS cases with intermediate, high and very-high IPSS-R only. Cytogenetics and baseline CBC were available for analysis. We calculated the survival difference in patients with blasts <5% and patient with blasts of 5% to 19% for every group. Survival estimates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank testing using JMP v.13. Results: Our database had 1300 patients with confirmed MDS, 41% (N=536) are high-grade MDS. From those, the median age was 70 and 70% were males. Median bone marrow blast was 6% (0-19). Baseline hemoglobin is 9.2 g/dL, WBC 2.7, ANC 1.05, and platelets 69. Their cytogenetics were 1% very good, 31% good, 23% intermediate, 16% poor and 29% very poor. The total IPSS-R groups were 39%,31%, and 30% for the intermediate, high, and very-high groups respectively. The overall survival (OS) for the high-grade MDS with marrow blast <5% was 12.3 months and for patients with marrow blasts ≥5% 11.4 months (P=.4). At each high-grade MDS; intermediate, high and very high, there were no statistically significant differences for patients with marrow blasts below or above 5%. In term of risk of progression to AML, patients with blasts ≥5% were at higher risk of progression compared with <5% (25% vs 10% , P<.001), with no statistically significant difference in term of time-to-AML progression. Conclusion: The percentages of bone marrow blasts had no impact on overall survival among patients with high grade MDS. However, patients with ≥5% marrow blasts are at a higher risk for progression to AML. Disclosures Al-Kali: Novartis: Research Funding.
A Phase II of Combination Daunorubicin and Cytarabine (Ara-C) and Nilotinib (TASIGNA) (DATA) in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and KIT Expression: Final Results
Al‐Kali, Aref , Palmer, Jeanne , Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Begna, Kebede H. , Gangat, Naseema , Atherton, Pamela J. , Liu, Shujun , He, Rong , Hashmi, Shahrukh K. , Litzow, Mark R. , Tibes, Raoul , Alkhateeb, Hassan B.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 1443-1443

10.1182/blood-2018-99-118552 Get It

Abstract Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer with a wide range of response and relapse rates using standard chemotherapy combining anthracycline plus cytarabine (7+3). The stem cell receptor tyrosine kinase KIT is expressed on more than 10% of blasts in 95% of relapsed AML cases and mediates leukemic proliferation and has anti-apoptotic effects (Domen and Weissman 2000). AML with high KIT expression is associated with poorer outcome (Del Poeta, Venditti et al 2003). Goals: To study the efficacy and safety of combination 7+3 and nilotinib in patients (pts) with AML and KIT expression. Primary goal is to determine the complete response (CR) rate; while secondary goals include 2-year overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) in addition to safety. Methods: A single arm, Phase II study, enrolled pts at Mayo Clinic (MN and AZ). Appropriate IRB was obtained and study was registered (NCT 01806571). Pts were enrolled if they were newly diagnosed with AML with KIT (CD117) expression of ≥ 20% on myeloblasts by flow cytometry. KIT mutations were allowed. Nilotinib 300 mg twice daily was given on days 4-14 of induction and consolidation; and continuous daily maintenance therapy for up to 2 years. Cytarabine 100 mg/m2/day continuous IV x7 days plus daunorubicin 60 mg/m2 IV daily x3 days were used for induction, while consolidation used standard cytarabine 3 gm/m2 twice daily days 1, 3, 5 for a total of 4 cycles. This is a Simon 1-stage design with a safety analysis after enrolling 12 pts, and an interim analysis after enrolling 18 out of 43 pts (Al-Kali, ASH 2015) recommended to continue study accrual. Results: i)- Demographics: Thirty four pts were enrolled from July 2013 to June 2017. Median age was 59 years (range 24-69) with 71% being male. Median laboratory findings include hemoglobin of 8.8 gm/dL, platelets of 56 x109/L, white blood count of 3.3 x109/L (0.4-125), and peripheral blood blasts 17 %(0-94%). Cytogenetics were normal in 43% of the pts and favorable cytogenetics were seen in 6%(inv 16). FLT3 gene testing was done on 26 pts and was positive in 13%. KIT gene sequencing (exon 8, 9, 10, 11, 17) revealed pathogenic mutation in 1/28 cases (4%). ii)- Clinical outcome Out of all 34 pts enrolled on the study, 18 (53%) achieved CR (or CR with incomplete platelet recovery) with a median CR duration of 21.8 months. Of 26 evaluable pts, the overall CR rate was 69%. 4 of the 18 pts (22%) who achieved remission needed a second induction. One pt died due to liver failure (had only one dose of nilotinib and toxicity was attributed to daunorubicin). 13 (38%) pts proceeded to allogeneic stem cell transplant (HSCT), 12 of whom are alive and none were able to initiate nilotinib maintenance. Only 6 (1 had HSCT) out of 34 (18%) pts relapsed after achieving CR. Median DFS was 45.8 months, while median OS was 42.4 months. 2-year DFS and OS were 58% and 72%, respectively. iii)- Safety Thirty four pts were evaluated for adverse events (AE). Fourteen pts had G4 non-hematological AEs, including fourteen G4 AEs related to infection, 2 with electrolyte imbalances, 1 heart failure, 1 elevated bilirubin, 1 elevated lipase, and 1 jejunal hemorrhage. One patient had G5 liver failure. Most common (>20%) G3 non-hematological AEs were febrile neutropenia (56%), hypophosphatemia (21%), elevated ALT (21%) and hypertension (21%). Conclusion: Combination daunorubicin and cytarabine with nilotinib (DATA) appears to be safe and effective. Final results show an acceptable safety profile with most common AE being infection. Thirty day mortality was low (3%). DATA regimen has comparable CR rates of 53% (intent to treat) and 69% in evaluable pts. Relapse rates were very low at 18% with durable responses and encouraging survival rates. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Al-Kali: Novartis: Research Funding. Tibes:Novartis: Research Funding. Palmer:Novartis: Research Funding.
1,123 Consecutive Adults with Non-APL Acute Myeloid Leukemia: The Mayo Clinic Experience
Begna, Kebede H. , Ali, Walid , Gangat, Naseema , Elliott, Michelle A. , Al‐Kali, Aref , Litzow, Mark R. , Hook, C. Christopher , Wolanskyj, Alexandra P., Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Pardanani, Animesh , Zblewski, Darci, He, Rong , Viswanatha, David S., Hanson, Curtis A. , Tefferi, Ayalew , Hogan, William J. , Chen, Dong , Ketterling, Rhett P.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2689-2689

10.1182/blood-2018-99-110811 Get It

Abstract Background : Pre-treatment determinants of survival in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) include performance status, age, karyotype, the distinction between primary and non-primary AML and FLT3-ITD/NPM1 mutational status. Current literature on AML natural history and risk factors is often based on information derived from stringent protocol studies. In the current series of 1,123 adult patients seen at the Mayo Clinic between 2004 and 2017, we examined long-term survival specified by a number of primarily established risk factors. Methods: Diagnosis of AML and its sub-classification was according to World Health Organization criteria. Study subjects were recruited from the Mayo Clinic AML database. Conventional response criteria were used for CR and CRi assignment; the latter met all criteria for CR with the exception of platelet count <100 x 109/l or absolute neutrophil cunt <1 x 109/l. Standard statistical methods were used for analysis of overall survival, calculated from the initial diagnosis of AML to date of death or last follow-up; analyses were performed both in the absence and in the presence of censoring of survival at time of allogenic stem cell transplant (ASCT). The JMP® Pro 13.0.0 software from SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA, was used for all calculations. Results: 1,123 adult patients (median age 65 years, range 18-94; 61% males) with non-APL AML were considered; 61% were age >60 years. 351 (31%) patients were seen between 2004 and 2009 and 772 (69%) between 2010 and 2017. AML subcategories were primary (56%), post-myelodysplastic syndromes (post-MDS; 24%), therapy-related (10%), post-myeloproliferative neoplasm (post-MPN; 8%) and post-MDS/MPN (3%). Cytogenetic risk distribution, according to the European LeukemiaNet classification, was favorable in 47 (4%), intermediate in 650 (58%) and adverse risk in 426 (38%) patients. FLT3, NPM1 and CEBPA mutation information was available in 462 (24% mutated), 393 (27% mutated) and 228 (11% mutated) patients, respectively. Treatment included intensive chemotherapy (IC) in 766 (68%) patients, less aggressive chemotherapy, including the use of hypomethylating agents in 144 (13%) and supportive care alone in 213 (19%) patients. ASCT was utilized in 258 (23%) cases, almost all performed after achieving CR/CRi. Complete remission (CR) and CR with incomplete count recovery (CRi) were listed in 333 (30%) and 248 (22%) patients, respectively; the corresponding rates in IC-treated patients were 43% and 32%. Almost all cases of CR/CRi occurred in IC-treated patients; 2 (1.4%) CRs were listed for less aggressive chemotherapy. After a median follow-up of 11 months, 798 (71%) deaths were recorded. Median survival for all 1,123 patients was 14 months with 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 54%, 29% and 23%, respectively; a slight but significant (p=0.01) improvement in survival was apparent in more recent years (Figure 1a). Figures 1b, 1c and 1d depict analysis stratified by AML subcategories, treatment received and response obtained, respectively. Similarly, figures 2a, 2b and 2c depict analysis stratified by karyotype, use of ASCT and age. Multivariable analysis of pre-treatment parameters evaluable in all 1,123 patients identified age >60 years (HR 2.2, 1.9-2.6), adverse karyotype (HR 2.9, 1.9-4.9), intermediate-risk karyotype (HR 1.6, 1.02-2.6), post-MPN AML (HR 1.9, 1.5-2.4) and other secondary AML (HR 1.3 (1.1-1.6), as risk factors for shortened survival; the inclusion in the model of FLT3/NPM1 mutational status in 392 informative cases confirmed the adverse prognostic effect of age >60 years (HR 1.8, 1.4-2.5), adverse karyotype (HR 3.7, 1.4-15.3), post-MPN AML (HR 2.8, 1.6-4.6), other secondary AML (HR 1.4, 1.0-1.9) and FLT3+NPM1- (HR 2.8, 1.6-4.9) and FLT3-NPM1- (HR 1.7, 1.2-2.7) profile. Results were unchanged when survival was censored at time of ASCT. Additional prognostic interaction with treatment strategy and ASCT is further elaborated in an accompanying abstract to be presented. Conclusions: The current study, the largest coming from a single institution, provides practically useful information that should assist with patient consultation on AML prognosis and treatment. The study confirms the primary prognostic importance of age, karyotype and FLT3/NPM1 mutational status, in real-life practice. Novel observations included comparable value of CRi vs CR and the particularly worse prognosis associated with post-MPN AML. Disclosures Al-Kali: Novartis: Research Funding.
Novel Mutations in NOTCH and Altered Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Indicate a Role of Embryonic Signals in the Pathogenesis of T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia
Tian, Shulan , He, Rong , Call, Timothy G. , Secreto, Charla, Schrader, Alexandra , Herling, Marco , Yan, Huihuang , Ding, Wei , Zhang, Henan , Braggio, Esteban , Feldman, Andrew L. , Ketterling, Rhett P. , Witzig, Thomas E. , Parikh, Sameer A. , Lin, Yi , Andersson, Emma Irene , Mustjoki, Satu M.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4103-4103

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4103.4103 Get It

Abstract Background:Recurrent mutations in ATM, JAK1/3 and STAT5B genes have been identified in T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), a mature T cell leukemia with poor survival. However, much remains to be understood regarding the dysregulated pathways involved in the pathogenesis of this aggressive disease. Here, we integrated the analyses of whole exome sequencing (WES) and transcriptomes of a cohort of 12 T-PLL samples to gain further insights into molecular mechanisms of this malignancy. Methods: Leukemic cells were isolated from peripheral blood or bone marrow samples of T-PLL patients. Tumor DNA and RNA, and germline DNA were extracted from purified leukemic T cells and bone marrow derived stromal cells, respectively. WES (n=12) and transcriptome analysis (n=10) were performed and data analyzed with published standard methods (Robinson et al. 2010 and DePristo et al. 2011) Results: 7 paired tumor and germline DNA and 5 tumor-only DNA samples were used for WES analysis. Mutations in ATM and TET2 were detected in 4 (33%) and 1 (8%) patients, respectively. JAK3 (p.M511I, p.Q501H and p.Q503H) or STAT5B (2 p.T628S and 1 p.N642H) mutations each occurred in 3 (25%) cases and were mutually exclusive, consistent with prior reports. Importantly, we found several novel mutations in genes with regulatory roles in the NOTCH signaling pathway. Specifically, 2 somatic mutations p.A3V and p.A3S in NOTCH2 and 2 other mutations (p.S244L and p.A1414V) in NOTCH4 were identified in 4 (33%) patients. One mutation was in the EGF- like and another one in the NODP domain critical for NOTCH-mediated cellular differentiation. Two (16.7%) novel missense mutations (p.G174D and p.V836I) were found in MAML2. Three missense mutations (2 p.S583N and 1 p.R190H) occurred in MAML1. Both MAML2 and MAML1 are essential cofactors of the NOTCH signaling pathway. In addition, a somatic mutation in the NOTCH signal regulator DTX2 (p.G268D) was detected. Altogether 7 (58.3%) patients harbored mutations in genes with a regulatory role in the NOTCH pathway. Among the epigenetic modifiers, we found deletions and point mutations in KDM6B and KDM6A in 4 (30%) patients including 2 codon deletions in KDM6B (p.X751Val) and 1 missense mutation each in KDM6B (p.R1016Q) and KDM6A (p.V510G). KDM6A and KDM6B are histone H3 lysine 27 demethylases known to be involved in regulation of DNA repair and play an important role in embryonic differentiation. Transcriptome analyses of 10 T-PLL cases versus normal CD3+ T cells from 5 healthy donors revealed 706 up-regulated and 655 down-regulated genes. Consistent with prior data, TCL1A and TCL1B were significantly overexpressed (23.7 and 13.1 fold, respectively). Using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, we found PTEN Signaling, glutamate receptor, and axonal guidance signaling to be among the top 3 upregulated pathways. The top upstream regulators implicated for the up-regulated signals were FGF, Wnt/β-catenin and TNF. The top 3 down-regulated pathways were granulocyte adhesion and diapedesis, IL-17A in psoriasis and IL-10 signaling. The top regulators for the down-regulated pathways were LPS, TNF and IFNg. Wnt/β-catenin and Human embryonic stem cell pluripotency signaling were among the top 20 up-regulated pathways. Many genes involved in the regulation of Wnt signal pathway were included in the above pathways, including Wnt ligands (Wnt9A, Wnt4), transmembrane receptors (CDH1, LRP5, FZD6, FZD7, SMO), cytoplasmic factor (AXIN2), and nuclear factors (MYC, SOX12, SOX8, SOX18, CCND1). Summary: Our study identified recurrent mutations in the NOTCH signaling pathway as well as dysregulated embryonic developmental pathway, e.g. Wnt/NOTCH as newly implicated molecular mechanisms in T-PLL pathogenesis for further functional studies. Additionally, novel (KDM6A and KDM6B) and known mutations (ATM, TET2) in chromatin regulatory genes underscore the importance of epigenetic dysregulation in the tumorigenesis of T-PLL. Disclosures Parikh: Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding. Mustjoki:Ariad: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Ding:Merck: Research Funding.
Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Patients with Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 Gene (MYD88) Wild-Type Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Abeykoon, Jithma P. , Kapoor, Prashant , Ansell, Stephen M. , He, Rong , Baudi, Francis K., Kumar, Shaji , King, Rebecca L. , Paludo, Jonas , Gonsalves, Wilson I. , Gertz, Morie A. , Go, Ronald S. , Rajkumar, S. Vincent

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2960-2960

10.1182/blood.v128.22.2960.2960 Get It

Abstract Background Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, indolent immunoglobulin M- associated lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma characterized by the alternation in the MYD88 locus in 90-95% of the cases. MYD88L265P is the most common alteration in WM patients and is considered a key molecular signature with a pathophysiological role in WM. Because of extremely low prevalence of WM with MYD88 wild type (WT) genotype there is a paucity of clinical and outcome data in this unique patient population. A recent study (Treon et al, Blood May, 2014), in an analysis based on the patients' MYD88 status, reported on the clinical features including older age at presentation and an unexpectedly higher mortality (38%) in the MYD88WTcohort compared to MYD88L265P patients (mortality 6%, P < .0001). However, the sample size of the MYD88WT WM cohort was small (n=15), with a few events during the short follow-up (median 4.84 years). Herein, we report on larger cohort of WM patients with this rare genotype. Methods This study included patients evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester in whom the diagnosis of WM was established based on their clinicopathologic features and the MYD88 mutation status was determined through AS-PCR (assay sensitivity 1% mutant allele) performed on archived bone marrow samples obtained between 2007-2014. Patients with MYD88WT status were the focus of this study. Clinical data were collected from the patients' medical records. The Kaplan-Meir method was utilized for the survival analysis calculated from the time of diagnosis of WM. Outcomes of MYD88WT patients were compared with those harboring the MYD88L265Pmutation. Results Our cohort of 171 patients with an established diagnosis of WM and known MYD88 mutation status was found to be enriched for MYD88WT (n=40) patients. All patients required therapy. At diagnosis, the median age of the patients with MYD88 WT was 63 years (range 37.5-83.5 years; comparable to that of the MYD88L265P cohort, median 65 years, range: 32-92 years, p=0.16). Familial WM was identified in 10% of patients. Sixty four percent of patients presented with constitutional symptoms at diagnosis. These symptoms included fatigue (45%), weight loss (17%), night sweats (8%) dizziness (10%), dyspnea (23%), bleeding (10%), headache (10%) and hyper viscosity syndrome (5%). Splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy was observed in 20% and 27% of patients, respectively. Thirteen percent of patients had concomitant AL amyloidosis. Additional baseline characteristics are reported in Table 1. Transformation to a higher grade lymphoma was noted in 9 (23%) of patients, four of whom had received a purine analog and /or chlorambucil previously. The estimated median follow of MYD88WT patients was 8.1years (95% CI: 6.4-8.9) and their median overall survival (OS) was 8.5 years (95% CI: 6.4-29.4). No OS difference was evident between this cohort and the remainder of the patients with the MYD88L265Pmutation (n=131, median OS 11.7 years, 95% CI: 10-18, p=0.7; median follow-up 7.7 years 95% CI: 6.4-9.1, Figure 1). Conclusion In this relatively large cohort of WM MYD88WT patients with a prolonged follow-up, the MYD88mutation status was not found to be a determinant of patients' outcomes. Our findings contradict the results of a seminal previous study and require external validation, preferably through prospective studies. Disclosures Kapoor: Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Ansell:BMS, Seattle Genetics, Merck, Celldex and Affimed: Research Funding. Kumar:Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Kesios: Consultancy.
PD-1 Blockade with Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Relapsed/Refractory CLL Including Richter Transformation: An Early Efficacy Report from a Phase 2 Trial (MC1485)
Call, Timothy G. , Leis, José F., LaPlant, Betsy, He, Rong , Chanan‐Khan, Asher , Bowen, Deborah A., Conte, Michael, Viswanatha, David S., Micallef, Ivana N. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Ding, Wei , Dong, Haidong , Shanafelt, Tait D. , Parikh, Sameer A. , Witzig, Thomas E. , Lin, Yi , Habermann, Thomas M. , Kay, Neil E.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 834-834

10.1182/blood.v126.23.834.834 Get It

Abstract Background: High risk CLL patients treated with novel targeted therapies continue to experience disease progression (PD), and more than 50% of these PD patients evolve into Richter's syndrome (RS), (Maddocks, Jama Oncol 2015). Standard chemotherapy for large cell lymphoma has limited efficacy (median overall survival <12 months) in RS. Novel immunotherapy using a PD-1 antibody to block immune checkpoint signals to activate the cytotoxic T -cell has significant efficacy in relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma (Ansell, NEJM 2015). We conducted a phase 2 trial to test the safety and clinical efficacy of the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL and relapsed low grade B non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) (MC1485 trial). Methods: MC1485includes two arms: patients with relapsed/refractory CLL (including RS) and patients with relapsed B-NHL. The main end points of this study are safety and overall response rate. The first 6 patients enrolled in either arm were included in a designed safety interim analysis. Here we report the initial interim analysis from the CLL arm. Relapsed/refractory CLL including RS who had ECOG performance 0-2 and normal organ function were included. Patients with active autoimmune disease or interstitial lung disease were excluded. Pembrolizumab 200 mg was administered intravenously every 3 weeks until progression, excessive toxicity, or completion of 2 years of therapy. Soluble plasma PD-L1 levels were measured in these 6 patients using an established ELISA assay (Frigola, Clin Cancer Res, 2011). CD8+ T cell subsets were assessed for their functional status using an established analysis (Liu, Oncoimmunology. 2013) at baseline and after 2 cycles of therapies. Results: As of July 27th, 2015, 16 relapsed/refractory CLL patients including 5 RS patients were enrolled. The median age was 71 years (58-81). The median number of prior therapies was 3 (1-6). All CLL patients had received chemoimmunotherapy (FCR/PCR). 4 out of 5 RS patients had received anthracycline-containing chemotherapy. 5 out of 8 patients who had received prior ibrutinib therapy progressed on ibrutinib. 8 patients had 17p-/TP53 mutation. Herein, we report preliminary results from the interim analysis of CLL arm including 4 RS and 2 CLL as well as the 5th RS who had response evaluation by PET. The median cycles of therapy administered was 4 (3-7). One patient experienced grade 2 cytokine release syndrome with transient febrile neutropenia, grade 3 headache and skin rashes. These symptoms resolved with steroid therapy. One patient experienced grade 3 myalgia and was also treated with steroids. The other patients in this safety cohort tolerated pembrolizumab well. The most common drug-related adverse events were grade 1 dyspnea (33%, 2/6) and grade 1 anemia (33%, 2/6). Based on investigator assessment using the Cheson 2007 International Working Group Criteria, 4 out of 5 RS patients had responded to therapy. One patient had a complete remission after 2 cycles and remains in remission. One patient had almost complete PET response after two cycles and is classified as PR as her bone marrow have not been re-evaluated yet. Two patients had notable responses with nodal and skin lymphoma improvements before they showed potential evidence of progressive diseases. The remaining 1 RS and 2 CLL had stable disease and continued on therapy at the last follow-up. Soluble PD-L1 levels (sPD-L1, n=6) were measured at baseline and after 2 cycles of therapies. 3 RS patients who had responded to therapy had decreased or stable sPD-L1 levels. The 4th RS and two CLL had increased sPD-L1 levels and had not demonstrated clinical response. CD8 T-cell subset analyses performed blindly (n=4) showed increased CD8 T cell function in one of the 4 patients tested. This patient who demonstrated CD8 T cell functional enhancement is the only patient in the 4 tested patients who had notable response to pembrolizumab. Conclusion: Pembrolizumab is tolerated in relapsed CLL and RS patients. Early efficacy observed in heavily pretreated RS patients including patients progressed on both anthracycline-based treatment and ibrutinib indicate PD-1 inhibition is a promising novel approach in patients with RS. Our CD8 T cell subset analysis may be used as a biomarker assay to predict clinical response in the era of novel immunotherapy. This trial and further correlative analysis is ongoing and will be presented at the ASH meeting. Disclosures Ding: Merek: Research Funding. Shanafelt:Cephalon: Research Funding; Pharmactckucs: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding; Polyphenon E Int'l: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Glaxo-Smith_Kline: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding. Kay:Tolero Pharma: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Ansell:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding.
Detection of Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device -Associated Acquired Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) Abnormality by An Automated Immunoturbidimetric VWF Activity Assay
He, Rong , Crow, Sheri, Joyce, Lyle D., Milano, Carmelo A. , Heit, John A. , Chen, Dong

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2273-2273

10.1182/blood.v118.21.2273.2273 Get It

Abstract Abstract 2273 Background: Continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) recipients have high tendency of post-surgical gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. We previously described the loss of high molecular weight VWF multimers (HMWM), due to either an accelerated clearance or enhanced cleavage of the HMWM, in most CF-LVAD recipients (Ann Thorac Surg. 90:1263–9). However, besides the tedious plasma VWF multimer analysis, neither VWF ristocetin cofactor nor collagen binding activity assay provides sufficient sensitivity for detecting such an acquired VWF abnormality (AVWA). In this study, we examined a new automated latex particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric VWF activity assay (VWF:Lx) for its ability of detecting CF-LVAD-AVWA. We also analyzed the VWF pro-peptide (VWF:pp) to explored the potential mechanism of CF-LVAD-AVWA. Design: As part of an on-going prospective multicenter study, pre- and post-CF-LVAD implantation (7, 30 days and 5–7 months) blood samples were collected from 15 LVAD recipients (median age 52 years; 10 male and 5 female; 2008∼2009). Plasma VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), VWF:Lx activity, VWF:pp/Ag ratios were measured; and plasma VWF multimer analyses were performed on all available plasma samples. Standard statistical analyses were employed. Result: Loss of VWF HMWM was observed in 3 patients prior to CF-LVAD implantation and virtually all patients after surgery. VWF:Ag, VWF:Lx or VWF:pp/Ag ratios of the pre- and post-implantation samples were not significantly different (P> 0.1). However, VWF:Lx/Ag ratios of the post-implantation samples were significantly decreased (P<0.05). At a cut off of 0.8, the VWF:Lx/Ag ratio has a 90% sensitivity and specificity for detecting AVWA. Conclusions: VWF:Lx/Ag ratio has excellent sensitivity and specificity in detecting CF-LVAD-AVWA, and its impact on predicting post-surgical bleeding tendency in CF-LVAD recipients is being investigated. The distinct CF-LVAD-AVWA is most likely caused by enhanced cleavage, rather than clearance, of the HMWM. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.