Citations

8538 Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a heterogeneous disease with a variable prognosis. Transformation to an aggressive lymphoma is associated with a poor prognosis. Previous studies have identified tumor microenvironment cells such as CD68+ macrophages, PD-1+ and FOXP3+ cells as prognostic in FL. However, results have been conflicting and infrequently address the risk of transformation. In this study we analyzed various components of the microenvironment and their association with transformation. Methods: Patients with FL that later transformed were identified through Mayo Clinic lymphoma database. Tissue specimens at diagnosis were stained with CD68, CD11c, CD21, CXCL13, FOXP3, PD-1 and CD14 and characterized by pattern of location and semi-quantitative cell content. Time to transformation (TTT) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by Kaplan-Meir analysis. Significant variables were further analyzed by cox proportional hazards model. Results: 58 patients were included with a median TTT of 4.7 years (range, 0.4-20). Presence of CD14+ cells vs absence and their location (follicular vs non-follicular) were associated with shorter TTT (4.5 vs 6.2 yrs., p=0.037 and 3.8 vs 5.9 yrs. p= 0.027, respectively). The quantity of PD-1+ cell content was not associated with TTT or OS. However, localization of PD-1 to the follicle compared to diffuse was associated with a longer TTT (6.1 vs 3.6 yrs. p=0.033) and superior OS (9.7 vs 4.6 yrs. p=0.009). On multivariate analysis, the pattern of CD14 and PD-1 staining remained significantly associated with shorter TTT (Table). Conclusions: In follicular lymphoma, a diffuse pattern of PD-1+ cells is associated with inferior TTT and OS. CD14+ cells localized to the follicle is associated with a shorter TTT. After accounting for FLIPI score, both these factors remained significant. These results identify two independent predictors of the rate of transformation in follicular lymphoma and suggest it is location rather than quantity of CD14+ or PD-1+ cells that influence outcomes. [Table: see text]

7041 Background: Prognostic factors for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) at day 100 post-autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (APBHSCT) have not been evaluated. We previously reported that absolute monocyte (AMC)/lymphocyte count (ALC) prognostic score (AMLCPS) at diagnosis of DLBCL patients is a prognostic factor of survival, stratifying patients into three risk groups: low- (AMC<630/μL and ALC>1000/μL), intermediate- (AMC ≥ 630/μL or ALC ≤ 1000/μL) and high-risk (AMC ≥ 630/μL and ALC ≤ 1000/μL) (Leukemia 25: 1502-9, 2011). Therefore, we evaluated day 100 AMLCPS as a prognostic factor of survival by landmark analysis from day 100 post-APBHSCT in DLBCL patients. Methods: DLBCL patients that achieved complete response by day 100 post-APBHSCT qualified for the study. From 2000 to 2007, 134 consecutive DLBCL patients were evaluated. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: The median follow up from day 100 for the cohort was 5.5 years (range: 0.17-12.17 years) and for living patients (N=93) was 6.9 years (range: 2.5-12.17 years). Day 100 AMLCPS was able to stratify patients into three risk groups low-, intermediate-, and high-risk for OS [low: median OS = not reached, 5-year survival rate = 94% (95%CI 83.3%-98.1%); intermediate: median OS = not reached, 5-year survival rate = 70% (95%CI 58.0%-79.8%); high: median OS = 2.2 years, 5-year survival rate = 13% (95%CI 3.4%-40.5%); p<0.0001] and PFS [low: median PFS = not reached, 5-year progression free rate = 87% (95%CI 74.5%-94.3%); intermediate: median PFS = 10.9 years, 5-year progression free rate = 67% (95%CI 55.4%-77.5%); high: median PFS = 1 year, 5-year progression free rate = 13% (95%CI 3.4%-40.5%); p<0.0001]. The day 100 AMLCPS was balanced in relation to the International Prognostic Index (IPI; p=0.22), infused CD34+ stem cells (p=0.92), and disease status pre-APBHSCT (complete remission versus partial response; p=0.11). Conclusions: The day 100 AMLCPS is a simple biomarker that can help identify DLBCL patients post-APBHSCT with poor clinical outcomes.

TPS3113 Background: Programmed death-1 (PD-1) is an immune checkpoint receptor that inhibits T-cell activation upon interaction with its ligands PD-L1 or PD-L2. Increased PD-L1 expression has been reported with various hematologic malignancies and may prevent the host immune response from exerting an antitumor effect on the malignant cells. Nivolumab, a fully human IgG4 monoclonal PD-1 receptor blocking antibody, has demonstrated antitumor activity in pts with solid tumors including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung carcinoma. We hypothesized that nivolumab could also mediate antitumor activity in pts with hematologic malignancies, a significant area of unmet medical need. We describe a phase I study to evaluate the effects of nivolumab in pts with select hematologic malignancies. Methods: This open-label, two-part study will enroll approximately 100 pts. During dose escalation, successive cohorts of pts with relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies will be treated using a 6+3 escalation design. Pts will receive 1 or 3 mg/kg nivolumab IV every 2 weeks (wks) (the first dose will be followed by a 3-wk evaluation period), for 2 years, with the potential for an additional year of therapy for pts who progress during the follow-up period. Subsequently, 5 tumor-specific cohorts of 16 pts will be enrolled at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma/primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Response will be assessed at wks 4, 8, 16, 24, and every 16 wks thereafter. The primary study objective is to establish dose limiting toxicities, the MTD, and the recommended phase II nivolumab dose. Secondary objectives are to characterize nivolumab pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, preliminary antitumor activity, and the potential association between PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and clinical efficacy. Exploratory objectives include investigation of the immunoregulatory effects of nivolumab in peripheral blood, bone marrow, and/or tumor. Pts are currently being enrolled at 3 mg/kg. Clinical trial information: NCT01592370.

8053 Background: Lenalidomide (LEN) is an immunomodulatory agent that has shown significant single-agent anti-lymphoma activity in patients with relapsed disease and in combination may enhance the efficacy of rituximab by various mechanisms. There is limited data on the role of LEN in combination regimens for treatment-naïve patients. This phase II single arm trial was designed to evaluate tumor response, toxicity (AE) and survival with a combination of LEN, rituximab, cyclophosphamide (CTX) and dexamethasone (DEX) (LR-CD) in symptomatic untreated patients with low grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Methods: Eligibility required age ≥18, ECOG PS ≤2, confirmed diagnosis of low-grade B-cell lymphoma (FL1-2, SLL, MZL or LPL/WM), measurable nodes ≥2cm or IgM ≥400mg/dL(LPL/WM), ANC ≥1400/mm3, platelets ≥100,000/mm3, creatinine ≤2mg/dL, signed informed consent and in need of therapy. Treatment consisted of IV rituximab 375mg/m2 D1, oral LEN 20mg D1-21, CTX 250mg/m2 D1, 8, 15, DEX 40mg D1, 8, 15, 22 and ASA 325 mg daily in a 28 day cycle. Treatment continued 2 cycles beyond best response (max 12). Toxicity was assessed by NCI CTCAE v3.0. Results: 28 patients have enrolled at Mayo Clinic with 25 evaluable for toxicity and 21 for response: Median age 65(43-83), 72% male, FL 24%, MZL 28%, LPL/WM 38%, and SLL 4%. Median number of cycles given was 5. Overall response in 21 patients with response data is 95% (95% CI 76-100%) with 19% CR (95% CI 5-42%), and 76% PR (confirmed and unconfirmed, 95% CI 53-92%). The ORR in 8 patients with LPL/WM with response data was 88%, all PR (95% CI 47-100%). At a median f/u of 14.7 months 96% are alive without progression. 1 death (unrelated) occurred 7.7 months after completing 12 cycles of treatment. The most common grade ≥3 AEs were neutropenia (37.5%), leukopenia (16.7%), anemia (12.5%) and fatigue (12.5%). Conclusions: The combination LR-CD with the novel agent LEN is feasible, well tolerated and produces high response rates in symptomatic patients with low grade B-cell NHL. Toxicities are manageable and similar to reported data of single agent LEN.

8043 Background: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal pathway controls cell proliferation and survival. The trial's goal was to determine the anti-tumor activity and safety of single-agent everolimus (TORC1 inhibitor) in patients with relapsed/refractory Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM). Methods: Eligible patients had measurable disease (IgM monoclonal protein >1000 mg/dL with >10% marrow involvement or nodal masses >2 cm), a platelet count ≥75,000 x 106/L, a neutrophil count ≥1,000 x 106/L. Patients received everolimus 10 mg PO daily. Tumor response was assessed after cycles 2 and 6 and then every 3 cycles until progression. Results: 60 pts were treated. The median age was 64 years (range, 43-85). The median number of prior therapies was 3 (range, 1-11). All but two patients (97%) had received prior rituximab based therapy and 64% of patients had received prior alkylator based therapies. The overall response rate (complete response CR+ partial response PR+ minimal response MR) was 73% (95% CI: 60-84%), with a PR of 50% and 23% MR. The median time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) for the entire study population is 28 months (mos), (95% CI: 18-not reached (NR)), 22 mos (95% CI: 12 0-NR), and 55 mos (95% CI: 55-NR), respectively. The estimated PFS at 12 and 24 months is 62% (95%CI: 51-75%), and 48% (95%CI: 37-63%), respectively. The 30 patients who achieved a PR responded after a median of 2 months (range, 1-26) of treatment. The median duration of response (DR) for these patients has not yet been reached and 19 of these patients remain in response after a median follow up of 31 months (range, 3-54). All but two patients had a decrease in their serum IgM. Grade 3 or higher related toxicities were observed in 67% of patients. The most common were hematological toxicities with cytopenias. Pulmonary toxicity occurred in 5% of patients. Dose reductions due to toxicity occurred in 63% of patients. Conclusions: Everolimus has high single-agent activity with an overall response rate of 73% and manageable toxicity in patients with relapsed WM, and offers a potential new therapeutic strategy for this patient population.

TPS8612 Background: Brentuximab vedotin, a CD30-targeted antibody-drug conjugate, has conditional approval in Europe for relapsed/refractory (RR) CD30-positive HL following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or following ≥2 prior therapies when ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option. ABVD, a common front-line regimen for advanced HL, achieves complete response (CR) rates of 70–80%. However, 10–20% of patients (pts) are refractory to front-line treatment and up to 35% relapse after front-line multi-modality therapy. In pts with relapsed HL post-ASCT, single-agent brentuximab vedotin yields an objective response rate of 75% (CR, 33%; Chen ASH 2012). In a phase 1 study in treatment-naïve HL pts, A+AVD was associated with manageable toxicity and a CR rate of 96%; brentuximab vedotin + ABVD was contraindicated due to pulmonary toxicity (Ansell ASH 2012). We hypothesized that substituting bleomycin with brentuximab vedotin would eliminate bleomycin-associated pulmonary toxicity and improve progression-free survival (PFS) compared to a standard ABVD regimen. Methods: This ongoing, open-label, randomized, multicenter study (NCT01712490) will compare A+AVD vs ABVD in 1040 pts with stage III/IV classical HL. Primary endpoint: modified (m) PFS (death, progression, and receipt of chemotherapy or radiotherapy by pts not in CR after completing A+AVD or ABVD will count as progression event). Key secondary endpoint: overall survival. Key inclusion criteria: histologically-confirmed previously untreated stage III/IV classical HL. Pts will be stratified by region and International Prognostic Score, and will be randomized 1:1 to receive A+AVD (brentuximab vedotin 1.2 mg/kg with each dose of AVD) or ABVD administered intravenously on Days 1 and 15 of 28-day cycles, for up to 6 cycles. Disease status and survival will be evaluated regularly until study closure. Safety assessments: incidence and severity of adverse events, changes to physical and laboratory tests. Clinical trial information: NCT01712490.

8060 Background: ENKL is a rare and aggressive subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Due to its geographic predilection there is a paucity of data on clinical experiences from non-Asian countries. The purpose of this study was to analyze characteristics and outcomes of patients (pts) with ENKL identified from major academic centers in NA. Methods: Pts with newly diagnosed CD56+ ENKL were retrospectively identified. Analyses included disease characteristics, ethnicity, therapy, and outcomes. Results: 115 pts (63.5% Caucasian, 20% Asian, 16.5% other) were identified across 10 centers diagnosed between 5/1990-5/2011 (Era 1: pre-2000, n=16; Era 2: 2000-2005, n=45; Era 3: post-2005, n=54). Median age was 52 years (19-88). 75 (65%) had stage I/II disease and were treated with combined modality therapy (CMT) n=48, chemotherapy (CT) n=14 or radiotherapy (RT) n=14. 40 pts had stage III/IV disease and were treated with CT (n=23), CMT (n=12) or RT (n=5). CT regimens used alone or in CMT were either anthracycline-based (n=68) or other (n=29). 63% of stage I/II pts and 40% with stage III/IV achieved complete remission (CR). 30 pts underwent a stem cell transplant (SCT); 14 in first CR and 16 at progression/relapse (autologous, n=21; allogeneic, n=9). Pts with stage I/II disease had a better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with stage III/IV (12 vs 5.2 months (p=0.003) and 41.5 vs 8.9 months (p<0.0001), respectively). For all stages, treatment with CMT compared with CT or RT alone was also associated with better PFS and OS, 18.0 vs 3.9 months (p<0.0001), and 41.5 vs 10.2 months (p=0.002) respectively. Non-anthracycline-based regimens were associated with better PFS (p=0.001) and OS (p=0.045). No survival differences were seen between Asian and non-Asian pts. Conclusions: This series represents one of the largest experiences of ENKL in NA. Our data are consistent with Asian studies in: 1) majority of pts present with early stage disease; 2) overall poor outcome; 3) superiority of CMT and non-anthracycline regimens. Advances in understanding biology and international collaborative efforts are required to improve outcome in this rare entity.

7623 Background: Survival for patient with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), in general, is poor with patients requiring frequent chemotherapy treatments or receiving whole-brain radiation therapy, which can potentially result in significant neurologic decline and dementia. Because of the improved survival of high risk patients with aggressive lymphoma undergoing autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), we began ASCT for patients with PCNSL in first or later remission with chemotherapy sensitive disease. We now report on outcomes of patients who have had at least 1 year follow up post ASCT. Methods: Between June, 2000 and September, 2004, 11 patients underwent ASCT for PCNSL. The medical records of consenting patients were abstracted for the following information. Median age at transplant was 47 years old (range 30–67). Median number of prior treatments 1 (range 1–3). Median time from diagnosis to transplant was 7.5 months (range 2.9 to 75.8). Median International Extranodal Working Study Group Prognostic Score: 2 (range 0–3). Disease status at transplant: First CR 5 patients, later CR or PR 6 patients. Results: Eleven patients underwent ASCT for PCNSL and have a minimum of 1 year follow-up. All patients received BEAM conditioning. Median follow up was 28.3 months. Four patients have relapsed at a median of 200 days (range 40–523). Of the patients who relapsed, one has died of disease progression and the remaining three are alive after additional therapy. Median overall survival and progression free survival from transplant have not been reached. Two year overall and event free survival are 89% and 61%, respectively. Conclusions: Although limited by patient selection and retrospective biases, this review suggests that ASCT for PCNSL demonstrates improved overall survival when compared to historical controls with similar PCNSL Prognostic Scores (2 year survival for patients from diagnosis with PS 2–3 was 48% in a prior published study). ASCT in first remission in patients with PCNSL appears promising and may limit the need for additional therapy which can be myelosuppressive or result in neurologic decline. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

7586 Background: The immunologic mechanisms of action of rituximab have been described as complement mediated lysis, vaccine like effect, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and the cellular microenvironment. We hypothesized that in the treatment of follicular grade 1 lymphoma (FL), the presence of a stronger host immune status prior to rituximab therapy would result in a prolonged time to progression (TTP). As a surrogate marker for immune status, we evaluated the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) prior to rituximab treatment. Methods: Between 1996 and 2002, 1,104 consecutive FL patients were evaluated at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Of these patients, we retrospectively analyzed a group of all FL patients who received rituximab (375 mg/m2 once a week for four weeks) alone at any time during their lymphoma treatment at the Mayo Clinic (n=79). The primary end-point was to assess the impact of ALC just prior to rituximab therapy on TTP for FL. Results: The median age of the cohort was 56.6 years (range: 25–98 years). The median follow-up was 12.5 months (range: 1–76 months). An ALC count of ≥ 890 cells/μL prior to rituximab therapy predicted a longer TTP compared with an ALC < 890 cells/μl (25 months versus 8 months, respectively, p < 0.0124). A higher complete response rate was observed in the ALC ≥ 890 cells/μL group compared with the ALC < 890 cells/μL group [15/40 (38%) vs 5/39 (13%), p < 0.035]. The groups were balanced regarding the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) (p = 0.794). Multivariate analysis demonstrated ALC ≥ 890 cells/μL prior to rituximab therapy as an independent prognostic factor for TTP when compared to hemoglobin, LDH, and Ann Arbor stage. The ALC was independent of the FLIPI in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: This data supports the hypothesis that a higher lymphocyte count, as a marker of the immune status of the patient, predicts for a longer TTP following rituximab therapy. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

7532 Background: Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) is characterized by t(11;14) resulting in over expression of cyclin D1, a member of the phosphatidylinosital 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Temsirolimus is a novel inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase. Previous studies with weekly temsirolimus at a dose of 250mg demonstrated a 38% overall response rate in 35 patients (JCO 23 (23); 5347–56, 2005). Thrombocytopenia was frequently observed and was dose limiting. The current study tested whether low-doses (25mg) of temsirolimus could produce a similar overall response rate (ORR) with less toxicity. Methods: Eligible patients had biopsy proven cyclin D1 positive MCL and had relapsed or were refractory to therapy. Patients received temsirolimus 25mg IV weekly as a single agent. Patients were restaged after 1 cycle (4 doses), after 3 cycles, and every 3 cycles thereafter. Patients with a tumor response after 6 cycles were eligible to continue drug for a total of 12 or 2 cycles after complete remission (CR) and then were observed without maintenance. The goal was to achieve an ORR of at least 20%. Results: Twenty-nine patients were enrolled between March and August 2005. Twenty-two patients have completed therapy. One patient with a major protocol violation on cycle-1 and one ineligible patient were excluded, leaving 27 evaluable patients. The ORR was 41% (11/27), with 1 CR and 10 PRs. Early evaluation of TTP showed a median of 5.5 months (95% CI: 3.3–7.7) and the duration of response for the 11 responders was 6.2 months (95% CI: 3.6 to not yet reached). These results compare favorably with the 6.5 months and 6.9 months, respectively, found in previous trials that used 250 mg. The median dose delivered per month was 80 mg (range, 10–100 mg). Sixteen (59%) of patients required a dose reduction. The median time on treatment was 4.4 months (95% CI, 3.3–7.7). The incidence of grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia was 12% and 0%, respectively. One patient experienced grade 5 infection without neutropenia, which was considered unrelated to CCI-779. Conclusions: Single agent CCI-779 at a dose of 25mg has anti-tumor activity in relapsed MCL similar to the 250 mg dose. This study indicates that combinations of temsirolimus with other agents should be feasible. [Table: see text]