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836 citation(s) found for "Stuart, MJ".

Imetelstat, a Telomerase Inhibitor, Induces Morphologic and Molecular Remissions In Myelofibrosis and Reversal Of Bone Marrow Fibrosis
Tefferi, Ayalew , Begna, Kebede H. , Laborde, Rebecca R., Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Zblewski, Darci, Finke, Christy M. , Schimek, Lauren, LaPlant, Betsy, Hanson, Curtis A. , Stuart, Monic J., Pardanani, Animesh , Lasho, Terra L.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 662-662

10.1182/blood.v122.21.662.662 Get It

Abstract Background JAK inhibitors, including ruxolitinib, are to date incapable of inducing complete (CR) or partial (PR) remissions, reversal of bone marrow (BM) fibrosis or molecular responses in myelofibrosis (MF). This is consistent with the fact that JAK2 mutations are neither specific nor pathogenetically essential for the disease. Other currently available drugs in MF are equally ineffective in terms of disease-modifying activity. Methods In an investigator-sponsored single-center study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01731951), imetelstat, a lipid-conjugated oligonucleotide inhibitor of human telomerase, was administered to patients with high or intermediate-2 risk MF (JCO 2011). Adverse events were monitored by common terminology criteria (Version 4.03) and responses by the International Working Group criteria (Blood 2013). Eligibility criteria included platelets ≥50 x 10(9)/L. Study drug and funding were provided by Geron Corporation (Menlo Park, CA, USA). Imetelstat was administered by a 2-hour intravenous infusion (9.4 mg/kg) every three weeks (cohort A) or weekly x 3 followed by every three weeks (cohort B). Mutations with prognostic (ASXL1 and SRSF2) or phenotypic (SF3B1 and U2AF1) relevance were screened by DNA sequencing. Quantitative PCR was used to measure JAK2V617F burden (assay sensitivity 0.01%). Laboratory correlative studies included analyses of granulocyte telomere length, mononuclear cell telomerase activity and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) isoforms. Results Thirty-three patients were accrued; the first 18 patients enrolled and followed for a minimum of 3 months or discontinued are presented in this abstract: 11 cohort A and 7 cohort B; 44% PMF, 33% post-PV MF and 22% post-ET MF. Median age was 68 years and baseline risk was high in 56% and intermediate-2 in 44%. Seven patients were transfusion-dependent. Median spleen size was 13 cm and 11 patients had constitutional symptoms. Karyotype was abnormal in 7 patients and 89% were JAK2-mutated. Fifteen (83%) patients were previously treated including 7 with a JAK inhibitor and 3 with pomalidomide. i) Toxicity At a median f/u of 3.2 months, 16 (89%) patients remain on treatment; the two discontinuations were from unrelated death and disease progression. In cohort A, there were no grade-4 treatment-related adverse events; grade-3 events were limited to thrombocytopenia in 27% and anemia in 9%. In cohort B, two (29%) patients experienced grade-4 thrombocytopenia; grade-3 events were limited to thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and anemia in one patient each. Dose reduction was necessary in only two (11%) patients because of grade 3 or 4 myelosuppression. ii) Efficacy Overall response rate was 44%. This included five (28%) patients who met the BM and peripheral blood morphologic criteria for CR (n=4) or PR (n=1) and 3 patients with clinical improvement, pending validation of response duration and resolution of drug-induced grade-1 thrombocytopenia. The four (22%) CR patients experienced reversal of BM fibrosis and recovery of normal megakaryocyte morphology. Two CR patients were transfusion-dependent at baseline and became transfusion-independent. Complete molecular responses were documented in 2 CR patients: one had U2AF1Q157P and 10% JAK2V617F and the other SF3B1K666E and 50% JAK2V617F. A third CR patient had a >50% reduction in U2AF1 469_insAGTATG mutation. Among 13 patients with leukocytosis, 10 (77%) normalized their count or had >50% reduction. Eleven (61%) patients had complete or partial resolution of leukoerythroblastosis. iii) Laboratory correlative studies Three (50%) of 6 spliceosome-mutated vs. 1 (8%) of 12 unmutated (p=0.045) achieved CR. Spliceosome-mutated patients were also more likely to experience grade-3/4 myelosuppression (67% vs. 25% ; p=0.09). Treatment was associated with suppression of telomerase activity, shortening of telomere length and alteration of hTERT isoform pattern. Conclusions The current study signifies the potential value of telomerase-based treatment strategies in MF and identifies imetelstat as an active drug in that regard. The observed morphologic and molecular remissions confirm selective anti-clonal activity, which has thus far eluded other drugs in MF, including JAK inhibitors. The association between response and spliceosome mutations suggests a broader application for the drug in myeloid malignancies.</abstract> Disclosures: Stuart: Geron: Consultancy.
Melphalan in Multiple Myeloma
Hoogstraten, Barth, Sheehe, Paul R., Cuttner, Janet, Cooper, Talbert, Kyle, Robert A. , Oberfield, Richard A., Townsend, Stuart R., Harley, John B. , Hayes, Donald M., Costa, Giovanni, Holland, James F., HARLEY, JOHN B.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 30 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 74-83

10.1182/blood.v30.1.74.74 Get It

Abstract 1. A group of 64 myeloma patients was given a loading dose of Melphalan, 0.15 mg./Kg./Dx7. This was followed by a rest period to allow bone marrow recovery to occur, after which maintenance therapy with a maximum of 0.05 mg./Kg./D was started. 2. To obtain good results, drug doses were required which produced significant bone marrow depression. 3. Subjective improvement was noticed in about 65 per cent of patients; objective improvement, in 78 per cent. 4. Fifty-five per cent of the patients had a response as defined in this study. 5. No difference in survival was found between males and females, nor between patients with Bence Jones proteinuria and those without. 6. Patients who have been on treatment for 3 months and were then found to be responders lived longer than similarly treated patients classified as nonresponders.
A Phase 1 Study of Denintuzumab Mafodotin (SGN-CD19A) in Adults with Relapsed or Refractory B-Lineage Acute Leukemia (B-ALL) and Highly Aggressive Lymphoma
Fathi, Amir T. , Borate, Uma , Trippett, Tanya, Hale, Gregory A., Foran, James M. , Cramer, Stuart , Kostić, Ana , Huang, Xiaohui , Pan, Yang , Chen, Robert , DeAngelo, Daniel J. , O'Brien, Maureen Megan , Shah, Bijal , Silverman, Lewis B. , Tibes, Raoul , Pauly, Melinda , Kim, Stella Yun

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 1328-1328

10.1182/blood.v126.23.1328.1328 Get It

Abstract Background Denintuzumab mafodotin (SGN-CD19A) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) composed of a humanized anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody conjugated to the microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) via a maleimidocaproyl linker. CD19 is a B cell-specific marker that is expressed in nearly all patients (pts) with B-lineage acute leukemia or lymphoma. Methods A phase 1 dose-escalation study is ongoing to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of denintuzumab mafodotin in pts with relapsed or refractory (R/R) B-ALL, B-cell lymphoma (B-LBL), or Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma (NCT 01786096). Eligible pts are ≥1 year of age and are R/R to ≥1 prior systemic regimen; patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) disease must have failed a 2nd-generation TKI. A modified continual reassessment method was used for dose allocation and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) estimation. The study evaluated 2 dosing schedules: first weekly (Days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycles) and then once every 3 weeks (q3wk). This report presents data from the adult subset of pts in the study (≥18 years). Results To date, 71 adult pts with R/R B-ALL (n=59), B-LBL (n=6) or Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma (n=6) have been treated; median age is 45 years (range 18−77). Pts received a median of 2 prior therapies (range 1−8); 20 pts (28%) had prior allogeneic stem cell transplant. On the weekly schedule (0.3−3 mg/kg), 40 pts received a median of 2 cycles (range 1−27); 2 pts remain on treatment. On the q3wk schedule (4−6 mg/kg), 31 pts received a median of 3 cycles (range 1−6); 4 pts remain on treatment. An MTD was identified at 5 mg/kg q3wk and was not reached with weekly dosing. Best clinical responses to date for pts with B-ALL are summarized below: Table 1.Response category per Cheson 2003Efficacy-evaluable adult pts with B-ALLweekly dosing, N=32 n (%)q3wk dosing, N=23 n (%)Complete remission (CR)6 (19)3 (13)CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp)−3 (13)CR with incomplete blood recovery (CRi)−2 (9)Partial remission (PR)1 (3)−Resistant disease with clinical benefit15 (47)12 (52)Resistant disease without clinical benefit2 (6)-Progression8 (25)3 (13)CRc (CR+CRi+CRp), % (95% CI)19% (95% CI 7, 36)35% (95% CI 16, 57) In the q3wk schedule, the CRc rate was similar at 4, 5, and 6 mg/kg. The median duration of response across schedules is currently 27 weeks (95% CI 7, −). Of 12 pts with CRc and available minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment, 7 were MRD negative. 3 patients with MRD-negative CRs have been in remission for >1 year, 2 of whom have been on continuous treatment for 19 and 22 months. In the subset of pts with Ph+ B-ALL, 4 of 8 pts achieved CR and 1 pt a PR. In 6 pts with Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma, 1 achieved a CR. In 6 pts with B-LBL, objective responses were 1 CR and 2 PR. The adverse event (AE) profiles were similar across both dosing schedules; the most frequently reported AEs were pyrexia (54%), nausea (52%), fatigue (51%), headache (44%), chills (38%), vomiting (37%), blurred vision (35%), and anemia (34%). Ocular symptoms and corneal exam findings consistent with superficial microcystic keratopathy were observed in 40 pts (56%); symptoms were less severe than the associated corneal exam findings. Keratopathy was managed with topical steroids and dose modifications, and improved/resolved within a median of ~3 wks (range 1-17) in pts with sufficient follow-up. ADC exposures increased with dose, and in leukemia patients, target-mediated disposition was observed that diminished with higher doses in the q3wk schedule. Post treatment, flow cytometry data demonstrate that unbound CD19 on peripheral blasts inversely correlates with ADC concentration in circulation, and is present in the majority of evaluable patients at the end of the q3wk cycle. Conclusions Denintuzumab mafodotin is generally well tolerated and demonstrates activity in heavily pretreated adult pts with B-ALL and B-lineage highly aggressive lymphomas, including durable MRD-negative responses. The results of this trial indicate that the q3wk schedule, with a CRc rate of 35% in B-ALL, warrants further clinical investigation. Based on the encouraging responses observed to date in Ph+ B-ALL (CRs in 4 of 8 pts), an expansion cohort of these pts is currently enrolling on the q3wk schedule. Disclosures Fathi: Exelexis: Research Funding; Agios: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy; Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.: Research Funding. Off Label Use: SGN-CD19A is an investigational agent being studied in patients with B-cell malignancies. SGN-CD19A is not approved for use.. Borate:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Genoptix: Consultancy; Alexion: Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau. DeAngelo:Agios: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. O'Brien:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Trippett:OSI Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Shah:NCCN: Consultancy; SWOG: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, INC: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pharmacyclics: Speakers Bureau; Bayer: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; DeBartolo Institute for Personlaized Medicine: Research Funding; Rosetta Genomics: Research Funding; Plexus Communications: Honoraria; Spectrum: Speakers Bureau. Hale:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Hyundai: Research Funding; V Foundation: Research Funding. Silverman:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Pauly:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Kim:Bayer: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Consultancy. Kostic:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Huang:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Pan:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chen:Genentech: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Other: Travel expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.
Final Results of the Chrysalis Trial: A First-in-Human Phase 1/2 Dose-Escalation, Dose-Expansion Study of Gilteritinib (ASP2215) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (R/R AML)
Perl, Alexander E. , Altman, Jessica K. , Cortes, Jörge E. , Litzow, Mark R. , Baer, Maria R. , Gill, Stanley C. , Goldberg, Stuart L. , Jurcic, Joseph G. , Liu, Charles , Ritchie, Ellen K. , Schiller, Gary J. , Üstün, Celalettin , Neubauer, Andreas , Bahceci, Erkut, Cortes, Jorge , Smith, Catherine C. , Claxton, David F. , Erba, Harry Paul , Goldberg, Stuart L. , Larson, Richard A. , Spira, Alexander I. , Strickland, Stephen Anthony , Tibes, Raoul , Wang, Eunice S. , Stuart, Robert K. , Röllig, Christoph , Martinelli, Giovanni , Levis, Mark J.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1069-1069

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1069.1069 Get It

Abstract Background: Gilteritinib (ASP2215) is a novel, highly selective, potent oral FLT3/AXL inhibitor with preclinical activity against FLT3-ITD activating and FLT3-D835 resistance mutations. The objectives of this phase 1/2 study were to assess gilteritinib safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles after single- and multiple-day dosing, and antileukemic effects in patients with R/R AML. Methods: This open-label study (NCT02014558) enrolled patients (≥18 yr) into 1 of 7 dose-escalation cohorts (20-450 mg once daily [QD]) or concomitant dose-expansion cohorts. While confirmed FLT3 mutation was not an inclusion criterion, each expanded dose level enrolled ≥10 patients with FLT3 mutations (FLT3mut+); 120 and 200 mg dose levels were further expanded with ≥40 FLT3mut+ patients. The choice to expand these dose cohorts was based upon FLT3 inhibition in correlative assays and clinical activity seen during dose escalation. Safety and tolerability were primary endpoints; blood samples were drawn from patients in the dose-escalation cohorts to evaluate gilteritinib PK parameters and PD effects. Antileukemic response rates (eg, complete remission [CR], CR with incomplete platelet recovery [CRp], CR with incomplete hematological recovery [CRi], overall response rate [ORR]) were secondary endpoints. Results: Patients (N=252; 129M:123F, median age 62 yr [range: 21-90]) enrolled between October 2013 and August 2015 received ≥1 dose of gilteritinib. The study population was heavily pretreated: 70% (n=177) had ≥2 prior AML therapies, 29% (n=73) had a prior stem cell transplant, and 25% (n=63) had prior TKI treatment with sorafenib most commonly used. Across the study, 194 patients had a locally confirmed FLT3 mutation (ITD, n=159; D835, n=13; ITD-D835, n=16; other, n=6). For all enrolled patients, progressive disease (n=75), lack of efficacy (n=44), adverse events (n=34), and death (n=29) were the most common reasons for treatment discontinuation. Seven deaths were considered possibly/probably related to treatment: pulmonary embolism, respiratory failure, hemoptysis, intracranial bleed, ventricular fibrillation, septic shock, and neutropenia (all n=1). Maximum tolerated dose was determined to be 300 mg when 2 of 3 patients in the 450 mg cohort experienced diarrhea and/or hepatic transaminase elevation as dose-limiting toxicities. Diarrhea (16%) and fatigue (15%) were the most commonly reported treatment-related adverse events of any grade. Less than 5% of patients (11/252) had a maximum post-baseline QTcF interval >500 msec. Gilteritinib concentrations were generally dose proportional and showed both a long-elimination half-life (45-159 h) and substantial accumulation (3.2-10 fold) by day 15. An exposure-related increase in the inhibition of FLT3 phosphorylation with increasing doses of gilteritinib was also observed. Gilteritinib showed strong antileukemic activity in FLT3mut+ patients (ORR=49%); response was observed less frequently in patients with wild-type FLT3 (ORR=12%). While CR, CRi, and CRp occurred at all doses, responses were enriched among FLT3mut+ patients with gilteritinib steady-state trough concentrations ≥100 ng/mL, which correlated with potent FLT3 inhibition in PD assays and corresponded to doses ≥80 mg. The ORR in 169 FLT3mut+ patients receiving ≥80 mg was 52% (Table); median overall survival in this patient population was ~31 wk (range: 1.7-61; Figure) and median duration of response was 20 wk (range: 1.1-55). Clinical responses occurred in FLT3mut+ patients with -ITD, -D835, and both mutations (ORR: 55%, 17%, and 62%, respectively) as well as in FLT3mut+ patients with or without prior TKI treatment (ORR: 42% vs 56%, respectively). Conclusions: This PD-driven, first-in-human study shows that gilteritinib was well tolerated and generated frequent, prolonged, clinically important responses in FLT3mut+ patients with R/R AML. Antileukemic responses were enriched in FLT3mut+ patients treated at doses that consistently and potently inhibited FLT3 phosphorylation. The survival of these patients appears better than expected for this patient population when treated with standard therapy. Our data suggest that FLT3 inhibition may improve survival in patients with FLT3mut+R/R AML; as such, phase 3 testing of oral gilteritinib 120 mg QD in patients with FLT3mut+R/R AML after first-line therapy is underway (NCT02421939). Disclosures Perl: Astellas US Pharma Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Daichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Asana Biosciences: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Arog Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Altman:Janssen: Other: advisory board; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Spectrum: Other: advisory board; Ariad: Other: advisory board; Seattle Genetics: Other: advisory board; Syros: Other: advisory board. Cortes:ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding. Smith:Astellas: Research Funding. Erba:Jannsen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Agios: Research Funding; Juno: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, DSMB, Speakers Bureau; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; Gylcomimetics: Other: DSMB; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sunesis: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celator: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy. Gill:Astellas: Employment. Goldberg:Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy; COTA Inc: Employment; Pfizer: Honoraria; Neostem: Equity Ownership. Jurcic:Astellas: Research Funding. Larson:Astellas: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy. Liu:Astellas: Employment. Ritchie:Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accomodations, Expenses, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Ariad: Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; Bristol-Meyers Squibb: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding. Schiller:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding. Strickland:Celator: Research Funding; Cyclacel: Research Funding; Karyopharm Therapeutica: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Baxalta: Consultancy; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ambit: Consultancy; Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding. Wang:Incyte: Speakers Bureau; Immunogen: Research Funding. Stuart:Sunesis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accomodations, Expenses, Research Funding; Agios: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding. Martinelli:Ariad: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; MSD: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Bahceci:Astellas: Employment. Levis:Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.
Antileukemic Activity and Tolerability of ASP2215 80mg and Greater in FLT3 Mutation-Positive Subjects with Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Results from a Phase 1/2, Open-Label, Dose-Escalation/Dose-Response Study
Altman, Jessica K. , Perl, Alexander E. , Cortes, Jörge E. , Litzow, Mark R. , Baer, Maria R. , Gill, Stanley C. , Goldberg, Stuart L. , Jurcic, Joseph G. , Lui, Charles Y. , Ritchie, Ellen K. , Sargent, Briana, Schiller, Gary J. , Üstün, Celalettin , Baldus, Claudia D. , Neubauer, Andreas , Bahceci, Erkut, Cortes, Jorge , Levis, Mark J. , Smith, Catherine C. , Claxton, David F. , Erba, Harry Paul , Goldberg, Stuart L. , Larson, Richard A. , Lui, Charles, Spira, Alexander I. , Strickland, Stephen Anthony , Tibes, Raoul , Wang, Eunice S. , Stuart, Robert K. , Röllig, Christoph , Martinelli, Giovanni

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 321-321

10.1182/blood.v126.23.321.321 Get It

Abstract Introduction: ASP2215 is a highly selective inhibitor of AXL and FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) receptors. ASP2215 is active against both FLT3 internal tandem duplication [ITD] and D835 mutations. Prior analyses of an open-label, dose-escalation/dose-expansion study in subjects with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) show ASP2215 was well tolerated from 20-300 mg and associated with antileukemic activity in FLT3 mutation-positive (FLT3+) patients at ≥80 mg with minimal activity observed in wild-type FLT3 subjects. Here we describe the tolerability and potent activity of ASP2215 in a large cohort of FLT3+ patients. Methods: Patients (≥18 years) with R/R AML were assigned to treatment in dose-escalation cohorts or were randomized to an open dose level in the dose-expansion cohorts. Although FLT3 mutation was not an inclusion criterion, each expanded dose level enrolled ≥10 FLT3+ subjects; 120 mg and 200 mg dose levels were further expanded with ≥40 FLT3+ subjects. Tolerability was assessed by adverse event (AE) monitoring. Response assessment was based on modified Cheson criteria and duration of response and overall survival were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Results: As of June 19, 2015,215 patients with a median age of 61 yr (range: 21-90) had received ≥1 dose of ASP2215 (safety population). Across the safety population, 65% of subjects received ≥2 prior lines of AML therapy, 29% had a hematopoietic stem cell transplant prior to ASP2215 treatment, and 23% had prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. Approximately 73% of patients were FLT3+, of which 137 had FLT3-ITD mutation, 7 were FLT3-D835+, and 9 had both FLT3-ITD and D835. Treatment-related AEs of all Grades, reported in ≥10% of the safety population were diarrhea (16%), fatigue (13%), and increased AST (11%); <2% of subjects reported a Grade ≥3 QTc prolongation. Activity was assessed in the 133 FLT3+ patients treated with ASP2215 ≥80 mg. Overall response rate (ORR; composite complete [CRc] plus partial remission [PR]) for all FLT3+ subjects was 55% (Table). Median overall survival for FLT3+ patients receiving ASP2215 ≥80 mg was ~29 weeks (95% CI: 22-32) and was similar for patients who achieved CRc or PR (Figure). Treatment with ≥80 mg ASP2215 was associated with an ORR of 60% in FLT3-ITD subjects; ORR for the other FLT3 populations was 29% (Table). No difference was observed in median ORR of ASP2215 (≥80 mg) in TKI-naïve patients (55%) and patients with prior TKI treatment (55%). Conclusions: ASP2215, a novel AXL/FLT3 TKI, was well tolerated in subjects with R/R AML and demonstrated a strong antileukemic activity in FLT3+ subjects. Importantly, the ASP2215 response rate in these FLT3+ patients was independent of prior TKI treatment. Even in this heavily pretreated population, the survival of R/R FLT3+ AML patients who received ≥80 mg ASP2215 was longer than prior reports of cytotoxic chemotherapy or other FLT3 inhibitors. Table. ASP2215 Response Assessment 80 mg 120 mg 200 mg 300 mg 450 mg Total All FLT3+ Subjects Population, n 12 52 57 10 2 133 CRc, n (%) 5 (42) 25 (48) 28 (49) 3 (30) 0 61 (46) PR, n (%) 3 (25) 3 (6) 3 (5) 3 (30) 0 12 (9) ORR, n (%) 8 (67) 28 (54) 31 (54) 6 (60) 0 73 (55) Subjects with FLT3-ITD Only Population, n 10 46 50 8 0 114 CRc, n (%) 4 (40) 23 (50) 26 (52) 3 (38) 0 56 (49) PR, n (%) 3 (30) 3 (7) 3 (6) 3 (38) 0 12 (11) ORR, n (%) 7 (70) 26 (57) 29 (58) 6 (75) 0 68 (60) Subjects with FLT3-D835 and Subjects with FLT3-ITD and FLT3-D835 Population, n 2 5 5 1 1 14 CRc, n (%) 1 (50) 1 (20) 2 (40) 0 0 4 (29) PR, n (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 ORR, n (%) 1 (50) 1 (20) 2 (40) 0 0 4 (29) CRc, composite complete remission (complete remission + complete remission with incomplete platelet recovery + complete remission with incomplete hematologic recovery); ORR, overall response rate; PR, partial response. NR, no response. Subjects with non-evaluable data (N=8) were not included in this curve. Figure 1. Overall Survival by Best Overall Response Achieved with ASP2215 ≥80 mg Across All FLT3+ Subjects Figure 1. Overall Survival by Best Overall Response Achieved with ASP2215 ≥80 mg Across All FLT3+ Subjects Disclosures Altman: BMS: Other: Advisory board; Novartis: Other: Advisory board; Spectrum: Other: Advisory board; Ariad: Other: Advisory board; Seattle Genetics: Other: Advisory board; Astellas: Other: Participation in an advisory board December 2013. Off Label Use: ASP2215 is currently under investigation for the treatment of AML and is not yet approved.. Perl:Arog Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Asana Biosciences: Consultancy; Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Ambit/Daichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Astellas US Pharma Inc.: Consultancy. Cortes:Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; BerGenBio AS: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ambit: Consultancy, Research Funding; Arog: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; Jenssen: Consultancy. Levis:Arog: Research Funding; Ambit: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy. Smith:Plexxikon: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding. Claxton:NCI: Research Funding; Medimmune, Inc: Research Funding; Ambit Biosciences Corp: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp: Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding. Erba:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; GlycoMimetics: Other: Data Safety and Monitoring Committees ; Jannsen (J&J): Other: Data Safety and Monitoring Committees ; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; Sunesis: Consultancy; Celator: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Astellas: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Sunesis: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; GlycoMimetics: Other: Data Safety and Monitoring Committees ; Jannsen (J&J): Other: Data Safety and Monitoring Committees ; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy. Gill:Astellas Pharma US, Inc: Employment. Goldberg:Cyclacel: Research Funding; Celetor: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Ambit: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding. Jurcic:Astellas Pharma: Research Funding. Larson:Astellas: Consultancy, Research Funding. Lui:Astellas Pharma US, Inc: Employment. Ritchie:Incyte: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Ariad: Other: Advisory Board; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Speakers Bureau. Sargent:Astellas Pharma US, Inc: Employment. Schiller:Sunesis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Strickland:Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Other: Steering Committee and Advisory Board Participation; Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Other: Advisory Board Particpation; Amgen: Other: Advisory Board Particpation; Daiichi-Sankyo: Other: Advisory Board Particpation; Boehringer-Ingelheim: Other: Advisory Board Particpation. Wang:Immunogen: Research Funding. Stuart:Sunesis: Honoraria, Other: Advisory Board, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma, Inc: Research Funding. Baldus:Novartis: Research Funding. Martinelli:MSD: Consultancy; ARIAD: Consultancy; BMS: Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy. Bahceci:Astellas Pharma Global Development: Employment.
A Complementary Role of High Throughput Sequencing and Multiparameter Cytometry for Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Detection in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL):an European Research Initiative (ERIC) Study
Rawstron, Andy C. , Fazi, Claudia, Delgado, Julio , Cymbalista, Florence, Tute, Ruth M. de , Liptrot, Stuart, O’Brien, David , Dobber, Johan A., Kater, Arnon P. , Gambell, Peter, Westerman, David , Soosapilla, Asha, Lozanski, Gerard , Lin, Ke , Pettitt, Andrew R. , Brachtl, Gabi, Williamson, David, Sanders, Catherine , Robins, Harlan , Boysen, Justin C. , Hanson, Curtis A. , Stetler‐Stevenson, Maryalice , Rassenti, Laura Z., Broome, H. Elizabeth, Hauwel, Mathieu , Craig, Fiona E. , Josep, Nomdedeu, Moreno, Carol , Stehlíková, Olga , Doubek, Michael , Pospı́šilová, Šárka , Kreuzer, Karl‐Anton, Hallek, Michael , Montserrat, Emili , Villamor, Neus , Letestu, Rémi , Palacio, Carlos , Bosch, Francesc , Špaček, Martin , Mulligan, Stephen P. , Egle, Alexander , Shanafelt, Tait D. , Jorgensen, Jeffrey L. , Wierda, William G. , Yuan, Constance M. , Kipps, Thomas J. , Marinov, Iuri , Hillmen, Peter , Ghia, Paolo

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1976-1976

10.1182/blood.v124.21.1976.1976 Get It

Abstract BACKGROUND. The detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) at the level of 0.01%/10-4 or above is a strong independent predictor of reduced progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with CLL treated with chemoimmunotherapy. Although newer agents such as B-cell receptor pathway inhibitors can result in prolonged survival without achieving complete response, there remains a important role for MRD analysis in assessing therapeutic strategies aimed at disease eradication and cure. This is particularly important in front-line trials for fit patients which now require at least five years of follow-up if PFS is used as an endpoint. The feasibility of using MRD as a surrogate or intermediate endpoint for accelerated approval of new treatments is under review by regulatory agencies but further prospective validation is required. At the same time technology is rapidly evolving and high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies now detect MRD at the 0.0001%/10-6 level. It is therefore important to determine the most effective approaches for quantifying MRD that are compatible with previous studies but sufficiently sensitive for current treatments. AIMS. This collaborative project had two objectives. First, to identify the simplest and most flexible flow cytometry panel capable of detecting MRD at the 0.01%/10-4 or lower, that is compatible with published data and independent of instrument/reagent manufacturer. Second, to compare the flow cytometry approach with HTS analysis using the ClonoSEQ assay (Adaptive Biotechnologies, Seattle, WA). METHODS AND RESULTS. A core panel of antibodies for MRD detection was identified by testing an 8-marker combination in 52 samples (27 post-treatment and 25 dilution study) and re-analysing data with serial exclusion of single markers to determine redundancy. A 1-tube core panel of CD19, CD20, CD5, CD43, CD79b, and CD81 was identified and validated against the previously published 2-tube 6-marker and 4-tube 4-marker ERIC panels in 76 samples (19 post-treatment and 57 dilution study). The results showed good concordance (for log-transformed data above the LoQ, linearity=0.977, Pearson correlation co-efficient=0.983, average difference=0.026 log, 95% limit of agreement 0.20log) and a limit of detection of 0.001%/10-5 for the 1-tube core panel. Inter-operator variation was similar to CML MRD monitoring with both experienced operators, or inexperienced cytometrists after ~1 hour of specific education, achieving a 95% limit of agreement less than 0.3log in samples with MRD levels ranging from 0.0001 – 100%. The flow cytometry approach was compared with the ClonoSEQ HTS assay in 109 samples (21 dilution study and 88 post-treatment samples, complete data currently available on 13/88). The assay was applicable to the vast majority CLL patients, often with two clonal markers. There was 94% concordance at the 0.01% (10-4) threshold (15 samples with ≥0.01% CLL by both methods, 14 samples with <0.01% by both methods, 1 sample with 0.03% CLL by HTS and <0.003% CLL by flow cytometry, and 1 sample with 0.005% CLL by HTS and 0.012% by flow cytometry. HTS detected CLL IGH sequences in 22% (7/31) samples with no detectable CLL cells by flow cytometry (i.e. CLL level 0.0001-0.001%, 3/13 patient samples and 4/18 dilution samples). HTS demonstrated a relatively high variability in quantification, as seen in previous studies, but with a clear superiority in the limit of detection and good linearity (linearity=0.905, Pearson correlation co-efficient=0.870, average difference=0.078 log, 95% limit of agreement 1.5 log). CONCLUSIONS. The 1-tube 6-marker flow cytometry core panel is compatible with published studies, manufacturer-independent and flexible, providing directly quantitative results to 0.001%/10-5 without requiring a pre-treatment sample. HTS requires further work to standardise the quantitative analysis and prospective validation but the ClonoSEQ assay is applicable to >95% of CLL patients, does not require viable cells and is extremely sensitive, detecting residual disease in a significant proportion of cases with <0.01% CLL. The results indicate that flow cytometry and HTS are complementary technologies with a combined approach offering the most reliable way of quantifying CLL at the 0.01%/10-4 threshold while allowing higher sensitivity in clinical trials aimed at disease eradication. Disclosures Rawstron: Roche: Honoraria; Biogen Idec: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria; BD Biosciences: Intrasure reagent Patents & Royalties; Celgene: Honoraria; GSK: Honoraria. Williamson:Adaptive Biotechnologies: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sanders:Adaptive Biotechnologies: Employment, Equity Ownership. Robins:Adaptive Biotechnologies: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Hallek:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Mundipharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; GSK: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria. Hillmen:Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; GSK: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead: Honoraria, Research Funding.
Results From a Randomized Trial of Salvage Chemotherapy Followed by Lestaurtinib for FLT3 Mutant AML Patients in First Relapse.
Baer, Maria R. , Perl, Alexander E. , Baccarani, Michele , Cripe, Larry D., Tallman, Martin S. , Meloni, Giovanna, Langston, Amelia , Lewis, Ian D., Nagler, Arnon , Stone, Richard M. , Yee, Karen , Douer, Dan , Wiktor-Jędrzejczak, W , Juliusson, Gunnar , Litzow, Mark R. , Petersdorf, Stephen H., Tremmel, Lothar, Bensen-Kennedy, Debra M., Small, Donald , Levis, Mark J. , Ravandi, Farhad , Wang, Eunice S. , Coutré, Steven , Erba, Harry Paul , Stuart, Robert K. , Godley, Lucy A. , Amadori, Sergio , Advani, Anjali S. , Sanz, Miguel Á. , Kantarjian, Hagop M. , Sato, Takashi , Smith, B. Douglas

Mayo Clinic

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 788-788

10.1182/blood.v114.22.788.788 Get It

Abstract Abstract 788 FLT3 mutations are common in AML and are associated with poor prognosis. Lestaurtinib is a multi-targeted kinase inhibitor with potent activity against FLT3. In an attempt to definitively establish whether or not there is clinical benefit for FLT3 inhibition in the relapse setting, we conducted a randomized trial of chemotherapy followed by lestaurtinib for patients with FLT3 mutant AML in first relapse. Patients were randomized to receive either chemotherapy alone, consisting of mitoxantrone, etoposide, and cytarabine (MEC) or high-dose cytarabine (HiDAc) depending on the duration of CR1) or chemotherapy followed by 80 mg lestaurtinib orally BID. Patients on the chemotherapy only arm were eligible for crossover if they were refractory to therapy. Patients on the lestaurtinib arm received the drug for up to 112 days on study (they could continue to receive the drug through a separate extension protocol). The primary objective was complete remission (CR/CRp). Secondary objectives included overall survival (OS), safety, and tolerability. From January 2004 through December 2008, 224 patients at 52 different centers were enrolled and randomized, with 220 patients actually receiving therapy. Blood samples from patients on the lestaurtinib arm were obtained at baseline, on Day 15, and on Day 42 for pK studies and for determination of in vivo FLT3 inhibition and measurement of plasma FLT3 ligand (FL) and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) levels. The median age for all patients enrolled was 55 years (53.5 in the control arm, 58.5 in the lestaurtinib arm), with 88% having FLT3/ITD mutations, 8% having D835 mutations, and 4% having both. The duration of CR1 was less than 6 months in 47% of patients in each arm. On the lestaurtinib arm, 107 patients received at least 1 week of lestaurtinib (mean 60.1 days, range 8-418), with 17 of these patients receiving drug on the extension protocol. On the chemotherapy only arm, 7 patients crossed over to receive lestaurtinib, and 31 patients went on to receive lestaurtinib on the extension protocol after outcome evaluation. Lestaurtinib was generally well tolerated following chemotherapy, with 104 Grade 3/4 adverse events in the lestaurtinib arm versus 99 in the control arm. There were 61 serious adverse events in the lestaurtinib arm versus 49 in the control arm. Early death (by Day 42) occurred in 22 lestaurtinib patients (2 progressive leukemia, 14 infectious, 6 organ failure) and16 control patients (6 progressive leukemia, 5 infectious, 5 organ failure). By intention to treat analysis, there were 29 CR/CRp in the lestaurtinib arm and 23 in the control arm (26% versus 21%; p = 0.35), with no difference in OS (4.73 months versus 4.57 months) between the two arms. Blood samples from 79 of the 107 lestaurtinib-treated patients obtained on Day 15 were analyzed for FLT3 inhibitory activity (plasma inhibitory activity [PIA] assay), as well as FLT3 ligand (FL), lestaurtinib, and AGP concentrations. Mean lestaurtinib plasma concentration was 12 uM at Day 15 and fell to 7.5 uM on Day 42. Mean lestaurtinib concentration at Day 15 was 13.3 uM in patients achieving CR/CRp and 11.5uM in non-responders. A target of >85% inhibition of FLT3 maintained at trough (pre-dose) was defined from previous studies. Of the 79 patients tested, 46 (58%) achieved this degree of FLT3 inhibition on Day 15. FL concentrations rose from baseline (15.6 pg/mL) to Day 15 (1148 pg/mL), and AGP concentrations rose by an average of 52% over the same period, both of which may have reduced the degree of FLT3 inhibition. Of the 46 patients with target FLT3 inhibition on Day 15, 18 (39%) achieved CR/CRp, while only 3 (9%) of the 32 patients with below target FLT3 inhibition achieved CR/CRp. Thus, in patients with FLT3 mutant AML at first relapse, pharmacokinetic factors and possible physiologic factors (FL and AGP) limit lestaurtinib's ability to effectively inhibit FLT3. FLT3 inhibition by lestaurtinib, when achieved, correlates with better CR rates, but in this trial that benefit was negated by a poor CR rate in those patients for whom the drug did not reach the target level of FLT3 inhibition. Overall, lestaurtinib treatment following re-induction chemotherapy failed to increase response rates or prolong survival of patients with FLT3 mutant AML in first relapse. Disclosures: Levis: Cephalon: Clinical Advisory Board member. Ravandi:Cephalon: Honoraria, Member, clinical advisory board, Research Funding. Erba:Cephalon: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Baccarani:Novartis Pharma, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck Sharp & Dome, Pfizer: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Stone:Cephalon: ad hoc consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding, ad hoc consultancy. Advani:Cephalon: Research Funding. Douer:Cephalon: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Litzow:Cephalon: Research Funding. Tremmel:Cephalon: Employment, Equity Ownership. Bensen-Kennedy:cephalon: Employment. Smith:Cephalon: Research Funding.
704 Tofacitinib, an Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitor, in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: An Interim Analysis of an Open-Label, Long-Term Extension Study With up to 5.5 Years of Treatment
Lichtenstein, Gary R. , Soonasra, Arif, Lawendy, Nervin, Chan, Gary , Zhang, Haiying , Wang, Wenjin , Bloom, Stuart , Loftus, Edward V. , Thorpe, Andrew J.

Mayo Clinic

American Journal of Gastroenterology | October 8, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 1 | Pages: S413-S414

10.14309/01.ajg.0000592352.44466.21 Get It

INTRODUCTION: Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Tofacitinib safety and efficacy were demonstrated in patients (pts) with moderate to severe UC in 3 Phase 3 studies, 1 and are being evaluated in an ongoing, open-label, long-term extension (OLE) study. 2 METHODS: We present updated safety and efficacy data from the OCTAVE Open OLE study (NCT01470612; Sep 2018; database not locked) 2 in completers/treatment failures in OCTAVE Sustain (NCT01458574) or non-responders in OCTAVE Induction 1/2 (NCT01465763/NCT01458951). Week (Wk) 8 data (OCTAVE Induction 1/2) and Wk 52 (completers) or early-termination data (OCTAVE Sustain) determined eligibility. Pts in remission (total Mayo score ≤2, no individual subscore >1, rectal bleeding subscore 0) at Wk 52 of OCTAVE Sustain (central read) received tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily (BID) in the OLE study; all others received 10 mg BID. At Month 2, all pts had endoscopy, and induction non-responders with no clinical response were withdrawn. Incidence rates (IRs; unique pts with events per 100 pt-years [PY]) for adverse events (AEs) of special interest were calculated. Efficacy endpoints were derived from Mayo score (local read). RESULTS: Of 944 pts receiving ≥1 tofacitinib dose (for up to 5.5 years), 175 (18.5%) and 769 (81.5%) received 5 and 10 mg BID, respectively (454 and 1550 PY, respectively). 337 (35.7%) pts discontinued due to insufficient clinical response and 78 (8.3%) due to AEs excl. worsening UC. The most frequent AE class was infections and infestations (52.1%). The most frequent AEs were nasopharyngitis (20.3%) and worsening UC (19.5%). IRs (95% CI) for “Tofacitinib All” were: serious infections 1.61 (1.10, 2.27); herpes zoster (all) 3.35 (2.58, 4.27); major adverse cardiovascular events 0.15 (0.03, 0.44); malignancies excl. non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) 0.85 (0.50, 1.36); and NMSC 0.81 (0.46, 1.32), with no clustering of malignancy type. Table 1 shows AEs and IRs by dose. No new safety risks were identified. Table 2 shows efficacy data at Month 36. CONCLUSION: In pts with UC in the OLE study, no new safety risks emerged at 5.5 years vs earlier OLE analyses 2 or with tofacitinib in rheumatoid arthritis. Efficacy data continue to support long-term efficacy of tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg BID up to 36 months beyond OCTAVE Sustain.
Normative and isolated rapid eye movement sleep without atonia in adults without REM sleep behavior disorder
Feemster, John, Jung, Youngsin, Timm, Paul, Westerland, Sarah M., Gossard, Thomas , Teigen, Luke, Buchal, Lauren A, Cattaneo, Elena F. D. , Imlach, C., McCarter, Stuart J. , Smith, Kevin L. , Silber, Michael H. , Louis, Erik K. St. , Feemster, John C, Timm, Paul C, Gossard, Thomas R, Teigen, Luke N, Imlach, Charlotte A, St Louis, E K , Gossard, Thomas R , Smith, Kevin L, Boeve, Bradley F. , McCarter, Stuart J

Mayo Clinic

Sleep | October 6, 2019 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 10 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/sleep/zsz124 | PMID 31587043 Get It

Abstract Study Objectives Values for normative REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) remain unclear. Older age and male sex are associated with greater RSWA, and isolated elevated RSWA has been reported. We aimed to describe normative RSWA and characterize isolated RSWA frequency in adults without REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Methods We visually quantified phasic, “any,” and tonic RSWA in the submentalis (SM) and anterior tibialis (AT) muscles, and the automated Ferri REM Atonia Index during polysomnography in adults without RBD aged 21–88. We calculated RSWA percentiles across age and sex deciles and compared RSWA in older (≥ 65) versus younger (<65) men and women. Isolated RSWA (exceeding diagnostic RBD cutoffs, or >95th percentile) frequency was also determined. Results Overall, 95th percentile RSWA percentages were SM phasic, any, tonic = 8.6%, 9.1%, 0.99%; AT phasic and “any” = 17.0%; combined SM/AT phasic, “any” = 22.3%, 25.5%; and RAI = 0.85. Most phasic RSWA burst durations were ≤1.0 s (85th percentiles: SM = 1.07, AT = 0.86 seconds). Older men had significantly higher AT RSWA than older women and younger patients (all p < 0.04). Twenty-nine (25%, 18 men) had RSWA exceeding the cohort 95th percentile, while 17 (14%, 12 men) fulfilled diagnostic cutoffs for phasic or automated RBD RSWA thresholds. Conclusions RSWA levels are highest in older men, mirroring the demographic characteristics of RBD, suggesting that older men frequently have altered REM sleep atonia control. These data establish normative adult RSWA values and thresholds for determination of isolated RSWA elevation, potentially aiding RBD diagnosis and discussions concerning incidental RSWA in clinical sleep medicine practice.
The Mary Walker Effect: Mary Broadfoot Walker
McCarter, Stuart J. , Burkholder, David B. , Klaas, James P. , Martinez‐Thompson, Jennifer M. , Boes, Christopher J. , Burkholder, David B , McCarter, Stuart J

Mayo Clinic

Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh | September 9, 2019 | Volume: 49 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 255-259

10.4997/jrcpe.2019.317 | PMID 31497797 Get It

Mary Broadfoot Walker (1888-1974) was the first to demonstrate the ‘Mary Walker effect’ describing the weakness of other muscle groups following release of the arteriovenous occlusion of an unrelated exercising muscle group in patients with myasthenia gravis, which led to the search for a circulating causative agent for myasthenia gravis. She was the first to clearly demonstrate that strength temporarily improved in patients with myasthenia gravis with physostigmine or Prostigmin (neostigmine). This dramatic treatment response has been erroneously termed the ‘Mary Walker effect'. Further, she noted hypokalaemia during attacks of weakness in familial periodic paralysis, pioneering treatment with potassium chloride. Although Mary Walker practiced in a nonacademic setting and trained at a time when women were not allowed to train alongside men, she was the first to convincingly demonstrate three life-changing treatments in the field of neuromuscular medicine, a feat that few physicians of any era can claim.