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Abstract Background Polymorphisms in mitochondrial DNA can be used to group individuals into haplogroups that reflect human global migration. These mitochondrial variants are associated with differences in mitochondrial function and have been associated with multiple diseases, including cancer. In this analysis, we evaluated the association between mtDNA haplogroup and risk of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Methods Cases were identified by rapid case ascertainment through the population-based Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System (MCSS). Participants were recruited to the MDS study if they were diagnosed with MDS between April 1, 2010 and October 31, 2014. Eligibility criteria included residence in Minnesota, age at diagnosis between 20 and 85 years, and ability to understand English or Spanish. Centralized pathology and cytogenetics review were conducted to confirm diagnosis and classify by subtypes. Controls were identified through the Minnesota State driver's license/identification card list. Genomic DNA from cases and controls was collected using Oragene DNA collection kits (DNA Genotek, Ontario, Canada) and extracted via Autopure LS Instrument according to manufacturer's instructions (Qiagen). We genotyped 15 mtSNPs that capture common European mitochondrial haplogroup variation (Mitchell et al Hum Genet 2014; Raby et al J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007) on the Sequenom iPLEX Gold MassArray platform (Sequenom, Inc., San Diego, CA) in the University of Minnesota Genomics Core. Because haplogroup frequencies vary by race and ethnicity, we restricted analyses to non-Hispanic white cases and controls. All statistical analyses were conducted using SAS v.9.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. We also evaluated associations by MDS subtype and IPSS-R risk category. Results We were able to classify 215 cases with confirmed MDS and 522 controls into one of the 11 common European haplogroups. The distribution of haplogroups in our control sample was similar to the distribution reported in a previous sample of non-Hispanic white individuals from the United States (Mitchell et al Hum Genet 2014), with the highest number in the H haplogroup (42%). Due to small sample sizes in some subgroups, we combined mt haplogroups into larger bins based on the haplogroup evolutionary tree, including HV (H+V), JT (J+T), IWX (I+W+X), UK (U+K), and Z (van Oven & Kayser Hum Mut 2009) for comparisons of cases and controls. Using haplogroup HV as the reference group, we found a statistically significant association between haplogroup JT and MDS (OR=0.57, 95% CI 0.36, 0.90, p=0.02). No other significant associations were observed in a comparison of cases and controls (Figure). In the analysis stratified by MDS subtype, the association with haplogroup JT reached statistical significance only in MDS cases with the RCMD subtype (OR=0.42, 95% CI 0.18, 0.97), although the association was similar in magnitude for RARS and the p-value for heterogeneity was non-significant (0.76). Similarly, the associations between haplogroup JT and MDS were similar in the analysis stratified by IPSS-R risk category (p-value for heterogeneity = 0.71). Conclusions In this population-based study of MDS, we observed an association between mtDNA haplogroup JT and risk of MDS. Previous studies using cybrid cells have reported functional differences by mtDNA haplogroup and provide biological plausibility for the observed association, including higher capacity to cope with oxidative stress in haplogroup T (Meuller et al PLoS One 2012) and lower levels of ATP and reactive oxygen species production in haplogroup J (Kenney et al PLoS One 2013). Further studies of the relationship between mtDNA variation and MDS are warranted in larger sample sizes. Figure 1. Association between mtDNA haplogroup and MDS Figure 1. Association between mtDNA haplogroup and MDS Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background MDS is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by dysplastic changes in the bone marrow, ineffective hematopoiesis and an increased risk for developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The majority of MDS cases are sporadic, but rare familial cases have been described and are often ascertained through clinic-based referrals. To our knowledge, no population based study of MDS has examined the frequency of family history of hematologic malignancies and disorders in patients, nor associations with disease characteristics and outcomes. Methods Newly diagnosed MDS cases are being identified by rapid case ascertainment by the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System (MCSS), a population-based cancer registry in Minnesota. Eligibility criteria include all newly diagnosed cases of MDS during the period April 1, 2010-October 31, 2014, between 20-85 years, Minnesota resident, and ability to understand English or Spanish. Proxy interviews are not being conducted. Medical records and biologic samples are obtained and questionnaires are filled out by participants. Centralized pathology and cytogenetics review confirm diagnosis and classify by subtype and risk score including the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R). Since 2010, information on family history has been obtained through questionnaire responses and/or medical record review on 353 MDS patients. Cases were considered to have a positive family history if they reported a first degree relative with MDS, leukemia, lymphoma or other hematologic condition (multiple myeloma [n=4], Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia [n=1] and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura [n=1]). Treatment related MDS cases were excluded leaving 330 MDS patients for analysis. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) overall and by sex. Results A total of 61/330 (18.5%) cases reported a family history of a hematologic condition. The mean age at diagnosis was 71.3 years in those with a family history compared to 72.2 years in those without a family history (p=0.53). There was no difference in the sex distribution between the two groups. Though not statistically significant, the odds of having abnormal cytogenetics or an IPSS-R of High/Very High was lower for those having a positive family history (OR 0.57 [CI 0.25-1.33, p=0.19 and 0.67 [CI 0.24-1.84, p=0.29], respectively). The odds of survival at one year after diagnosis was significantly higher in those with a family history (OR 2.79 [CI 1.04-7.51, p=0.04]) compared to those without (Table). Further stratification by sex revealed that this association was strongest for males (OR=4.23, [CI 0.94-19.0, p=0.06] compared to females (OR=1.84 [CI=0.47-7.19, p=0.38]). Discussion In this population based study of adults with MDS, the prevalence of MDS cases having a positive family history was higher than previous reports. Additionally, cases reporting a family history of hematologic malignancies and disorders appear to experience lower risk disease and have significantly improved overall survival, especially males. It is possible that patients with a family history of hematologic conditions are diagnosed earlier in the course of their disease secondary to increased awareness about blood disorders and/or more active screening within the family. Our analysis is limited by relatively small numbers, but enrollment is ongoing so subsequent analyses with larger numbers of subjects may be more revealing. Additionally, a prospective study to examine these families further, including detailed medical histories and collection of biospecimens (saliva, blood, skin) for genetic analyses is underway in order to identify potential mechanisms and mutations involved in the development of MDS and progression to AML. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Introduction Much remains unknown regarding the etiology of MDS and why some cases progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). With MDS reportable as a distinct myeloid malignancy for the first time only in 2001, there are few data on state cancer registry case identification and classification accuracy. To grasp the true incidence and the scope of this heterogeneous clonal hematopoietic malignancy, the accuracy of such information is essential. In our third year of a large population-based prospective study of MDS to investigate risk factors for initial diagnosis and disease progression, we report our experience with MDS case identification and classification according to both our state cancer registry and our comprehensive central review process Methods We began our identification and follow-up of all newly diagnosed adult MDS cases in Minnesota in April 2010. Our process includes rapid case identification by the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System (MCSS), contact of individual patients, and their participation in an extensive questionnaire and medical history review. In concert, all cases pass through central medical review including: 1) independent pathology review by two hematopathologists; 2) independent cytogenetic review by a cytogeneticist; 3) integrated central pathology-cytogenetic review; and 4) medical chart review by an oncologist to identify pertinent clinical history and treatments and prospectively calculate risk stratification scores (International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS)). Annual follow-up monitors for disease progression and outcome. Results We describe the first 161 patients enrolled who have completed central review. Our data highlight the excellent concordance between MCSS and central review for the MDS subtypes RAEB (n=40/50, 80%), RARS (n=20/23, 87%), and RCMD (n=19/25, 76%). However, we noted poor concordance for the MDS subtypes RA (n=1/7 (14%) with 5 cases re-classified as RCMD) and MDS-U (n=3/24(13%) with 21 cases re-classified into other MDS subtypes). Notably, our integrated central review process identified and reclassified 12 additional cases of t-MDS when all data were considered. Our central review process noted an additional 30 cases classified as MDS by MCSS that we deemed ineligible after central review due to insufficient morphology (n=20) or reclassification to chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) (n=5), MDS/MPD (n=3), or AML (n=4). Conclusion Ours is the first large prospective population-based study of MDS that includes central pathology, cytogenetic, and clinical review of newly diagnosed patients with prospective risk stratification calculation and long term follow-up. Our review highlights the variability in the diagnosis and subclassification of MDS between our state cancer registry and after integrated central review, with as many as 80% of cases in certain MDS subtypes being re-classified, and an approximately 20% ineligibility rate. The high proportion of cases submitted in MCSS as MDS-U that were re-classifiable into specific MDS subtypes following central review suggests a possible misapplication of this MDS category in a way not intended by the 2008 WHO guidelines. The additional classification of t-MDS by our central review process suggests that this subtype is likely underestimated by cancer registries. Assessment of therapeutic implications will be important to determine if these variabilities are consequential. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are rare hematological neoplasms that are more typically seen in elderly patients. Young patients (< 50 years old) have been reported to comprise between 3-6% in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) (Ma X et al, Cancer 2007; Rollison R et al, Blood 2008) with a better overall survival (OS). We hereby report the characteristics of young MDS patients with long survival follow-up. Methods: A total of 1012 MDS patients' data from Oct 1993 to Dec 2015 at Mayo Clinic were reviewed after appropriate IRB approval was obtained. All cases had their bone marrow slides reviewed at our institution. Patients youngers than 50 years old (yMDS) were included as cohort 1, while the rest was included as control group (cohort 2). Prognostic factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Survival estimates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and univariate and multivariate analyses was based on log-rank testing using JMP software version 10. Results: Characteristics: We identified 68 (7%) yMDS patients with a median age of 42 years (range, 18-49). Female gender was more common in yMDS (43% vs 31%, p= 0.05). Upon comparison between cohort 1 and 2, only platelets were significantly lower in yMDS (61 vs 102, p <0.0001), but not white blood cells, hemoglobin or degree of marrow fibrosis. MDS subtyping according to World Health Organization 2016 showed single lineage dysplasia in 15% vs 2%, multilineage dysplasia 24% vs 36% , ring sideroblasts 9% vs 15%, isolated del (5q) 1% vs 3%, excess blasts 44% vs 31%, and unclassifiable in 6% vs 5%. As expected, therapy related MDS (t-MDS) was more frequent in yMDS (33% vs 17%, p= 0.005). Transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was also more frequent in yMDS (28 % vs 11%, p= 0.0004). Compared to cohort 2, yMDS IPSS-R scores were very high, high, intermediate, low, and very low in 24% vs 13%, 29% vs 16%, 21% vs 20%, 19% vs 35%, and 7% vs 17%, respectively. Allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) was more frequent in yMDS (42% vs 4%, p< 0.0001). Survival outcome: Median OS was longer for cohort 1 vs cohort 2 but did not reach statistical significance (43 vs 21 months, p= 0.1). Median progression free survival (PFS) was shorter for cohort 1 vs cohort 2 but did not reach statistical significance (8 vs 12 months, p= 0.3). Median OS for cohort 1 based on R-IPSS was 44, 105, 40, 18, and 12 months for very low, low, intermediate, high and high risk groups, respectively (p= 0.09). Median OS was shorter in t-MDS vs de novo MDS in cohort 1 (13 vs 47 months, p = 0.04). Young patients who had transformed to AML had a worse median OS (18 vs 93 months, p=0.001). On multivariate analysis neither t-MDS nor R-IPSS had a statistically significant impact on OS. Conclusions: MDS is rarely diagnosed under the age of 50. IPSS-R was less powerful in detecting differences between its risk groups for this patient population, although more than half of the patients with yMDS had either high or very high risk. Among this cohort of yMDS patients, there was a significantly higher proportion with therapy-related myeloid neoplasms compared to older patients (one third of patients), with subsequent higher rates of transformation to AML and higher allogeneic HCT. In our study, we did not find an improved OS for yMDS patients compared to older patients. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding; Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 3841 Introduction: The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) has recently been revised (IPSS-R) to capture more inclusive cytogenetic characterization, more stringent blast description, and more detailed cytopenia assignments. To validate the IPSS-R in a prospective cohort of patients, we compared IPSS and IPSS-R categorization within a group of newly diagnosed MDS patients in a prospective population-based epidemiologic study in Minnesota. Methods: We identified all newly diagnosed MDS cases in Minnesota between the ages of 20 and 85 years from April 1, 2010 to April 2012. Our process includes rapid case identification by the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System (MCSS), patient contact and enrollment, central medical review including: 1) independent review by two hematopathologists to confirm diagnosis and WHO subclassification; 2) independent cytogeneticist's review for classification as defined by IPSS and IPSS-R; and 3) medical chart review with prospective calculation of IPSS, IPSS-R, and WPSS by a an oncologist. Results: Classification of the 128 patients by IPSS versus IPSS-R is shown (Table) Kendall's Tau = 0.77 In this comparative classification, IPSS-R scoring refined the MDS prognostic risk groups. Low IPSS remained low risk in the IPSS-R spanning the Very Low and Low groups, while all high risk IPSS remained in the Very High risk group in the IPSS-R. However, those in the INT-1 and INT-2 IPSS categories were inconsistently reclassified in the IPSS-R. INT-1 IPSS spanned from Very Low to High and INT-2 IPSS spanned from Intermediate to Very High in the IPSS-R. While reclassification of this prospective cohort resembles results in the IPSS-R reports, ongoing follow-up will be needed to determine if the survival and AML progression measures are reproducible. Conclusion: Until molecular data are available to refine future prognostic scoring systems, the IPSS-R enhances our prognostic risk stratification abilities and is applicable to the general MDS population. As treatment decisions are based on this initial prognostic risk assessment, the more diverse differentiation of risk within the IPSS-R will directly refine prognosis and impact decisions on therapy. Disclosures: Miller: Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Coronado Bioscience: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Background: Although 50% to 90% of patients who receive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors develop a rash, options for rash prevention or palliation remain limited. This issue is particularly important from a palliative care standpoint because these agents are prescribed only to patients with incurable cancer. Here, we report (1) gene expression profiling of skin biopsies from patients with an EGFR inhibitor–induced rash and (2) a randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility trial with the antiandrogen, spironolactone. Both investigations were undertaken to begin to explore the hypothesis that androgens mediate EGFR inhibitor–induced rash and that antiandrogens palliate it. Methods/Results: First, 4 skin biopsies from patients with EGFR inhibitor–induced rash (3 men and 1 woman) were subject to gene expression microarray profiling. A public data set of normal skin gene expression (Gene Expression Omnibus, GSE22998) served as a reference. Sixty percent of commonly interrogated androgen receptor genes (207 of 308 between the 2 data sets) were differentially expressed ( P < .05) in the rash samples. Second, in a 17-patient double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with topical spironolactone applied to the face, although the primary feasibility end point was not achieved, patients in the spironolactone arm received more doses of EGFR inhibitor, and anecdotal photographic evidence suggested salutatory effects of spironolactone on rash. Conclusions: Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor–induced rash appears to be androgen-mediated; antiandrogen therapy merits further study for rash prevention/palliation.

e18560 Background: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are rare hematological neoplasms typically seen in the elderly. Young MDS (yMDS) patients ( < 50 years old) have been reported to comprise between 3-6% in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (Ma X et al, Cancer 2007; Rollison R et al, Blood 2008) with a better overall survival (OS). Methods: 1012 MDS patients from 1993 to 2015 were found after IRB approval was obtained. All cases had their bone marrow slides reviewed at our institution. yMDS Patients were included as cohort 1, while the rest as cohort 2. Survival estimates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and univariate and multivariate analyses was based on log-rank testing using JMP software version 10. Results: We found 68 (7%) yMDS patients with a median age of 42 years (range, 18-49). Female gender was more common (43% vs 31%, p = 0.05) while platelets were lower in yMDS (61 vs 102, p < 0.0001). Therapy related MDS (t-MDS) was more frequent (33% vs 17%, p = 0.005), as was transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in yMDS (28 % vs 11%, p = 0.0004). Allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) was more frequent in yMDS (42% vs 4%, p < 0.0001). Survival outcome: Median OS was longer for cohort 1 vs cohort 2 but did not reach statistical significance (43 vs 21 months, p = 0.1). Median progression free survival (PFS) was shorter for cohort 1 vs cohort 2 but also did not reach statistical significance (8 vs 12 months, p = 0.3). Median OS for cohort 1 based on R-IPSS was 44, 105, 40, 18, and 12 months for very low, low, intermediate, high and very high risk groups, respectively (p = 0.09). Median OS was shorter in t-MDS vs de novo MDS in yMDS (13 vs 47 months, p = 0.04). yMDS patients who transformed to AML had worse median OS (18 vs 93 months, p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis neither t-MDS nor R-IPSS had a statistically significant impact on OS. Conclusions: MDS is rarely diagnosed under the age of 50 with IPSS-R being less powerful in detecting mOS. Among yMDS patients, there was a higher proportion of t-MDS compared to older patients with subsequent higher rates of AML transformation and higher rates of allogeneic HCT. In our study, we did not find an improved OS for yMDS patients compared to older patients.

e18559 Background: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of myeloid neoplasms defined by ineffective hematopoiesis, dysplastic morphologic features, and variable risks of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS) is a subtype of MDS defined by < 5% basts and > 15% ring sideroblasts (per 2008 WHO). Because RARS is a lower risk disease which does not frequently require HMA therapy, very little is known about the effects of HMA on RARS. Methods: A total of 1325 MDS patients’ data from 1993-2016 at Mayo Clinic were reviewed after appropriate IRB approval was obtained. All cases had their bone marrow slides reviewed at our center. Patients were considered for our study if they received HMA for their RARS. Response was identified based on MDS IWG 2006 criteria. Prognostic factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Survival estimates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: 168 of the initial 1325 patient were RARS (14%); only 14 (8%) were treated with HMA. Median age was 72 years (range, 51-85); half were males, with median overall survival of 91.3 months. The median number of ring sideroblasts (RS) at diagnosis was 40% (range 10-85%). Of the 14 patients, 11 (79%) received azacitidine (AZA), 2 (14%) decitabine (DAC) and one received both (7%). The median number of cycles for AZA was 6.5 (range, 2-28) vs 6 cycles for DAC (range, 1-24). Of the 14 patients receiving HMA, only 3 responded (21%) achieving hematologic improvement. All 3 responders received AZA. 6 of the 14 RARS patients (43%) had their bone marrow biopsy repeated after HMA therapy, 3 of whom were among the responders to AZA therapy and 3 were non-responders. In 5 patients, ring sideroblasts decreased after HMA therapy by a median of 15% (range 0-80); they remained the same in 1 patient; one patient who had developed AML had a decrease in RS from 85% to 5%. Conclusions: RARS is a low-risk subtype of MDS that is infrequently treated with HMA (8% in our study). Response rate to HMA (21%) was inferior to known rates in MDS. HMA therapy seems to decrease the number of ring sideroblasts irrespective of response. RARS patients should be treated on clinical trials if available.

e18556 Background: RARS is a subtype of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) defined by < 5% blasts and ≥15% ring sideroblasts (WHO 2008). Hereditary hemochromatosis is a disorder characterized by dysregulations in iron absorption, largely associated with C282Y and H63D mutations of the HFE gene. Iron levels are elevated in both disorders and pathophysiologic correlations were suggested. HFE gene mutations were previously found higher in MDS compared to controls (50% vs 36%) ( Nearman et al, Am J Hematol 2007). Methods: A total of 168 RARS patients’ data from 1994 to 2015 at Mayo Clinic were reviewed after appropriate IRB approval was obtained. All cases had their bone marrow slides reviewed at our center. We searched patients’ records retrospectively to Identify those tested for HFE gene (C282Y, H62D, S65C) mutations, done inside or outside our institution. Survival estimates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: Out of the 168 RARS patients, only 17 (10%) were tested for HFE gene mutations. Out of the 17 tested, 11 (65%) were found to have mutations; 2 of which (18%) had homozygous H63D mutation, 1 patient (9%) had double heterozygous H63D and C282Y mutations, 5 (45%) had only one H36D heterozygous mutation vs 3 patients (27%) with only one C282Y heterozygous mutation. Only one patient was tested for the additional S65C mutation and it was not detected. H63D mutation was present in a total of 8 patients (73%) vs C282Y mutation which was present in 4 patients (36%). Bone marrow iron stores were increased in all 17 tested patients, except one who had decreased stores, this patient had one heterozygous C282Y mutation. Median overall survival (mOS) was 117 months in the HFE mutated patients vs 75 months in the non-mutated (p = 0.6). Conclusions: Our study found the HFE gene, when tested, to be mutated in higher frequencies among patients with RARS compared to that reported in the general population (65% vs 36%), with H63D mutation in almost three quarters of all mutated patients. Although it did not reach statistical significance, the longer survival observed among HFE mutated patients compared to the wild-type raises the question whether testing for HFE gene mutations among patients with MDS-RARS should be further explored.