Selinexor-Based Triplet Regimens in Patients With Multiple Myeloma Previously Treated With Anti-CD38 Monoclonal Antibodies

BACKGROUND

The increasing use of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (αCD38 mAbs) for newly diagnosed or early relapsed multiple myeloma (MM), especially in non-transplant eligible patients, may lead to more patients developing αCD38 mAb-refractory disease earlier in the treatment course with fewer treatment options.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed the efficacy and safety of selinexor-based triplets (selinexor+dexamethasone [Sd] plus pomalidomide [SPd, n = 23], bortezomib [SVd, n = 16] or carfilzomib (SKd, n = 23]) in a subset of STOMP (NCT02343042) and BOSTON (NCT03110562) study patients treated previously with αCD38 mAbs.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients (median 4 prior therapies, range 1 to 11, 90.3% refractory to αCD38 mAb) were included. Overall response rates (ORR) in the SPd, SVd and SKd cohorts were 52.2%, 56.3%, and 65.2%, respectively. Overall response rate was 47.4% among patients who had MM refractory to the third drug reintroduced in the Sd-based triplet. Median progression-free survival in the SPd, SVd, and SKd cohorts was 8.7, 6.7, and 15.0 months, respectively, and median overall survival was 9.6, 16.9, and 33.0 months, respectively. Median time to discontinuation in the SPd, SVd, and SKd cohorts was 4.4, 5.9, and 10.6 months, respectively. The most common hematological adverse events were thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia. Nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea were primarily grade 1/2. Adverse events were generally manageable with standard supportive care and dose modifications.

CONCLUSION

Selinexor-based regimens may offer effective and well-tolerated therapy to patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM who had disease previously exposed or refractory to αCD38 mAb therapy and could help address the unmet clinical need in these high-risk patients.

Distinct germline genetic susceptibility profiles identified for common non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes

Lymphoma risk is elevated for relatives with common non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes, suggesting shared genetic susceptibility across subtypes. To evaluate the extent of mutual heritability among NHL subtypes and discover novel loci shared among subtypes, we analyzed data from eight genome-wide association studies within the InterLymph Consortium, including 10,629 cases and 9505 controls. We utilized Association analysis based on SubSETs (ASSET) to discover loci for subsets of NHL subtypes and evaluated shared heritability across the genome using Genome-wide Complex Trait Analysis (GCTA) and polygenic risk scores. We discovered 17 genome-wide significant loci (P < 5 × 10-8) for subsets of NHL subtypes, including a novel locus at 10q23.33 (HHEX) (P = 3.27 × 10-9). Most subset associations were driven primarily by only one subtype. Genome-wide genetic correlations between pairs of subtypes varied broadly from 0.20 to 0.86, suggesting substantial heterogeneity in the extent of shared heritability among subtypes. Polygenic risk score analyses of established loci for different lymphoid malignancies identified strong associations with some NHL subtypes (P < 5 × 10-8), but weak or null associations with others. Although our analyses suggest partially shared heritability and biological pathways, they reveal substantial heterogeneity among NHL subtypes with each having its own distinct germline genetic architecture.

Selinexor-based regimens in patients with multiple myeloma after prior anti-B-cell maturation antigen treatment

There is a lack of consensus on therapy sequencing in previously treated multiple myeloma, particularly after anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) therapy. Earlier reports on selinexor (X) regimens demonstrated considerable efficacy in early treatment, and after anti-BCMA-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy. Here, we present data from 11 heavily pretreated patients who predominantly received BCMA-antibody-drug conjugate therapy. We observe that X-containing regimens are potent and achieve durable responses with numerically higher overall response and clinical benefit rates, as well as median progression free survival compared to patients' prior anti-BCMA therapies, despite being used later in the treatment course. In an area of evolving unmet need, these data reaffirm the efficacy of X-based regimens following broader anti-BCMA therapy.

Incidence and socioeconomic factors in older adults with acute myeloid leukaemia: Real-world outcomes from a population-based cohort

OBJECTIVES

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a disease of older adults, who are vulnerable to socio-economic factors. We determined AML incidence in older adults and the impact of socio-economic factors on outcomes.

METHODS

We included 3024 AML patients (1996-2016) identified from a population-based registry.

RESULTS

AML incidence in patients ≥60 years increased from 11.01 (2001-2005) to 12.76 (2011-2016) per 100 000 population. Among 879 patients ≥60 years in recent eras (2010-2016), rural residents (<100 000 population) were less likely to be assessed by a leukaemia specialist (39% rural, 47% urban, p = .032); no difference was seen for lower (43%, quintile 1-3) vs. higher (47%, quintile 4-5) incomes (p = .235). Similar numbers received induction chemotherapy between residence (16% rural, 18% urban, p = .578) and incomes (17% lower, 17% high, p = 1.0). Differences between incomes were seen for hypomethylating agent treatment (14% low, 20% high, p = .041); this was not seen for residence (13% rural, 18% urban, p = .092). Among non-adverse karyotype patients ≥70 years, 2-year overall survival was worse for rural (5% rural, 12% urban, p = .006) and lower income (6% low, 15% high, p = .017) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

AML incidence in older adults is increasing, and outcomes are worse for older rural and low-income residents; these patients face treatment barriers.

Once weekly selinexor, carfilzomib and dexamethasone in carfilzomib non-refractory multiple myeloma patients

Background

Proteasome inhibitors (PIs), including carfilzomib, potentiate the activity of selinexor, a novel, first-in-class, oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) compound, in preclinical models of multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

The safety, efficacy, maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of selinexor (80 or 100 mg) + carfilzomib (56 or 70 mg/m²) + dexamethasone (40 mg) (XKd) once weekly (QW) was evaluated in patients with relapsed refractory MM (RRMM) not refractory to carfilzomib.

Results

Thirty-two patients, median prior therapies 4 (range, 1–8), were enrolled. MM was triple-class refractory in 38% of patients and 53% of patients had high-risk cytogenetics del(17p), t(4;14), t(14;16) and/or gain 1q. Common treatment-related adverse events (all/Grade 3) were thrombocytopenia 72%/47% (G3 and G4), nausea 72%/6%, anaemia 53%/19% and fatigue 53%/9%, all expected and manageable with supportive care and dose modifications. MTD and RP2D were identified as selinexor 80 mg, carfilzomib 56 mg/m², and dexamethasone 40 mg, all QW. The overall response rate was 78% including 14 (44%) ≥ very good partial responses. Median progression-free survival was 15 months.

Conclusions

Weekly XKd is highly effective and well-tolerated. These data support further investigation of XKd in patients with MM.

Management of Myeloma Manifestations and Complications: The Cornerstone of Supportive Care: Recommendation of the Canadian Myeloma Research Group (formerly Myeloma Canada Research Network) Consensus Guideline Consortium

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological cancer associated with significant symptomatic burden. Bone disease, renal insufficiency, cytopenias, infection, and peripheral neuropathy, among other disease manifestations and complications, impair patients' quality of life. The Canadian Myeloma Research Group Consensus Guideline Consortium, formerly Myeloma Canada Research Network Consensus Guideline Consortium, proposes national consensus recommendations for the management of MM-related manifestations and complications. To address the needs of Canadian physicians and people living with MM across the country, this document focuses on the improvement and maintenance of patient care by clarifying best-practice approaches for the prevention, detection and management of disease manifestations and complications. The Canadian Myeloma Research Group Consensus Guideline Consortium will periodically review the recommendations herein and update as necessary.

Selinexor containing regimens in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) previously treated with anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (αCD38 mAbs)

e20020

Background: Exportin 1 (XPO1) mediates the nuclear export and functional inactivation of tumor suppressor proteins, is required for MM growth, is associated with poor prognosis in MM and mediates resistance to standard MM therapies. Selinexor (SEL) is a first-in-class, oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) compound approved in combination with dexamethasone (dex) ± bortezomib for patients (pts) with previously treated MM. Once MM becomes refractory to αCD38 mAb, pts have limited effective treatment options and poor prognosis. Overall response rate (ORR) to the first regimen after refractoriness to an αCD38 mAb is 31%, median progression-free survival (mPFS) is 3.4 months (m), and median overall survival (mOS) is 8.6 m. The doublet SEL-dex (Xd) has shown ORR ̃26% in triple-class (IMID, PI, αCD38 mAb) refractory MM; SEL-based triplets could be more effective in this population. Methods: STOMP (Selinexor and Backbone Treatments of Multiple Myeloma Patients) is a multi-arm, open-label, Phase 1b/2 study evaluating SEL in various triplet combinations. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of SEL-containing triplets in pts previously treated with αCD38 mAbs. Pts received SEL-dex (Xd) plus pomalidomide (XPd, n = 19), bortezomib (XVd, n = 4), lenalidomide (XRd, n = 4), daratumumab (XDd, n = 2) or carfilzomib (XKd, n = 18). ORR, mOS, mPFS and adverse events (AEs) were analyzed. Results: Among the 47 pts, median age 64 yrs, female 53%, median time from diagnosis 5.1 yrs, median number of prior regimens 5 (range, 2–11). Prior daratumumab (96%), isatuximab (4%); 96% had MM refractory to aCD38 mAb, 81% had triple-class refractory MM, 74% and 47% were quad- and penta-exposed, 43% and 15% had quad- and penta-refractory MM. αCD38 mAb was included in the immediate prior regimen of 57% of pts and median duration from end of most recent aCD38 mAb therapy to first dose of study treatment was 6.9 weeks (range, 2.6-114.9). ORR was 51% among the 45 evaluable pts, 59% in the XPd arm (n = 17; 2 pts were not efficacy evaluable) and 67% in the XKd arm. ORR was 47% (9/19) among pts with quad-refractory MM and evaluable efficacy. Among all evaluable pts mPFS was 8.8 m (95% CI: 4.9, NE) and mOS was 20.4 m (95% CI: 9.6, NE). Among the 25 pts with αCD38 mAb in their immediate prior regimen, efficacy was similar to that regimen: ORR 52% vs. 45%, mPFS 8.8 vs. 9.3 m. The most common treatment emergent AEs were nausea (72%), anemia (64%), thrombocytopenia (60%), fatigue (57%), which were managed with standard supportive care and dose modifications. Conclusions: SEL-containing triplets in pts with MM previously treated with αCD38 mAbs, most of whom had triple-class refractory MM, exhibit tolerability and comparable effectiveness to their most recent αCD38 mAb-containing regimens. Compared to historical control, mOS was much higher among these patients. Further investigation is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT02343042.

Oral selinexor, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone (XPd) at recommended phase 2 dose in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (MM)

8018

Background: Exportin 1 (XPO1) mediates the nuclear export and functional inactivation of tumor suppressor proteins (TSPs), is associated with poor prognosis in MM, and contributes to proteasome inhibitor (PI) and immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) resistance. Selinexor (SEL) is a novel, oral, first-in-class selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) compound that blocks XPO1, forcing the nuclear retention and activation of TSPs. SEL is approved with low-dose dexamethasone (dex) ± bortezomib (BOR) for patients (pts) with previously treated MM. In the Phase 3 BOSTON study, once weekly (QW) SEL, QW BOR, and dex (XVd) significantly increased progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR) with marked reduction of peripheral neuropathy as compared to standard twice weekly BOR/dex (Vd), despite XVd utilizing 40% less BOR and 25% less dex than Vd. Pomalidomide (POM) plus dex (Pd) has an ORR of 31% and median PFS (mPFS) of 4 months in MM pts refractory to BOR and lenalidomide (LEN). We hypothesized that the addition of once weekly SEL to Pd (XPd) would be an active, all-oral combination with an acceptable safety profile in pts with LEN refractory and BOR treated MM. Methods: In the SPd arm of the multi-arm Phase 1b/2 STOMP study, SEL was evaluated at 60, 80, or 100 mg QW or 60 or 80 mg twice weekly in combination with Pd. Study objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose and recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), and assess the safety and activity of the SPd regimen including in pts receiving the RP2D. Results: As of 4 Jan 2021, 65 pts (33 male) were enrolled with median age of 64 years (range 37-85 years) and median of 3 (range 1-10) prior lines of therapy. Previously treated/refractory rates were LEN 100%/85%, BOR 92%/49%, carfilzomib 43%/37%, POM 31%/29%, and daratumumab (dara) 26%/26%. RP2D was SEL 60 mg QW, POM 4 mg (days 1-21), dex 40 mg QW. Common hematologic, treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) included (all grades, grades ≥3) neutropenia (63%, 55%), anemia (58%, 32%), and thrombocytopenia (54%, 31%). Non-hematologic TRAEs included nausea (62%, 2%), fatigue (55%, 11%), and decreased appetite (45%, 2%). Among POM naïve or nonrefractory MM pts (N = 44), ORR was 57% (1 sCR, 1 CR, 8 VGPR, 15 PR); mPFS was 12.2 months. In pts treated with RP2D (N = 20), ORR was 65% (1 sCR, 5 VGPR, 7 PR); mPFS was not reached with a median follow-up time of 3.9 months. In POM-refractory pts and those with prior dara, ORR was 44% (7/16) and 60% (9/15), respectively. Conclusions: SEL, once weekly, can be safely combined with Pd in pts with heavily pretreated MM. No new safety signals were identified. The all-oral combination of XPd is highly active with an ORR of 65% at RP2D (compared to expected ORR ≤30% for Pd) and produces durable responses with a mPFS of 12.2 months overall. These data support a planned Phase 3 study with an all-oral combination of XPd vs Pd in pts who have been previously treated with LEN, a PI, and an anti-CD38 mAb. Clinical trial information: NCT02343042.

Once weekly selinexor, carfilzomib, and dexamethasone (XKd) in carfilzomib nonrefractory multiple myeloma (MM) patients

8038

Background: Exportin 1 (XPO1) mediates the nuclear export and functional inactivation of tumor suppressor proteins (TSPs), is associated with poor prognosis in MM, and contributes to proteasome inhibitor (PI) and immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) resistance. Selinexor (SEL) is a novel, oral, first-in-class selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) compound that blocks XPO1, forcing the nuclear retention and activation of TSPs. SEL in combination with low dose dexamethasone (dex) ± bortezomib (BOR) is FDA approved for previously treated MM. The synergy of SEL with the PI BOR has been confirmed in the phase 3 BOSTON study in MM patients (pts) with 1-3 prior therapies; once weekly (QW) SEL, QW BOR, and dex (XVd) significantly increased progression-free survival (PFS), time to next therapy, and overall response rate (ORR) as compared to standard twice weekly BOR/dex (Vd), despite XVd using 40% less BOR and 25% less dex than standard Vd. We hypothesized that the addition of QW SEL to the PI carfilzomib (CAR)-dex (XKd) would be an active and tolerable regimen in pts with heavily pretreated MM. Methods: In the XKd arm of the multi-arm Phase 1b/2 STOMP study, SEL at 80 or 100 mg QW was evaluated in combination with CAR at 56 or 70 mg/m2 QW plus dex at 40 mg QW in pts with heavily pretreated MM not refractory to CAR. Study objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and assess the safety and activity of the XKd regimen. Results: As of 4Jan2021, 27 pts were enrolled: 18 (67%) were male, median age 71 years (range 50-76), and median of 4 (range 1-8) prior lines of therapy. All 27 pts were previously treated with BOR, 26 (96%) lenalidomide (LEN), 19 (70%) pomalidomide (POM), 18 (67%) daratumumab (dara). The majority (67%) of pts were triple-class pretreated (PI, IMiD, and anti-CD38 mAb), and 44% had triple-class refractory MM. Nine pts (33%) had MM quad-refractory to BOR, LEN, POM, and dara. Common hematologic treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) (total, grade ≥3) included thrombocytopenia (74%, 56%), anemia (59%, 19%), and neutropenia (30%, 7%). Non-hematologic TRAEs included nausea (67%, 4%), fatigue (52%, 7%), and anorexia (52%, 4%). RP2D was identified as SEL 80 mg QW, CAR 56 mg/m2 QW, and dex 40 mg QW. As of 3Feb2021, ORR was 78% (21/27) with 5 pts reaching CR (19%), 8 VGPR (30%), and 8 PR (30%). Median PFS was 23.7 months. Among 18 pts pretreated with dara, ORR was 67% and median PFS 23.7 months. In 9 pts whose MM was refractory to BOR, LEN, POM, and dara, ORR was 67% with 4 VGPR (44%). Conclusions: In pts with heavily pretreated MM, weekly XKd is highly active with an ORR of 78% and deep responses (≥VGPR 48%) with an overall PFS of 23 months. All AEs including grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia can be managed with appropriate supportive care and dose modifications. These data support further investigation of XKd in pts with previously treated MM including those previously treated with dara.

Daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory myeloma: a cytogenetic subgroup analysis of POLLUX

High cytogenetic risk abnormalities confer poor outcomes in multiple myeloma patients. In POLLUX, daratumumab/lenalidomide/dexamethasone (D-Rd) demonstrated significant clinical benefit versus lenalidomide/dexamethasone (Rd) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients. We report an updated subgroup analysis of POLLUX based on cytogenetic risk. The cytogenetic risk was determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization/karyotyping; patients with high cytogenetic risk had t(4;14), t(14;16), or del17p abnormalities. Minimal residual disease (MRD; 10^–5) was assessed via the clonoSEQ^® assay V2.0. 569 patients were randomized (D-Rd, n = 286; Rd, n = 283); 35 (12%) patients per group had high cytogenetic risk. After a median follow-up of 44.3 months, D-Rd prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) versus Rd in standard cytogenetic risk (median: not estimable vs 18.6 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.43; P < 0.0001) and high cytogenetic risk (median: 26.8 vs 8.3 months; HR, 0.34; P = 0.0035) patients. Responses with D-Rd were deep, including higher MRD negativity and sustained MRD-negativity rates versus Rd, regardless of cytogenetic risk. PFS on subsequent line of therapy was improved with D-Rd versus Rd in both cytogenetic risk subgroups. The safety profile of D-Rd by cytogenetic risk was consistent with the overall population. These findings demonstrate the improved efficacy of daratumumab plus standard of care versus standard of care in RRMM, regardless of cytogenetic risk.

Once weekly selinexor, carfilzomib, and dexamethasone (SKd) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM)

8530

Background: Selinexor is a novel, first-in-class selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE), which blocks exportin 1 (XPO1), forcing the nuclear retention and activation of tumor suppressor proteins. Selinexor in combination with low dose dexamethasone (Sel-dex) was approved by the FDA, based on data from the STORM study wherein Sel-dex induced an overall response rate (ORR) of 26.2% in patients (pts) with refractory MM. We hypothesize that once weekly (QW) SKd may be an active well tolerated regimen and evaluated this combination in a dose escalation/expansion study. Methods: STOMP is a phase 1b/2 study evaluating various doses and enrolled pts with carfilzomib naive relapsed MM. Oral selinexor was dosed QW at 80 or 100 mg. Carfilzomib was dosed QW (on days 1, 8 and 15 of 28-day cycle) at 56 mg/m2 or 70 mg/m2. Dexamethasone was dosed at 40 mg QW. The primary objectives of the study are to assess the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), as well as explore the efficacy and safety of SKd. Results: As of January 2020, 18 pts were enrolled. Median age was 71 years (range: 50-76). Median number of prior regimens was 4 (range: 1-8). All pts (n = 18) were previously treated with bortezomib and lenalidomide, and 50% and 56% pts were refractory to bortezomib and lenalidomide respectively. Nine (50%) pts received prior pomalidomide treatment and 8 (44%) pts were refractory. Eleven (61%) pts received prior daratumumab treatment and 9 (50%) were refractory. The MTD was selinexor 80 mg QW, carfilzomib 56 mg/m2 QW and dexamethasone 40 mg QW. The ORR and CBR were 72% and 79% respectively with 4 complete responses, 7 very good partial responses, 2 partial responses, and 1 minimal response. Stable disease was observed in 3 pts. With a median follow-up period of 4.7 (1.8-16.3) months, median progression-free survival has not been reached. Common treatment-related adverse events (total, Grade ≥3) were thrombocytopenia (83.3%, 66.7%), nausea (66.7%, 0%), anemia (55.6%, 11.1%), fatigue (50%, 11.1%), anorexia (44%, 5.6%), weight loss (44%, 0%), and neutropenia (33.3%, 11.1%). Conclusions: Once weekly SKd demonstrated an encouraging ORR of 72% in pts with a median of 4 lines of prior therapy. The majority of responses are deep and predominantly CR and VGPR. The combination is well tolerated with no new safety signal, no Grade ≥3 nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss or anorexia. The side effects are a function of the dose and schedule and can be managed with dose modification and supportive care. Enrolment is ongoing and supports a phase 3 study of SKd. Clinical trial information: NCT02343042 .

Selinexor, daratumumab, and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM)

8510

Background: Selinexor is a first-in-class oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound that binds and inactivates exportin 1 (XPO1). Selinexor in combination with low dose dexamethasone (Sel-dex) was approved by the FDA, based on data from the STORM study, wherein Sel-dex induced an overall response rate (ORR) of 26.2% in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). Single agent daratumumab has demonstrated an ORR of 29% in MM reftactory to proteasome inhibitors (PIs)/immunomodulatory drug (IMiDs). We evaluated the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of the combination of Sel-dex and daratumumab (SDd) in pts with MM refractory to PIs/IMiDs. Methods: This is a multicenter, open-label, phase 1b/2 dose escalation and expansion study. Pts were eligible if they had received ≥ 3 prior lines of therapy, including a PI and an IMiD, or whose MM was refractory to a PI and an IMiD. In the expansion phase, pts were required to be anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody-naïve. One dose level was tested at each schedule: selinexor once-weekly (QW at 100 mg) or twice-weekly (BIW at 60 mg) with dexamethasone 40 mg. Daratumumab 16 mg/kg IV was administered per label. Primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), and assess safety, tolerability and efficacy of SDd in pts with RRMM. Results: A total of 34 pts were enrolled; 3 in the 60 mg BIW and 31 in the 100 mg QW cohorts. Median age was 69 and median number of prior treatment regimens was 3 (range, 1–10). Out of 34 pts, 62% and 65% were refractory to bortezomib and lenalidomide respectively. Common treatment related adverse events (all grades, grades 3/4) included: thrombocytopenia (71%, 47%), fatigue (62%, 18%), nausea (71%, 9%), anemia (62%, 32%) and neutropenia (50%, 26%). Two dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were reported in the 60 mg BIW cohort: Grade 3 thrombocytopenia and Grade 2 fatigue requiring dose reduction in selinexor to 100 mg QW. In the 100 mg QW escalation cohort (n = 6), no DLTs occured. 32 patients were evaluable for efficacy. The ORR was 73% (11 VGPR, 11 PR) for 30 daratumumab-naïve pts. Median progression-free survival was 12.5 months in both groups. Conclusions: Based on tolerability and efficacy, the RP2D of SDd is selinexor 100 mg, daratumumab 16 mg/kg and dexamethasone 40 mg, administered QW. In pts with PI and IMiD refractory MM, weekly SDd demonstrated promising activity with an ORR of 73% in daratumumab-naïve pts and a median PFS of 12.5 months. This supports further development of a novel non-PI, non-IMiD backbone in earlier lines of therapy. Clinical trial information: NCT02343042 .

Efficacy and safety of daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (D-Rd) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): Updated subgroup analysis of POLLUX based on cytogenetic risk

8038

Background: High-risk cytogenetic abnormalities confer poor outcomes in MM patients (pts). In POLLUX, D-Rd demonstrated significant clinical benefit, including prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) vs lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd), and tolerability in RRMM pts. We present a subgroup analysis of POLLUX, based on cytogenetic risk. Methods: Pts had ≥1 prior line of therapy. Cytogenetic risk was based on a combined analysis of fluorescence in situ hybridization/karyotype testing and next-generation sequencing (NGS). High-risk pts had t(4;14), t(14;16), or del17p abnormalities; standard (std)-risk pts did not meet high-risk criteria. Minimal residual disease (MRD; 10–5) was assessed via NGS using clonoSEQ® assay V2.0. Results: In POLLUX (D-Rd, n = 286; Rd, n = 283), 17.1% of pts in the D-Rd group and 20.1% of pts in the Rd group had high-risk abnormalities. After 44.3 months (mo) of median follow up, D-Rd prolonged PFS vs Rd in pts with high- (median 26.8 vs 8.8 mo; HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.32-0.91]; P = 0.0175) or std-risk (median not reached [NR] vs 19.9 mo; HR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.31-0.55]; P <0.0001). Responses with D-Rd were deep, including higher rates of MRD negativity and sustained MRD negativity vs Rd (Table). D-Rd prolonged PFS in first relapse pts (high risk: median 46.0 vs 7.3 mo; HR, 0.26 [95% CI, 0.11-0.59]; P = 0.0005; std risk: median NR vs 20.6 mo; HR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.28-0.66]; P <0.0001) and prolonged PFS2 vs Rd in high- (median 38.3 vs 22.1 mo; HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.30-0.93]; P = 0.0249) or std-risk (median NR vs 33.8 mo; HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.39-0.72]; P <0.0001) pts. Additional data will be presented. Conclusions: D-Rd demonstrates significant efficacy in high-risk RRMM. Among high-risk pts, MRD negativity was only achieved with D-Rd. Clinical trial information: NCT02076009. [Table: see text]

Targeting B-cell maturation antigen with GSK2857916 antibody-drug conjugate in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (BMA117159): a dose escalation and expansion phase 1 trial

BACKGROUND

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a cell-surface receptor of the tumour necrosis superfamily required for plasma cell survival. BMCA is universally detected on patient-derived myeloma cells and has emerged as a selective antigen to be targeted by novel treatments in multiple myeloma. We assessed the safety, tolerability, and preliminary clinical activity of GSK2857916, a novel anti-BCMA antibody conjugated to microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin F, in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

METHODS

We did an international, multicentre, open-label, first-in-human phase 1 study with dose escalation (part 1) and dose expansion (part 2) phases, at nine centres in the USA, Canada, and the UK. Adults with histologically or cytologically confirmed multiple myeloma, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1, and progressive disease after stem cell transplantation, alkylators, proteasome inhibitors, and immunomodulators were recruited for this study. In part 1, patients received GSK2857916 (0·03-4·60 mg/kg) through 1 h intravenous infusions once every 3 weeks. In part 2, patients received the selected recommended phase 2 dose of GSK2857916 (3·40 mg/kg) once every 3 weeks. Primary endpoints were maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase 2 dose. Secondary endpoints for part 2 included preliminary anti-cancer clinical activity. All patients who received one or more doses were included in this prespecified administrative interim analysis (data cutoff date June 26, 2017), which was done for internal purposes. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02064387, and is ongoing, but closed for recruitment.

FINDINGS

Between July 29, 2014, and Feb 21, 2017, we treated 73 patients: 38 patients in the dose-escalation part 1 and 35 patients in the dose-expansion part 2. There were no dose-limiting toxicities and no maximum tolerated dose was identified in part 1. On the basis of safety and clinical activity, we selected 3·40 mg/kg as the recommended phase 2 dose. Corneal events were common (20 [53%] of 38 patients in part 1 and 22 [63%] of 35 in part 2); most (18 [47%] in part 1 and 19 [54%] in part 2) were grade 1 or 2 and resulted in two treatment discontinuations in part 1 and no discontinuations in part 2. The most common grade 3 or 4 events were thrombocytopenia (13 [34%] of 38 patients in part 1 and 12 [34%] of 35 in part 2) and anaemia (6 [16%] in part 1 and 5 [14%] in part 2). There were 12 treatment-related serious adverse events and no treatment-related deaths. In part 2, 21 (60·0%; 95% CI 42·1-76·1) of 35 patients achieved an overall response.

INTERPRETATION

At the identified recommended phase 2 dose, GSK2857916 was well tolerated and had good clinical activity in heavily pretreated patients, thereby indicating that this might be a promising candidate for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

FUNDING

GlaxoSmithKline.

Daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: updated analysis of POLLUX

In the POLLUX study, daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone significantly reduced risk of progression/death versus lenalidomide/dexamethasone alone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. We provide one additional year of follow up and include the effect on minimal residual disease and in clinically relevant subgroups. After 25.4 months of follow up, daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone prolonged progression-free survival versus lenalidomide/dexamethasone alone (median not reached vs. 17.5 months; hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.53; P<0.0001). The overall response rate was 92.9% versus 76.4%, and 51.2% versus 21.0% achieved a complete response or better, respectively (both P<0.0001). At the 10⁻⁵ sensitivity threshold, 26.2% versus 6.4% were minimal residual disease–negative, respectively (P<0.0001). Post hoc analyses of clinically relevant patient subgroups demonstrated that progression-free survival was significantly prolonged for daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone versus lenalidomide/dexamethasone regardless of number of prior lines of therapy. Patients previously treated with lenalidomide or thalidomide and those refractory to bortezomib received similar benefits (all P<0.01). Treatment benefit with daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone was maintained in high-risk patients (median progression-free survival 22.6 vs. 10.2 months; hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-1.13; P=0.0921) and patients with treatment-free intervals of >12 and ≤12 months and >6 and ≤6 months. No new safety signals were observed. In relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients, daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone continued to improve progression-free survival and deepen responses versus lenalidomide/dexamethasone. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 02076009.

Outcomes of Intermediate Risk Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukemia in First Remission Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Compared With Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation and Chemotherapy Consolidation: A Retrospective, Propensity-score Adjusted Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Optimal post-remission therapy (PRT) for intermediate risk acute myeloid leukemia remains an area of ongoing research. We aimed to retrospectively compare outcomes following autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) with allogeneic SCT (alloSCT) and consolidation chemotherapy (CMT) in patients with intermediate-risk karyotype AML in first complete remission.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We compared overall survival (OS) and leukemia-free survival (LFS) using propensity score (PS)-adjusted analysis of patients receiving PRT with autoSCT, matched sibling (MSD) alloSCT, unrelated/mismatch (UD/MM) alloSCT, and CMT. We included patients diagnosed between 1984 and 2003 (period of autoSCT at our center) in CR1 following induction CMT and received at least 2 consolidative cycles.

RESULTS

We identified 190 patients (62 MSD-alloSCT, 18 UD/MM-alloSCT, 30 autoSCT, and 80 CMT). Baseline characteristics were used for PS calculation and were well-balanced after weight adjustment. The median follow-up for patients surviving beyond 1 year was 8.7 years. We excluded 55 patients based on PS calculation. Adjusted multivariate hazard ratio (HR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value for OS, considering CMT as reference, were: MSD-alloSCT (HR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.8; P = .009), UD/MM-alloSCT (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.6-3.9; P = .363), and autoSCT (HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.5-3.1; P = .666), respectively. Adjusted multivariate HR, 95% CI and P-value for LFS were MSD-alloSCT (HR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.6; P < .001), UD/MM-alloSCT (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.4-2.7; P = .854), and autoSCT (HR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.3-2.2; P = .697), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with intermediate risk-karyotype acute myeloid leukemia who underwent MSD-alloSCT in first complete remission had the best outcomes. There were no survival differences between autoSCT, UD/MM-alloSCT, and CMT. Further study incorporating molecular changes and minimal residual disease status is warranted to select appropriate patients for autoSCT.

Cancer Patients: Their Desire for Information and Participation in Treatment Decisions

The relationship between cancer patients’ desire for information and their preference for participation in decision making has been examined. Approximately 77% of the 52 patients reported that they had participated in decision making to the extent that they wished, while most of the remaining 23% would have preferred an opportunity to have greater input. Although many of the patients actively sought information, a majority preferred the physician to assume the role of the primary decision maker. Ethically, the disclosure of information has been assumed to be necessary for autonomous decision making. Nevertheless, the results of this study indicate that patients may actively seek information to satisfy an as yet unidentified aspect of psychological autonomy that does not necessarily include participation in decision making.

Abstract CT034: A phase I study of GSK2857916, a BCMA-directed monoclonal antibody conjugated to microtubule-disrupting agent in patients with relapsed, refractory multiple myeloma and other BCMA-expressing hematologic malignancies

Background: Expression of B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a cell surface receptor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, is restricted to B cells at later stages of differentiation and is requisite for the survival of long lived plasma cells [Darce, 2007; O’Connor, 2004]. BCMA is also expressed on multiple myeloma (MM) cells and at various frequencies on cells from other B cell malignancies.

GSK2857916 is a humanized, afucosylated IgG1 anti-BCMA antibody conjugated to the microtubule disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin-F (MMAF) via a stable, protease resistant maleimidocaproyl linker. Upon binding to BCMA, GSK2857916 is rapidly internalized and active drug is released within the cell. In addition, GSK2857916 exhibits enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity resulting from afucosylation which increases the affinity of the antibody's Fc domain to FCγRIIIa expressed on immune effector cells. The rationale for the investigation of GSK2857916 in MM and other BCMA-positive hematologic malignancies is supported by the restricted pattern of BCMA expression, and by evidence from preclinical studies [Tai, 2015].

Methods: BMA117159 is a Phase I, open-label, study evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and preliminary antitumor activity in adult patients with relapsed/refractory MM or select, BCMA-expressing hematologic malignancies. Seventeen MM patients have been enrolled as of 26 January 2016 into the ongoing dose escalation phase with the once every 3 weeks intravenous dosing schedule. A continual reassessment method applied to dose limiting toxicity findings guide dose escalation decisions and maximum tolerated dose determination. Expansion cohorts will include patients with MM and other

BCMA-expressing hematologic malignancies. Eligible MM patients are required to have undergone stem cell transplant or be considered transplant ineligible, to have received prior treatment with alkylators, proteosome inhibitors and immunomodulators, and to have documented disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of last therapy. Documented BCMA expression is required for patients with other hematologic malignancies.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02064387

Study is funded by GlaxoSmithKline

Citation Format: Larry D. Anderson, James Cavet, Adam D. Cohen, Yan Y. Degenhardt, Catherine E. Ellis, Fiona Germaschewski, Nikoletta Lendvai, Edward Libby, Joanna Opalinska, Rakesh Popat, Isabelle Pouliquen, Paul G. Richardson, Keith E. Stockerl-Goldstein, Heather J. Sutherland, Suzanne Trudel, Peter M. Voorhees, Jeffrey Wetherington. A phase I study of GSK2857916, a BCMA-directed monoclonal antibody conjugated to microtubule-disrupting agent in patients with relapsed, refractory multiple myeloma and other BCMA-expressing hematologic malignancies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr CT034.

Final overall survival results of a randomized trial comparing bortezomib plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin with bortezomib alone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Previous results from an interim analysis of an open-label, randomized, phase 3 study demonstrated that bortezomib combined with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) was superior to bortezomib monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who had previously received one or more lines of therapy. Protocol-defined final survival data from that study are provided here.

METHODS

Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either bortezomib alone (1.3 mg/m(2) intravenously on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of every 21-day cycle) or bortezomib-PLD (bortezomib plus PLD 30 mg/m(2) intravenously on day 4). The primary endpoint was the time to progression. Secondary efficacy endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival, and the overall response rate.

RESULTS

In total, 646 patients (bortezomib-PLD, n = 324; bortezomib alone, n = 322) were randomized between December, 2004, and March, 2006. On the clinical cutoff date (May 16, 2014) for the final survival analysis, at a median follow-up of 103 months, 79% of patients had died (bortezomib-PLD group: 253 of 324 patients; 78%; bortezomib alone group: 257 of 322 patients; 80%). The median OS in the bortezomib-PLD group was 33 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.9-37.1) versus 30.8 months (95% CI, 25.2-36.5) in the bortezomib alone group (hazard ratio, 1.047; 95% CI, 0.879-1.246; P = .6068). Salvage therapies included conventional and novel drugs, which were well balanced between the two treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite inducing a superior time to progression, long-term follow-up revealed that PLD-bortezomib did not improve OS compared with bortezomib alone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The inability to sustain the early observed survival advantage may have been caused by the effects of subsequent lines of therapy, and underscores the need for long-term follow-up of phase 3 trials while recognizing the challenge of having adequate power to detect long-term differences in OS. Cancer 2016;122:2050-6. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Daratumumab monotherapy in patients with treatment-refractory multiple myeloma (SIRIUS): an open-label, randomised, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

New treatment options are needed for patients with multiple myeloma that is refractory to proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs. We assessed daratumumab, a novel CD38-targeted monoclonal antibody, in patients with refractory multiple myeloma.

METHODS

In this open-label, multicentre, phase 2 trial done in Canada, Spain, and the USA, patients (age ≥18 years) with multiple myeloma who were previously treated with at least three lines of therapy (including proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs), or were refractory to both proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs, were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive intravenous daratumumab 8 mg/kg or 16 mg/kg in part 1 stage 1 of the study, to decide the dose for further assessment in part 2. Patients received 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks, or 16 mg/kg per week for 8 weeks (cycles 1 and 2), then every 2 weeks for 16 weeks (cycles 3-6), and then every 4 weeks thereafter (cycle 7 and higher). The allocation schedule was computer-generated and randomisation, with permuted blocks, was done centrally with an interactive web response system. In part 1 stage 2 and part 2, patients received 16 mg/kg dosed as in part 1 stage 1. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (partial response [PR] + very good PR + complete response [CR] + stringent CR). All patients who received at least one dose of daratumumab were included in the analysis. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01985126.

FINDINGS

The study is ongoing. In part 1 stage 1 of the study, 18 patients were randomly allocated to the 8 mg/kg group and 16 to the 16 mg/kg group. Findings are reported for the 106 patients who received daratumumab 16 mg/kg in parts 1 and 2. Patients received a median of five previous lines of therapy (range 2-14). 85 (80%) patients had previously received autologous stem cell transplantation, 101 (95%) were refractory to the most recent proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs used, and 103 (97%) were refractory to the last line of therapy. Overall responses were noted in 31 patients (29.2%, 95% CI 20.8-38.9)-three (2.8%, 0.6-8.0) had a stringent CR, ten (9.4%, 4.6-16.7) had a very good PR, and 18 (17.0%, 10.4-25.5) had a PR. The median time to first response was 1.0 month (range 0.9-5.6). Median duration of response was 7.4 months (95% CI 5.5-not estimable) and progression-free survival was 3.7 months (95% CI 2.8-4.6). The 12-month overall survival was 64.8% (95% CI 51.2-75.5) and, at a subsequent cutoff, median overall survival was 17.5 months (95% CI 13.7-not estimable). Daratumumab was well tolerated; fatigue (42 [40%] patients) and anaemia (35 [33%]) of any grade were the most common adverse events. No drug-related adverse events led to treatment discontinuation.

INTERPRETATION

Daratumumab monotherapy showed encouraging efficacy in heavily pretreated and refractory patients with multiple myeloma, with a favourable safety profile in this population of patients.

FUNDING

Janssen Research & Development.

Phase II study of daratumumab (DARA) monotherapy in patients with ≥ 3 lines of prior therapy or double refractory multiple myeloma (MM): 54767414MMY2002 (Sirius)

LBA8512

Background: DARA, a human anti-CD38 IgG1κ mAb, has single agent activity and is well-tolerated in rel/ref MM (Lokhorst HM et al. ASCO 2014). This ongoing phase 2 study (NCT01985126) evaluated DARA monotherapy in the FDA breakthrough therapy designation population: MM patients with ≥ 3 prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), or double refractory to a PI and IMiD. Preliminary results are reported. Methods: MMY2002 is a 2-part, open-label, international, multicenter study. In part 1 stage 1, 34 patients were randomized to DARA 8 mg/kg (n = 18) q4w or 16 mg/kg (n = 16) qw x 8 wk, q2w x 16 wk, then q4w in a Simon-2-stage design to determine the most effective dose. Subsequently, 90 additional patients were enrolled in the 16 mg/kg DARA group. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) by independent review (IRC). Results: Data for the 16 mg/kg DARA group are presented (n = 106). Baseline characteristics: median time since diagnosis, 4.8 y; median prior treatment lines, 5; 75% ISS ≥ 2. Refractory to: last line of therapy, 96%; last PI and IMiD, 95%; pomalidomide, 63%: carfilzomib, 48%; alkylating agents, 78%. Adverse events (AE; ≥ 20%) were fatigue (39.6%), anemia (33.0%), nausea (29.2%), thrombocytopenia (25.5%), back pain (22.6%), neutropenia (22.6%), cough (20.8%). Infusion-related reactions (IRR, 42.5%) were mainly grade 1/2 during first infusion (grade 3 4.7%; no grade 4). No patients discontinued study due to IRRs; 5 (4.7%) discontinued treatment due to AEs. None of these AEs were assessed by the investigator to be DARA-related. ORR (IRC assessed) was 29.2%, with 3 sCR, 10 VGPR, and 18 PR with a 7.4 month median duration of response. ORR was consistent across clinically relevant subgroups. Median time to progression was 3.7 months. Median overall survival has not been reached and the estimated 1-year OS rate is 65%. After a median follow up of 9.4 months 14/31 (45.2%) of responders remain on therapy. Conclusions: In a heavily pre-treated MM population (95% refractory to last PI and IMiD), DARA at 16 mg/kg showed meaningful durable single agent activity, with deep responses and a favorable safety profile. Clinical trial information: NCT01985126.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Is an Effective Salvage Therapy for Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Presenting with Advanced Disease or Failing Treatment with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only known curative therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); however, it is rarely utilized given the excellent long-term results with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. The purpose of this study is to examine HSCT outcomes for patients with CML who failed TKI therapy or presented in advanced phase and to identify predictors of survival, relapse, and nonrelapse mortality (NRM). Fifty-one patients with CML underwent HSCT for advanced disease at diagnosis (n = 15), TKI resistance as defined by the European LeukemiaNet guidelines (n = 30), TKI intolerance (n = 2), or physician preference (n = 4). At a median follow-up of 71.9 months, the 8-year overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), relapse, and NRM were 68%, 46%, 41%, and 23%, respectively. In univariate analysis, predictors of OS included first chronic phase (CP1) disease status at HSCT (P = .0005), European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation score 1 to 4 (P = .04), and complete molecular response (CMR) to HSCT (P < .0001). Donor (female) to patient (male) gender combination (P = .02) and CMR to HSCT (P < .0001) predicted lower relapse. In multivariate analysis, CMR to HSCT remained an independent predictor of OS (odds ratio [OR], 43), EFS (OR, 56) and relapse (OR, 29). This report indicates that the outlook is excellent for those patients who remain in CP1 at the time of HSCT and achieve a CMR after HSCT. However, only approximately 50% of those in advanced phase at HSCT are long-term survivors. This highlights the ongoing need to try to identify patients earlier, before disease progression, who are destined to fail this treatment to optimize transplantation outcomes.

Phase II, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study comparing siltuximab plus bortezomib versus bortezomib alone in pts with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

8018^

Background: Preclinical studies of siltuximab (S), a chimeric anti-IL-6 mAb, in combination with bortezomib (B) indicate an additive to synergistic effect in multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines. This randomized study evaluated the safety and efficacy of S+B compared with placebo (plc)+B in pts with relapsed/refractory MM after 1−3 prior tx lines, measurable disease but no prior B exposure. Methods: 286 pts were randomized 1:1 to S+B: B+plc. S 6 mg/kg or plc was given IV q2w. B 1.3 mg/m2 was given IV on d 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25, 29, 32 for a max of 4 of 42-d cycles and then reduced to q1w for 35-d cycles. B was stopped for pts with PD/intolerability, and high dose oral dexamethasone (dex) 40 mg could then be started qd on d 1−4, 9−12, 17−20 for a max of 4 of 28-d cycles and on d 1−4 of subsequent cycles until PD, while S/plc continued. Primary endpoint was PFS by EBMT criteria censored at the start of dex/subsequent tx. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), OS, and safety before dex. Results: 142 and 144 pts received S+B and B+plc, respectively. Baseline demographics and disease characteristics were well balanced across S+B and B+plc, except for age (median 64 vs. 61 yrs) and myeloma type (IgG 65 vs. 71%, IgA 27 vs. 20%). Median tx duration was 5.1 mo in both grps. Median PFS was 8.1 mo in S+B and 7.6 mo in B+plc (HR 0.869, p = 0.345). ORR (CR+PR) was 55% in pts on S+B and 47% on B+plc (p = 0.213); CR rates were 11 and 7% (p = 0.342), respectively. With 24.5 mo median follow up, median OS was 30.8 mo for S+B and 36.9 mo for B+plc (HR 1.353 for S+B, p = 0.103). Fewer pts on S+B than B+plc moved to dex (23 vs. 31%) and had subsequent SCT (5 vs. 11%). Gr ≥3 AEs occurred in 91% on S+B and 74% on B+plc. Common gr ≥3 AEs in S+B were neutropenia (49%), thrombocytopenia (48%), leukopenia (14%). SAEs occurred in 29% on S+B and 24% on B+plc. Death occurred within 30 d of last study agent administration pre-dex in 8% on S+B and 5% on B+plc. Conclusions: The combination of S+B had higher response rates but did not prolong survival compared with B+plc. A negative survival trend heavily influenced by differences in dex and SCT rescue was noted. S+B appears to be generally well tolerated but had a higher incidence of hematologic AEs.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia with t(8;21)—Identification of a Specific Immunophenotype

Association between certain surface markers and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) with t(8;21) has been described. The specificity and the predictive values of these markers have never been assessed. In this study, we aimed, to explore whether a specific pattern could predict for this translocation. Of 405 consecutive AML, 18 (4.4%) had the t(8;21). Patients with this cytogenetic abnormality showed higher frequency of CD34 (P = 0.003), HLA-DR (P = 0.03), Tdt (P = 0.02), CD19 (P < 0.0001), and CD56 (P < 0.0001) and lower CD33 (P = 0.0001). Taken singly, the sensitivity of these markers for AML with t(8;21) ranged between 39 and 100% with CD34+ having the highest and CD33- having the lowest and the positive predictive values (PPV) ranged between 5 and 21% with CD19+ having the highest and HLA-DR+ having the lowest. When combinations of different markers were analyzed by multivariate analysis, the pattern CD34+/HLA-DR+/MPO+ was found to have the highest sensitivity (100%) with a PPV of 14% and the pattern CD34+/CD19+/CD56+ had the highest PPV (100%) with a sensitivity of 67%. We conclude that AML with t(8;21) is better identified by a combination of markers than by a single antigen pattern, the absence of CD34+, HLA-DR+ or MPO+ would preclude and the expression of the pattern CD34+/CD19+/CD56+ is highly predictive and could serve as a screening criteria for the t(8;21).

Predictive value of karyotype on outcome of autotransplants for acute myeloid leukemia in second remission

The impact of karyotype on the outcome of patients who undergo autotransplant for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in second remission (CR2) has not been explored. We evaluated the outcomes of 40 patients who proceeded to autotransplant for AML in CR2 at 2 centers. The median age at autotransplant was 50 years (18-64 years) and the median duration of first remission was 15 months (0.8-51 months). High-dose therapy was melphalan 140-160 mg/m2 plus etoposide 60 mg/kg with or without total body irradiation (22), a busulfan-based regimen (17), and cyclophosphamide alone (1). Six patients (15%) died of treatment-related causes within the first 100 days. Event-free and overall survival at 3 years were both 38% (95% confidence interval 23-53%). At a median follow-up of 76 months (2?-?170) in surviving patients, 13 (32.5%) are alive and disease free. Graft purging did not significantly influence survival outcome (P=0.94), although platelet engraftment was significantly delayed (P=0.02). The relative risk of an event (relapse or death) for the karyotype risk groups was favorable 1.0; intermediate 4.2 (1.2-14.7); adverse 9.9 (1.5-63.9); unknown 2.3 (0.6-8.8) (P=0.028). We conclude that patients with AML in CR2 who undergo autotransplant can have durable remissions and those with a good risk karyotype are the most likely to obtain long-term disease-free survival.

Long-term outcome after allo-SCT: close follow-up on a large cohort treated with myeloablative regimens

We analyzed the late outcomes of 429 long-term survivors post allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (allo-HSCT) who received transplant in our center between 1981 and 2002, and were free of their primary disease for > or =2 years after allo-HSCT. Late recurrent primary malignancy was found in 58 (13.5%) patients and was the primary cause of late death. A total of 37 (8.6%) patients died of non-relapse causes at a median of 5.5 years (range, 2-15.6 years) post allo-HSCT. The major non-relapse causes of death were chronic GVHD (cGVHD), secondary malignancy and infection. The probabilities of OS and EFS were 85% (95% cumulative incidence (CI) (81-89%)) and 79% (95% CI (74-83%)) at 10 years, respectively. Long-term allo-HSCT survivors were evaluated for late complications (median follow-up, 8.6 years (range, 2.3-22.8 years)). cGVHD was diagnosed in 196 (53.1%) survivors. The endocrine and metabolic complications were hypogonadism in 134 (36.3%) patients, osteopenia/osteoporosis in 90 (24.4%), dyslipidemia in 33 (8.9%), hypothyroidism in 28 (7.6%) and diabetes in 28 (7.6%). Hypertension was diagnosed in 79 (21.4%), renal impairment in 70 (19.0%), depression in 40 (10.8%) and sexual dysfunction in 33 (8.9%) survivors. We conclude that in patients who receive allo-HSCT as treatment for hematological malignancy and who are free of their original disease 2 years post transplant, mortality is low and the probability of durable remission is high. Lifelong surveillance is recommended.

Leukocyte count as a predictor of death during remission induction in acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presenting with a high leukocyte count has been associated with an increase in induction mortality and poor results in a number of other survival measures. However, the level at which an elevated leukocyte count has prognostic significance in AML remains unclear. In this report on a series of 375 adult (non-M3) AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy at a single institution, leukocyte count analyzed as a continuous variable is shown to be a better predictor of induction death (ID) and overall survival (OS) than a leukocyte count of > or = 100 x 10(9)/L, a value characteristically associated with "hyperleukocytosis" (HL). In this patient cohort, a presenting leukocyte count of > or = 30 x 10(9)/L had high sensitivity and specificity for predicting ID, and both performance status (PS) and leukocyte count more accurately predicted for ID than age. Considering these parameters in newly-diagnosed AML patients may facilitate the development of strategies for reducing induction mortality.

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin plus bortezomib in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: efficacy and safety in patients with renal function impairment

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of patients (n = 193) with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance [CrCl] < 60 mL/min) from a phase III trial comparing bortezomib +/- pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in relapsed/refractory myeloma (n = 646). The response rate (49% vs. 42%) and median time to disease progression (331 days vs. 199 days) were comparable or slightly better for patients with renal insufficiency treated with PLD/bortezomib compared with patients treated with bortezomib alone. There was a steady, clinically meaningful improvement in renal function for patients with renal insufficiency in both treatment arms. However, patients with impaired renal function were at a slightly increased risk of a drug-related serious adverse event (28% vs. 19% for CrCl < 60 and > or = 60 mL/min, respectively).

Randomized phase III study of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin plus bortezomib compared with bortezomib alone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: combination therapy improves time to progression

PURPOSE

This phase III international study compared the efficacy and safety of a combination of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) plus bortezomib with bortezomib monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Six hundred forty-six patients were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous bortezomib 1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of an every 21-days cycle, or the same bortezomib regimen with PLD 30 mg/m(2) on day 4.

RESULTS

Median time to progression was increased from 6.5 months for bortezomib to 9.3 months with the PLD + bortezomib combination (P = .000004; hazard ratio, 1.82 [monotherapy v combination therapy]; 95% CI, 1.41 to 2.35). The 15-month survival rate for PLD + bortezomib was 76% compared with 65% for bortezomib alone (P = .03). The complete plus partial response rate was 41% for bortezomib and 44% for PLD + bortezomib, a difference that was not statistically significant. Median duration of response was increased from 7.0 to 10.2 months (P = .0008) with PLD + bortezomib. Grade 3/4 adverse events were more frequent in the combination group (80% v 64%), with safety profiles consistent with the known toxicities of the two agents. An increased incidence in the combination group was seen of grade 3/4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, asthenia, fatigue, diarrhea, and hand-foot syndrome.

CONCLUSION

PLD with bortezomib is superior to bortezomib monotherapy for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The combination therapy is associated with a higher incidence of grade 3/4 myelosuppression, constitutional symptoms, and GI and dermatologic toxicities.

Positive impact of selective outpatient management of high-risk acute myelogenous leukemia on the incidence of septicemia

BACKGROUND

Curative intent chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) leads to prolonged severe neutropenia, during which patients are highly susceptible to infection. Traditionally these high-risk patients were treated as inpatients. Our center recently implemented a selective ambulatory management policy for AML patients undergoing chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess the occurrence of septicemia in AML patients treated over a 5 years period with curative intent chemotherapy. This review encompasses a change in policy from primarily inpatient care to selective outpatient management coupled with prophylactic antibiotic therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 294 patients, receiving 623 cycles of chemotherapy were identified. A significant decrease in septicemia was observed from the inpatient to outpatient cohort (22% to 13% P < 0.05), which correlated with the shift towards outpatient treatment of consolidation cycles. A shift from Gram-negative to Gram-positive organisms as the cause of septicemia was also detected in the outpatient cohort, likely due to the introduction of ciprofloxacin prophylaxis. No significant emerging resistance and no septicemia-related mortality were noted in the outpatient cohort.

CONCLUSION

The observed decrease in the incidence of septicemia in the ambulatory cohort adds supportive evidence to the feasibility of selective outpatient management of AML patients with respect to infectious complications.

Long-term outcome of myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) has been used in the hopes of harnessing the curative potential of the graft-versus-myeloma effect. This study examines the long-term outcomes of a large cohort of patients with myeloma who were treated with myeloablative alloSCT at a single center. Comparisons are made with those who were treated with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Between January 1989 and February 2002, 158 patients age<or=55 years underwent SCT for myeloma. Seventy-two patients underwent myeloablative alloSCT (58 related; 14 unrelated), whereas 86 patients underwent ASCT. Most patients received single-agent high dose dexamethasone or VAD (vincristine, adriamycin, dexamethasone) therapy pre-SCT. Conditioning regimens were melphalan-based for all ASCT patients, whereas the alloSCT patients received melphalan-based (70%), total-body irradiation (TBI)-based (18%), or other (13%). Patients who underwent alloSCT were younger, had a higher Durie-Salmon stage disease, and a shorter median time from diagnosis to transplant. Myeloma subtypes were similar between groups. Other pre-SCT (BMT) characteristics were similar except that ASCT patients had a higher proportion of cases that received palliative radiotherapy pre-SCT. Disease response pre-SCT was similar. At last follow-up, 61 of 158 patients are alive with a median follow-up of 88.4 months (range: 35.5-208.5). The overall survival (OS) of the alloSCT cohort was 48.1% at 5 years and 39.9% at 10 years compared to 46.2% at 5 years and 30.8% at 10 years for the ASCT cohort (P=.94). The event-free survival of the alloSCT cohort was 33.3% at 5 years and 31.4% at 10 years compared to 32.9% and 15.2%for the ASCT cohort (P=.64). Treatment-related mortality (TRM) at 1 year was 22% for the alloSCT cohort and 14% in the ASCT cohort (P=.21). Cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was 72% and the cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) was 68% at 2 years. Neither aGVHD nor cGVHD had an influence on OS or event-free survival, although 5 of 14 patients who have received donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) have had disease response. The risk of relapse was reduced in those who developed aGVHD (P=.02) but not cGVHD (P=.23). In conclusion, although there are patient who are alive without disease>10 years post myeloablative alloSCT, similarly there are long-term survivors post-ASCT. Myeloablative alloSCT should not be considered standard treatment, and should only be considered in the context of a clinical trial.

Early stem cell transplantation for refractory acute leukemia after salvage therapy with high-dose etoposide and cyclophosphamide

Primary refractory acute leukemia (AL) has a poor prognosis, although some patients can be salvaged with allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Induction of complete remission (CR) with conventional chemotherapy before SCT may improve outcome in this patient population. Between March 1991 and October 2003, 59 adults with primary refractory AL were treated with continuous-infusion etoposide (VP) 2.4 to 3.0 g/m(2) followed by cyclophosphamide (Cy) 6.0-7.2 g/m(2) intravenously over 3 to 4 days with the intention of proceeding to SCT in CR1. Forty-two patients had acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), 13 patients had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and 4 patients had acute biphenotypic leukemia. The most frequent nonhematologic toxicities were oral mucosal, gastrointestinal, and hepatic toxicities (44%, 20%, and 15% of patients, respectively). Thirty-two (57%) of 56 evaluable patients entered CR1 with a median time to platelet and neutrophil recovery of 22 and 26 days, respectively. CR1 rates were similar in AML (54%) and ALL/acute biphenotypic leukemia (67%; P = .52), and analysis of baseline characteristics did not reveal any predictors of response to VP/Cy. Twenty-nine of 32 CR1 patients subsequently underwent SCT (24 allogeneic and 5 autologous). Estimated 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival for the entire cohort are 23% and 26%, respectively. In the allogeneic SCT group, 5-year EFS was 52% for AML patients and 14% for ALL patients (P = .04), and only male sex was predictive of a favorable outcome (P = .03). VP/Cy is able to induce CR1 in most patients with primary refractory AL with an acceptable toxicity profile. Subsequent allogeneic SCT can lead to long-term EFS in a significant proportion of patients.

Primary therapy for adults with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma with hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation results in favorable outcomes

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists regarding the role of high-dose therapy followed by stem-cell transplant (SCT) in the treatment of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL). We conducted an intention-to-treat analysis of the strategy of SCT as definitive treatment of T-LBL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From July 1987 to March 2005, 34 adults with T-LBL were diagnosed and treated in British Columbia. Treatment, before planned SCT, consisted of a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)/acute lymphoblastic leukemia hybrid chemotherapy protocol (28 patients) or a standard NHL chemotherapy regimen (six patients).

RESULTS

Median follow-up of the 23 surviving patients is 51 months (range 13-142 months). Twenty-nine proceeded to SCT (four allogeneic, 25 autologous). For all 34 patients, 4-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) are 72% and 68%, respectively. For patients proceeding to SCT, the 4-year OS and EFS are 79% and 73%, respectively. All patients who received allografts are alive without disease at 38-141 months since diagnosis. For patients who received autografts, the 4-year EFS is 69%. Bone marrow involvement was a significant prognostic factor predicting for a worse survival (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

A treatment strategy for adults with chemosensitive T-LBL that includes planned consolidation with SCT in first response produces favorable long-term outcome.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation as primary therapy of sporadic adult Burkitt lymphoma

High dose chemoradiotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is used as primary therapy for patients diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Forty-three adults presented with sporadic BL in British Columbia between 1987 and 2003. Twenty patients had bone marrow involvement. Sixteen patients did not proceed to SCT because of chemorefractory disease (n = 9) or other reasons (n = 7). Twenty-seven patients proceeded to SCT and had a 3-year event-free survival of 51%. In conclusion, approximately 50% of patients with chemosensitive BL who undergo SCT can be cured; however, a significant number of patients will not proceed to SCT because of early resistance or recurrence.

Philadelphia-negative clonal hematopoiesis following imatinib therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: a report of nine cases and analysis of predictive factors

There are increasing reports of Philadelphia-negative (Ph-negative) clonal hematopoiesis developing among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with imatinib mesylate (IM). To establish the incidence and significance of these chromosomal abnormalities, we analyzed data on 141 consecutive patients with CML treated with IM at the British Columbia Cancer Agency and Vancouver General Hospital from 1999 to 2004. The cumulative incidence of developing a Ph-negative clone three years from the start of IM was 8.7% at a median of 13.3 months. The Ph-negative clonal abnormalities included monosomy 7 and/or trisomy 8 (seven patients), monosomy for chromosomes X and 22 (one patient), and a (12;16) translocation (one patient). Two of the patients presented with the same chromosomal abnormality in both Ph-negative and Ph-positive cells. None of the Ph-negative clonal abnormalities was associated with myelodysplasia. In a multivariate analysis, an interval from diagnosis to initiation of IM of 1 year or less was associated with an increased risk of developing a Ph-negative clone (relative risk = 20.2; P = 0.025). There was no difference, however, in event-free survival between patients who did and did not develop Ph-negative clones. Therefore, while the development of Ph-negative clonal hematopoiesis in patients with CML treated with IM is uncommon, it appears to be more frequent than that previously seen with IFN, but it does not seem to confer a worse prognosis.

Shifting to outpatient management of acute myeloid leukemia: a prospective experience

BACKGROUND

We assessed the feasibility of outpatient chemotherapy and supportive care in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients receiving curative intent chemotherapy between 09/01 and 10/02 and meeting our criteria received supportive care post induction chemotherapy as well as their entire consolidation chemotherapy cycles as outpatients. Patients received antimicrobial prophylaxis; those developing episodes of fever and not meeting the criteria for admission were treated with outpatient intravenous antibiotics.

RESULTS

Seventy-one cycles of induction chemotherapy were administered for newly diagnosed or relapsed AML. In 25 cycles the patient was discharged post chemotherapy prior to count recovery. Of these, 14 patients developed one or more febrile episodes as an outpatient and nine (36%) required readmission to hospital. Sixty-seven consolidation cycles were given on an outpatient basis. In 39 cycles there was one or more febrile episodes and in 14 (21%) admission was required. Infections were documented in four cases during induction and in 27 during consolidation. There were no treatment-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatient management of AML is safe and feasible using the strategies outlined in this report.

High-dose therapy and autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation does not increase the risk of second neoplasms for patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma: a comparison of conventional therapy alone versus conventional therapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence of second malignancies among patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) compared with patients receiving conventional therapy alone and to identify potential risk factors for their occurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed data on 1,732 consecutive patients with HL treated at the British Columbia Cancer Agency from 1976 to 2001, including 202 patients undergoing AHSCT. The median follow-up duration was 9.8 years for the whole cohort, 9.7 years for those patients treated with conventional therapy, and 7.8 years from AHSCT.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of developing any second malignancy 15 years after therapy for HL was 9% (risk ratio = 3.5; P < .001); however, the incidence did not differ between those patients receiving conventional therapy alone compared with those undergoing AHSCT (10% and 8%, respectively; P = .48). In multivariate analysis, the only factor significantly associated with an increased risk of developing any second neoplasm or solid tumor was age > or = 35 years (P < .0001). An increased risk of therapy-induced acute myeloid leukemia and therapy-induced myelodysplastic syndrome was seen for patients aged > or = 35 years (P = .03) and stage III/IV (P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Patients with HL are at increased risk of developing a second neoplasm. However, those patients undergoing AHSCT do not seem to be at greater risk compared with those patients receiving conventional therapy alone, at least during the first decade after therapy.

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for relapsed and refractory aggressive histology non-Hodgkin lymphoma*

Forty-four patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive histology non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (diffuse large B cell, n = 23; peripheral T cell, n = 5; transformed B cell, n = 16) proceeded to allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) between 1987 and 2003. Median age at transplant was 40 years (range 19-56 years). At the time of transplant, 35 were chemosensitive and nine were chemorefractory. Thirty-three patients had matched sibling donors and 11 had unrelated donors. Forty-two patients (95%) received radiation-based conditioning regimens. Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) at 5 years was 43% [95% confidence interval (CI): 27-58%] and 48% (95% CI: 32-63%) respectively. Treatment-related mortality was 25% at 1 year. Grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was the only significant variable affecting OS and EFS, and had a negative impact. Chronic GVHD did not influence survival. Lymphoma relapse <12 months after initial therapy predicted for increased risk of relapse post-transplant (P = 0.02). Patients with chemorefractory lymphoma were not at increased risk of relapse (P = 0.20) with four of nine patients remaining alive without disease 12-103 months post-transplant. In conclusion, allo-SCT for relapsed or refractory aggressive histology NHL results in long-term EFS and OS of 40-50%. Patients with chemorefractory disease can have a durable remission post-transplant.