Consensus recommendations on the management of toxicity associated with CD3×CD20 bispecific antibody therapy

ABSTRACT

Bispecific antibodies (BsAb) that target CD3 and CD20 represent a new milestone in the treatment of patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These drugs have demonstrated remarkable single-agent activity in patients with heavily pretreated disease, and 3 drugs have so far received regulatory approvals in various countries. However, BsAbs can potentially lead to severe toxicity associated with T-cell activation, particularly cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The anticipated widespread use of these off-the-shelf products poses challenges for implementation and highlights the need for guidance in anticipating, mitigating, and managing adverse events. In clinical trials, guidance for the evaluation and treatment of CRS and neurotoxicity associated with BsAb therapy has been modeled after algorithms originally created for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies and other immune effector therapies, yet notable differences in timing, quality, and severity exist between the toxicities of BsAbs and CAR T-cell therapies. We therefore convened an international panel of academic and community practice physicians, advanced practitioners, registered nurses, and pharmacists with experience using CD3×CD20 BsAbs in clinical trial and off-trial settings to provide comprehensive, consensus-based recommendations specific to the assessment and management of CD3×CD20 BsAb-related toxicities.

Geriatric assessment measures are predictive of outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

INTRODUCTION

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) commonly affects older adults. However, few studies have examined the relationship between baseline geriatric domains and clinical outcomes in this population. Here, we aim to evaluate the use of a comprehensive geriatric assessment in older (>65 years) untreated patients with CLL to predict outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a planned analysis of 369 patients with CLL age 65 or older treated in a phase 3 randomized trial of bendamustine plus rituximab versus ibrutinib plus rituximab versus ibrutinib alone (A041202). Patients underwent evaluations of geriatric domains including functional status, psychological status, social activity, cognition, social support, and nutritional status. We examined associations among baseline geriatric domains with grade 3+ adverse events using multivariable logistic regression and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using multivariable Cox regression models.

RESULTS

In this study, the median age was 71 years (range: 65-87). In the combined multivariable model, the following geriatric domains were significantly associated with PFS: Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) - social activities survey score (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] 0.974(0.961, 0.988), p = 0.0002) and nutritional status (≥5% weight loss in the preceding six months: (HR [95% CI] 2.717[1.696, 4.354], p < 0.001). MOS - social activities score [HR (95% CI) 0.978(0.958, 0.999), p = 0.038] was associated with OS. No geriatric domains were significantly associated with toxicity. There were no statistically significant interactions between geriatric domains and treatment.

DISCUSSION

Geriatric domains of social activity and nutritional status were associated with OS and/or PFS in older adults with CLL. These findings highlight the importance of assessing geriatric domains to identify high-risk patients with CLL who may benefit from additional support during treatment.

Dual targeting of CD19 and CD22 with bicistronic CAR-T cells in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma

Relapse after CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is commonly ascribed to antigen loss or CAR-T exhaustion. Multiantigen targeting and programmed cell death protein-1 blockade are rational approaches to prevent relapse. Here, we test CD19/22 dual-targeting CAR-T (AUTO3) plus pembrolizumab in relapsed/refractory LBCL (NCT03289455). End points include toxicity (primary) and response rates (secondary). Fifty-two patients received AUTO3 and 48/52 received pembrolizumab. Median age was 59 years (range, 27-83), 46/52 had stage III/ IV disease and median follow-up was 21.6 months. AUTO3 was safe; grade 1-2 and grade 3 cytokine release syndrome affected 18/52 (34.6%) and 1/52 (1.9%) patients, neurotoxicity arose in 4 patients (2/4, grade 3-4), and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis affected 2 patients. Outpatient administration was tested in 20 patients, saving a median of 14 hospital days per patient. Overall response rates were 66% (48.9%, complete response [CR]; 17%, partial response). Median duration of remission (DOR) for CR patients was not reached and for all responding patients was 8.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0-not evaluable). 54.4% (CI: 32.8-71.7) of CR patients and 42.6% of all responding patients were projected to remain progression-free at ≥12 months. AUTO3 ± pembrolizumab for relapsed/refractory LBCL was safe and delivered durable remissions in 54.4% of complete responders, associated with robust CAR-T expansion. Neither dual-targeting CAR-T nor pembrolizumab prevented relapse in a significant proportion of patients, and future developments include next-generation-AUTO3, engineered for superior expansion in vivo, and selection of CAR binders active at low antigen densities.

Abstract PO-06: Ultradeep sequencing of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) identifies recurrent somatic mutations and demonstrates the production of reproducible data from rare malignant cells

Purpose/Background: cHL patients who receive standard therapy have a high rate of event-free and overall survival. However, some patients (~10%) will be refractory to initial therapy and up to 1/3 will relapse. Thus, improved methods of prognostication and new treatment targets are needed. High-throughput sequencing can identify recurrent somatic mutations that drive lymphomagenesis and impact treatment response. However, Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells have a low (~1%) abundance in cHL biopsies, creating a challenge for comprehensive and accurate detection of somatic mutations in bulk lymphoma biopsies. Genomic studies of cHL have characterized HRS somatic mutations through the analysis of malignant cells obtained using purification techniques, cell-free DNA, or DNA amplified through whole-genome amplification. We hypothesized that ultradeep sequencing of bulk lymphoma biopsies provides a more accessible approach to HRS characterization while also creating robust and reproducible data.

Methods: We performed exome sequencing on 32 fresh frozen samples from 31 cHL patients obtained prior to treatment (27) or after relapse (4) with paired normal skin samples (31). The Illumina HiSeq platform (2 x 150bp reads) was used with multiple independent library constructions and a 1,000X median coverage goal. Sequence data were aligned to GRCh38. SNVs and INDELs were called using multiple algorithms. We employed several variant filtering strategies, including manual review, to remove common polymorphisms and false positives. Because we discovered mutations with VAFs close to the platform error rate (~1%), we used an orthogonal sequencing strategy (Haloplex) to validate all somatic variants.

Results: We observed 4,020 somatic variants. On average, we observed 32 protein-coding mutations/case, excluding one hypermutated case in which 3,084 variants were observed. We identified a potential loss-of-function insertion in MSH6 that could explain the hypermutated phenotype. We achieved a 99% validation rate across the cohort for somatic variants discovered in exomes. We confirmed known recurrently mutated cHL genes (e.g., SOCS1 [43%], STAT6 [20%], TNFAIP3 [40%]). We identified several significantly recurrent mutated genes not well characterized in cHL, including IGLL5 [26%] and IL4R [13%]. All IL4R mutations are potential loss-of-function mutations that could result in greater activation of STAT6 through ablation of ITIM negative modulation. We identified an enrichment of SOCS1 and IGLL5 mutations that is likely the result of aberrant somatic hypermutation. Pathway analysis also identified an enrichment of mutations in MAPK pathways.

Conclusion: These data suggest that cHL somatic mutations can be confidently identified via ultradeep exome sequencing without cell purification. We show that cHL genomes harbor somatic variation that inform new targets for treatment and prognostication.

Citation Format: Felicia Gomez, Matthew Mosior, Zachary Skidmore, Alina Schmidt, Fernanda Rodrigues-Martins, Kilannin Krysiak, Cody Ramirez, Eric Duncavage, Grace Triska, Lee Trani, Nancy Bartlett, Amanda Cashen, Neha Mehta-Shah, Friederike Kreisel, Malachi Griffith, Todd Fehniger, Obi Griffith. Ultradeep sequencing of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) identifies recurrent somatic mutations and demonstrates the production of reproducible data from rare malignant cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: Advances in Malignant Lymphoma; 2020 Aug 17-19. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Blood Cancer Discov 2020;1(3_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-06.

Systemic Exposure of Rituximab Increased by Ibrutinib: Pharmacokinetic Results and Modeling Based on the HELIOS Trial

INTRODUCTION

In the HELIOS trial, bendamustine/rituximab (BR) plus ibrutinib (BR-I) improved disease outcomes versus BR plus placebo in previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Here, we describe the pharmacokinetic (PK) observations, along with modeling to further explore the interaction between ibrutinib and rituximab.

METHODS

578 subjects were randomized to ibrutinib or placebo with BR (6 cycles). Ibrutinib PK samples and tumor measurements were obtained from all subjects; a subset was evaluated for bendamustine and rituximab PK. Population rituximab PK was assessed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling.

RESULTS

Dose-normalized plasma concentration-time bendamustine data were comparable between the arms. Systemic rituximab exposure was higher with BR-I versus BR; mean trough serum concentrations were 2- to 3-fold higher in the first three cycles and 1.2- to 1.7-fold higher subsequently. No relevant safety differences were observed. In the modeling, including treatment arm as a categorical covariate and tumor burden as a continuous time-varying covariate on overall rituximab clearance significantly improved fitting of the data.

CONCLUSIONS

BR-I led to higher dose-normalized systemic rituximab exposure versus BR and more rapid steady-state achievement. The modeling data suggest that rituximab disposition is, at least in part, target mediated. Determining the clinical significance of these findings requires further assessments.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01611090 .

NCCN Guidelines Insights: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma, Version 1.2017

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are different manifestations of the same disease and managed in much the same way. The advent of novel CD20 monoclonal antibodies led to the development of effective chemoimmunotherapy regimens. More recently, small molecule inhibitors targeting kinases involved in a number of critical signaling pathways and a small molecule inhibitor of the BCL-2 family of proteins have demonstrated activity for the treatment of patients with CLL/SLL. These NCCN Guidelines Insights highlight important updates to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for CLL/SLL for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL.

Abstract 2448: Deep exome sequencing reveals recurrent somatic mutations in Hodgkin's lymphoma

High-throughput sequencing provides insights into cancer pathogenesis. The application of genomics technologies to cancers characterized by rare cell populations is a challenge. DNA extracted from bulk tumor samples is a mixture of malignant and non-malignant cells. This is a problem in cancers defined by rare cell populations because it complicates the task of identifying true somatic mutations. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) exemplifies this challenge. The pathologic hallmark of HL is Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells. HRS cells have a low abundance within an affected lymph node (1-30% of tumor microenvironment). Because HRS cells are rare, a limited number of studies have described characteristic genomic events. These studies have examined HL cell lines, and, recently, a small number of flow-sorted HRS-cells (Reichel et. al. 2015). We hypothesized that recurrent somatic mutations can be identified in HRS cells using bulk HL biopsies and ultra deep exome sequencing.

The Illumina HiSeq X,which can generate&gt; 1.6 Tb of sequence data per run, is a applicable tool for the discovery of somatic mutations in HL. Frozen tumor (lymph node)/normal (skin) pairs from 31 patients with HL were examined. Three KAPA libraries were constructed per sample. The libraries were pooled, size selected, and captured using an IDT xGen capture reagent. The pools were sequenced across eight lanes of a HiSeq X. A total of 7.04 x 1012 bases were sequenced across all samples with an average of 1.10 x 1011 bases per sample. The mean depth of coverage achieved across all samples was 783.4x (425.9x - 1091.9x). Given the low abundance of HRS cells we anticipated most somatic sites would have a VAF of 1% -5%. Given the level of coverage we anticipate that most somatic variants will have &gt;5 reads of support.

Instrument data were processed using the McDonnell Genome Institute somatic variant calling pipeline that includes 5 SNV callers and 3 indel callers. We used these steps to filter variants: min. 50x coverage, max. 5000x coverage, min. 1% tumor VAF, max. 5%, normal VAF, and min. 5 variant reads in the tumor. Here we report preliminary data on mutations in five pilot samples. The remaining 26 will be presented at the meeting. We confirmed 7 previously identified recurrent mutations in HL (Reichel et al. 2015). Within our pilot data 13 recurrently mutated genes were found. The most interesting of our recurrent genes is TNFAIP3, which was the second most frequently mutated gene in Reichel et al. 2015. These data suggest that ultra deep sequencing of tumor samples containing rare HRS cells can identify recurrent somatic mutations. Thus, ultra deep exome sequencing may be a useful discovery tool for rare tumor populations, and will improve our understanding of HL.

Citation Format: Felicia Gomez, Kilannin Krysiak, Cody Ramirez, Nancy Bartlett, Amanda Cashen, Friederike Kreisel, Eric Duncavage, Malachi Griffith, Todd Fehniger, Obi Griffith. Deep exome sequencing reveals recurrent somatic mutations in Hodgkin's lymphoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2448. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2448

Abstract CT047: SD-101, a novel intratumoral class C CpG-ODN, given with low-dose radiation in patients with untreated low-grade B-cell lymphoma: interim results of a phase I trial

Prior studies have shown preliminary clinical efficacy in combining CPG-ODN with radiation therapy (XRT) to patients with indolent B-cell lymphoma. We report Phase 1 data of combination XRT and SD-101, a synthetic class C CPG-ODN, selected for strong induction of type I interferon.

Methods: This dose-escalation Phase I trial (3+3 design) enrolled patients with untreated indolent B-cell lymphoma. The primary endpoints were safety and alpha-interferon-gene induction. Secondary endpoints included efficacy assessment using Cheson (1999) criteria and quantification of changes in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Patients had a single lesion treated with XRT (2 Gy daily X 2 days) followed by weekly intratumoral SD-101 × 5 doses. Pharmacodynamic assessment included flow cytometry assessment of T-cell infiltrates in a FNA sample of the treated tumor and RT-PCR RNA assay of whole blood to assess induction of alpha-interferon genes. Efficacy assessment included imaging (CT at 3, 6, and every 6 months thereafter).

Results: As of 23 Dec 2015, 13 patients total were enrolled and treated with SD-101 doses of 1, 2, 4 or 8 mg/dose. There were no dose limiting toxicities. Twelve patients received all planned doses of XRT and SD-101. One patient (8 mg) withdrew consent for treatment after receiving 1 SD-101 dose due to Grade 2 confusion and flu-like symptoms. The most common adverse events (AEs) (decreasing frequency) were chills, malaise, myalgia, fatigue, headache, pyrexia, and nausea, typically resolving within 48 hours. One serious AE occurred (Grade 3 Pulmonary Embolism (4 mg)) which was incidental and asymptomatic. There were 2 dose delays due to an AE (Grade 3 neutropenia) in the same patient (8 mg) that resolved without treatment. The other AE was Grade 3 malaise reported in 2 patients (8 mg). At study Day 90, a reduction of the product of diameters in treated tumors occurred in 12 patients (median -45.3%; range [-87, +100]) and in non-treated tumors occurred in 11 patients (median -8.1%; range [-48, +45]). An induction of alpha-interferon genes occurred at all dose levels with similar level of induction. At the treated site, regulatory T-cells (T Regs) were reduced in 8 of 10 patients (average decrease 22.3 + 9.5%) at Day 8. There was an average reduction of 83.3 + 9.9% in follicular T helper cells (Tfh) at Day 8 (n = 9 with baseline Tfh).

Conclusions: SD-101 combined with radiation therapy showed preliminary abscopal anti-tumor activity and was well tolerated. A maximum tolerated dose has not yet been reached at the doses explored. Target engagement of the TLR-9 receptor (induction of interferon-alpha genes) was observed across all dose groups. A decrease in the proportion of T Regs and Tfh cells suggests modulation of their inhibitory effects and tumor growth promoting effects, respectively. The study is currently enrolling 2 expansion cohorts at 1 mg and 8 mg.

Citation Format: Ronald Levy, Nancy Bartlett, Jonathan Friedberg, Patrick Reagan, Leo Gordon, Craig Bergman, Robert Coffman, Robert Janssen, Albert Candia, Michael Khodadoust, Matthew Frank, Steven Long, Debra Czerwinski, Michael Chu, Holbrook Kohrt. SD-101, a novel intratumoral class C CpG-ODN, given with low-dose radiation in patients with untreated low-grade B-cell lymphoma: interim results of a phase I trial. [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 CT047.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, version 1.2015

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are different manifestations of the same disease, which are managed in the same way. The advent of novel monoclonal antibodies (ofatumumab and obinutuzumab) led to the development of effective chemoimmunotherapy regimens. The recently approved small molecule kinase inhibitors (ibrutinib and idelalisib) are effective treatment options for CLL in elderly patients with decreased tolerance for aggressive regimens and in patients with poor prognostic features who do not benefit from conventional chemoimmunotherapy regimens. This portion of the NCCN Guidelines for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas describes the recent specific to the incorporation of recently approved targeted therapies for the management of patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed or refractory CLL/SLL.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, version 2.2014

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders originating in B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, or natural killer cells. Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common subtype of indolent NHL, accounting for approximately 22% of all newly diagnosed cases of NHL. The incorporation of rituximab to chemotherapy regimens has become a widely accepted standard of care for first-line therapy for patients with FL. Maintenance and consolidation therapy with rituximab and radioimmunotherapy have also been associated with improved progression-free survival in patients experiencing response to first-line therapy. Despite therapeutic advances that have improved outcomes, FL is generally considered a chronic disease characterized by multiple recurrences with current therapies. This manuscript discusses the recommendations outlined in the NCCN Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with FL.

Clinical or survival benefit to routine surveillance imaging for classical Hodgkin lymphoma patients in first complete remission

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Background: Routine surveillance imaging (RSI) for patients in complete remission from classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is common practice. RSI offers the theoretical benefit of detecting asymptomatic relapse, which may allow for more successful second-line therapy. Despite this, evidence for a clinical benefit of RSI is lacking. We compared outcomes in cHL patients undergoing RSI versus clinical surveillance (CS) in which scans are only obtained to evaluate concerning signs or symptoms. Methods: Patients with cHL diagnosed at three tertiary care centers from 2001-2010, who achieved complete remission (CR) following frontline therapy, were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the surveillance strategy employed. Baseline patient characteristics, prognostic features, treatment records, and outcomes were collected. The primary objective was to compare overall survival for patients undergoing RSI versus CS. As a secondary objective we compared the success of second-line therapy for relapsed patients in each group. Results: 207 patients met eligibility criteria, with 131 RSI patients and 76 CS patients. Patient characteristics (age, gender, stage, sedimentation rate, Hasenclever index, bulky disease and B symptoms) were similar in each group. Chemotherapy consisted of ABVD in 79% and Stanford V in 15%. Patients in the RSI group more commonly received ABVD (91% vs. 57%) and less often radiation therapy (38% vs. 68%). Mean number of scans was 4.77 in RSI and 1.11 in CS groups, respectively. With a median follow up of 4 years, the overall survival was similar in both groups (p=0.74), with 5 (3.8%) deaths in the RSI group and 4 (5.3%) in the CS group. Six (4.6%) relapses occurred in the RSI group (4 of which were detected by RSI), and 5 (6.6%) in the CS group (p=0.64 for relapse at 5 years). All relapsed patients achieved second CR with second-line therapy. Conclusions: RSI did not yield a survival advantage in cHL patients who achieved CR after frontline therapy.Given the radiation exposure, cost, and risk for additional procedures associated with RSI, we conclude CS is the preferred strategy in cHL patients in first complete remission.

Preirradiation chemotherapy with methotrexate, rituximab, and temozolomide and post-irradiation temozolomide for primary central nervous system lymphoma: RTOG 0227 phase II study results

2033

Background: This prospective phase II study tested a methotrexate (MTX), temozolomide (TMZ) and rituximab (RTX) pre-irradiation regimen with hyperfractionated whole brain radiation therapy (hWBRT) followed by post-irradiation TMZ for patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). The primary phase II endpoint was the 2-year overall survival (OS) rate compared with the 2-year OS from RTOG 93-10 (MTX, procarbazine, vincristine, whole brain radiation therapy, cytarabine). Secondary endpoints were pre-irradiation chemotherapy tumor response rates (compared to RTOG 93-10), progression free survival (PFS), acute and late neurologic toxicities, and quality of life. Methods: 53 patients (28 women, 25 men), median age 57.5 years, median Zubrod 1 were treated with RTX 375 mg/m2 3 days prior to first cycle of MTX; 5 cycles of intravenous MTX 3.5 g/m2 with leucovorin rescue on weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9; TMZ 100 mg/m2 daily for 5 days weeks 4 and 8; hWBRT 1.2 Gy twice daily fractions 5 days/week on weeks 11, 12, 13 for a total of 36 Gy and TMZ 200 mg/m2 daily for 5 days on weeks 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50. Results: Dosing of pre-irradiation temozolomide at 100 mg/m2 was determined in the phase I portion of the study. With a median follow-up of 3.6 years, 2-year OS and PFS rates were 80.8% and 63.6%, respectively. Compared with historical controls from RTOG 93-10, 2-year OS and PFS were significantly improved (p = 0.006 and 0.03). The overall response rate to the pre-irradiation chemotherapy was 37.7% (complete response 11.3%, partial response 26.4%). 38% experienced grade 3 and 25% experienced grade 4 toxicities before the start of hWBRT. 33% experienced grade 3 and 21% experienced grade 4 toxicities attributable to post-hWBRT chemotherapy. Conclusions: The combination of MTX, TMZ, RTX followed by hWBRT and TMZ for PCNSL is safe with demonstrated improved 2 year OS and PFS compared with RTOG 93-10. Further investigations regarding the role of hWBRT and post-hWBRT TMZ are indicated. This project was supported by RTOG grant U10 CA21661 and CCOP grant U10 CA37422 from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Schering-Plough. Clinical trial information: NCT00068250.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, version 1.2013

These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize several key updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL) and provide a discussion of the clinical evidence that support the updates. The updates discussed in this article feature recommendations for additional treatment options in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and guidance surrounding the management of hepatitis virus reactivation/infections in high-risk patients with NHL undergoing antitumor therapy.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas, version 3.2012

These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize several key updates to the 2012 NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL) and describe the clinical evidence supporting the updates. The featured updates include changes to the recommendations for treatment options in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (including in elderly or frail patients and patients with poor-risk cytogenetics), guidance surrounding surveillance imaging for follow-up of patients with NHL, and the addition of first-line consolidation options for patients with mantle cell lymphoma.

Pilot study of dacetuzumab in combination with rituximab and gemcitabine for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Dacetuzumab, a CD40-targeted, humanized antibody, mediates antitumor activity through effector cell functions and direct apoptotic signal transduction. Preclinical studies demonstrated synergistic activity between dacetuzumab, gemcitabine and rituximab against non-Hodgkin lymphoma in vivo. A phase 1b safety/efficacy study of dacetuzumab in combination with rituximab and gemcitabine was conducted in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Patients received dacetuzumab at doses of 8 or 12 mg/kg IV weekly with rituximab (375 mg/m(2) IV weekly in cycle 1, then every 28 days) and gemcitabine (1000 mg/m(2) IV, days 1, 8 and 15, or days 1 and 15). Thirty-three patients with a median age of 67 years were enrolled. Common adverse events (≥ 15%) were grade 1/2 cytokine release syndrome, nausea, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, headache, decreased appetite, dyspnea, neutropenia, pyrexia, anemia, diarrhea, edema, constipation and cough. Dacetuzumab-related grade 3/4 adverse events occurred infrequently. Six of 30 evaluable patients achieved a complete response (CR) and eight a partial response (PR) per investigator assessment for an overall response rate (ORR) of 47%.

Brentuximab vedotin for relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Preliminary results from a phase II study

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Background: Brentuximab vedotin is a CD30-directed antibody-drug conjugate approved for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) after failure of other therapies. Based on the high objective response rate observed in patients with systemic ALCL, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is characterized by homogeneous CD30 expression, a study was initiated in other non-Hodgkin lymphomas that express the CD30 target. Methods: A phase 2 open-label single-arm study is underway in patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, excluding ALCL (NCT01421667). Brentuximab vedotin is administered IV at 1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint is objective response rate assessed by the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma (Cheson 2007). Tumor specimens are assessed by central lab in order to characterize the relationship of CD30 expression with antitumor activity. Results: Ten patients (age range 28–83; 5 M, 5 F) have enrolled to date. Diagnoses include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL, n=2), EBV-positive DLBCL of the elderly (n=3), primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (n=2), peripheral T-cell lymphoma NOS (n=2), and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Patients had received 1–6 prior chemotherapy regimens; 3 patients had prior stem cell transplants. Of 6 patients who have completed the cycle 2 response assessment, 2 attained complete remission, 1 with DLBCL (90% CD30+) and 1 with AITL (8% CD30+), 1 had stable disease, and 3 had progressive disease. Treatment-related serious adverse events observed to date were rash, febrile neutropenia, and mastoiditis. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that brentuximab vedotin may have antitumor activity in patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-expressing non-Hodgkin lymphomas, in addition to the efficacy previously observed in systemic ALCL. Updated study results will be presented.

Retreatment with brentuximab vedotin in CD30‑positive hematologic malignancies: A phase II study

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Background: Brentuximab vedotin comprises an anti-CD30 antibody conjugated by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule-disrupting agent, MMAE. In pivotal phase 2 studies in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) or systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL), objective response rates were 75% and 86% and median durations of response were 6.7 and 12.6 mo, respectively. A phase 2 study was initiated to investigate if pts who have previously responded to brentuximab vedotin could achieve another remission with retreatment (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00947856). Methods: Pts had a CD30-positive hematologic malignancy, achieved an objective response (per Cheson 2007) with prior brentuximab vedotin treatment, and experienced relapse after discontinuing treatment. Brentuximab vedotin was administered IV 1.8 mg/kg every 21 days; antitumor activity was assessed by the investigator. Results: 14 HL pts and 8 sALCL (5 ALK-negative) pts were enrolled (median age 34 yr, range 16–72). Pts had received a median of 4 prior chemotherapy regimens (range 2–12). Median time since the previous brentuximab vedotin treatment was 6.9 mo (range 1–44). Median number of retreatment cycles was 7 (range 1+ to 32+). Adverse events (AEs) in >25% of pts were nausea (41%), fatigue (36%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (36%), and diarrhea (27%). The most common Grade 3/4 AEs were anemia, fatigue, and hyperglycemia (3 pts each). Of the 11 pts who had pre-existing peripheral neuropathy, 3 (27%) had worsening with retreatment. Best clinical responses in pts with HL were 3 CR, 5 PR, 3 SD, 3 PD. Among pts with sALCL, 5 achieved a CR, 1 had PD, and 2 were not yet evaluated. Of the 8 pts with CR in retreatment, previous best responses to brentuximab vedotin treatment were 4 PR and 4 CR. Median duration of retreatment response was 10.8 mo (range 0+ to 10.8), and in pts who achieved CR, the median duration of response was not reached (range 0+ to 10.5 mo); 11 pts remain on retreatment. Conclusions: Retreatment with brentuximab vedotin was generally well tolerated. Objective responses were observed (13 of 20; 65%) in this heavily pretreated population. Enrollment to the phase 2 retreatment study is ongoing.

CALGB 50401: A randomized trial of lenalidomide alone versus lenalidomide plus rituximab in patients with recurrent follicular lymphoma

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Background: Lenalidomide (L) and rituximab (R) are active as single agents in follicular (FL) and other B-cell lymphomas, although combination strategies have not been previously assessed in a randomized fashion. Methods: CALGB 50401 is a randomized phase II study, initially designed to evaluate 3 regimens: R alone (375 mg/m2 weekly x 4), L alone (15 mg cycle 1, then escalated to 20 mg cycles 2-12, administered days 1-21 q 28 days x 12 cycles) or the combination of L+ R (other 2 arms combined). The R alone arm was discontinued due to slow accrual with 3 enrolled subjects. Eligibility included recurrent FL, prior therapy with rituximab alone or in combination, and TTP of ≥ 6 months from last rituximab dose. Prophylactic ASA or LMW heparin was recommended for patients at high risk for thrombosis. Results: Of 94 pts registered to L or LR, 89 (45 L and 44 LR) received at least one dose and had adequate data for analysis. Baseline characteristics include median age 63 (range 34-85) and 60% with intermediate- or high-risk FLIPI. Grade 3-4 adverse events (AE) were most commonly neutropenia (16% L,19% LR), fatigue (9% L, 14% LR) and thrombosis (16% - 7 pts L, 4% - 2 pts LR, p=0.158), and overall were seen in 49% (L) and 52% (LR) with 9% grade 4 in each arm. The full regimen was completed in 33% (L) and 59% (LR) of patients, with the difference due to more progressions or non-responders in the L group. In both arms about 19% of subjects discontinued therapy early due to AEs and dose intensity was over 80%. Objective response rates are L - 49% (13% CR) and LR - 75% (32% CR). With a median follow-up of 1.5 years (range 0.1- 3.6 years), median EFS is 1.2 years (L) and 2.0 years (LR), p=0.0063, log-rank test. Conclusions: Lenalidomide + rituximab is more active than lenalidomide alone in patients with recurrent FL with similar toxicity. A trend toward lower thrombosis risk with LR may relate to greater anti-tumor efficacy. The LR regimen warrants further study in FL including as a backbone for addition of novel agents in relapsed and frontline settings.

Characteristics and outcomes of extranodal NK/t-cell lymphoma (ENKL): A North American (NA) multi-institutional experience

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

Pralatrexate in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma: results from the pivotal PROPEL study

PURPOSE

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a poor prognosis subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with no accepted standard of care. This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of pralatrexate, a novel antifolate with promising activity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with independently confirmed PTCL who progressed following ≥ 1 line of prior therapy received pralatrexate intravenously at 30 mg/m(2)/wk for 6 weeks in 7-week cycles. Primary assessment of response was made by independent central review using the International Workshop Criteria. The primary end point was overall response rate. Secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Of 115 patients enrolled, 111 were treated with pralatrexate. The median number of prior systemic therapies was three (range, 1 to 12). The response rate in 109 evaluable patients was 29% (32 of 109), including 12 complete responses (11%) and 20 partial responses (18%), with a median DoR of 10.1 months. Median PFS and OS were 3.5 and 14.5 months, respectively. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were thrombocytopenia (32%), mucositis (22%), neutropenia (22%), and anemia (18%).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, PROPEL (Pralatrexate in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma) is the largest prospective study conducted in patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL. Pralatrexate induced durable responses in relapsed or refractory PTCL irrespective of age, histologic subtypes, amount of prior therapy, prior methotrexate, and prior autologous stem-cell transplant. These data formed the basis for the US Food and Drug Administration approval of pralatrexate, the first drug approved for this disease.

PROPEL: Results of the pivotal, multicenter, phase II study of pralatrexate in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)

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Background: Pralatrexate is a novel targeted antifolate designed to accumulate preferentially in cancer cells. PROPEL, a pivotal phase 2, non-randomized, open-label, international study, is the largest prospective study in patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory PTCL. Methods: Pts received 30 mg/m2 of pralatrexate intravenously weekly for 6 of 7 weeks, supplemented with B12 and folic acid. Primary endpoint = objective response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints = response duration, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Eligibility criteria: histologically confirmed PTCL, disease progression after ≥ 1 prior treatment, and ECOG performance status ≤ 2. Pathology was confirmed by independent central review, response to therapy was assessed by independent central review using International Workshop Criteria (IWC). Results: 115 pts were enrolled, 109 were evaluable for efficacy. 111 treated pts included 76 males (68%) and 35 females (32%). Pts had failed a median of 3 prior regimens and thus were heavily pre-treated. 78 pts (70%) failed CHOP, 18 (16%) had previous autologous stem cell transplant. 25% of pts never responded to any prior therapy; 53% did not respond to last prior therapy. The majority (59 pts, 53%) had PTCL not-otherwise specified. The ORR by central review was 27% (n = 29). 11 pts (10% overall, 38% of responders) had a complete response (CR), 18 pts (17%) had a partial response (PR), and 23 (21%) had stable disease. ORR by investigators assessment was 39% (n = 42). The median duration of response cannot be accurately estimated at this time, though responses of > 1 year have been observed. 69% of responses were after just 1 cycle. 5 responding pts went on to transplant. The most frequent Grade (Gr) 3–4 adverse events were mucosal inflammation (Gr 3 = 17%, Gr 4 = 4%) and thrombocytopenia (Gr 3 = 14%, Gr 4 = 19%). Conclusions: The results of PROPEL show that pralatrexate exhibits substantial activity in pts with relapsed or refractory PTCL, as assessed by a rigorous central review, with durable CRs /PRs, irrespective of the amount of prior therapy.

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Complete remissions with weekly dosing of SGN-35, a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CD30, in a phase I dose-escalation study in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) or systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL)

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Background: A defining feature of HL and sALCL is CD30 expression on malignant cells. The ADC SGN-35 comprises an anti-CD30 antibody conjugated to the antitubulin agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). SGN-35 causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by binding to CD30 on the tumor cell surface, internalizing, and releasing MMAE into the cell. In a previous phase 1 study with q3 wk dosing, 54% of pts achieved an objective response (CR/PR) at SGN-35 doses ≥1.2 mg/kg [ASH 2008 abstract 1006]. Methods: To assess if more frequent dosing might maximize anti-tumor activity with acceptable tolerability, a multicenter, phase 1, weekly dosing, dose-escalation study (3+3 design) was conducted in pts with refractory or recurrent HL or sALCL. SGN-35 was administered weekly at doses of 0.4–1 mg/kg (2-hr IV infusions). Pts with stable disease or better (Cheson 2007) after two 28-day cycles (6 doses) were eligible to continue SGN-35 treatment. Results: In 17 pts, median age was 38 yrs (range 25–67). Pts received a median of 4 prior therapies; 65% received an autologous SCT. MTD has not been defined. One related G3 event (diarrhea) and no related G4 events occurred. The most common related adverse events were G1/G2 rash, nausea, and peripheral neuropathy. Exposure to SGN-35 (AUC) increased relative to dose level. Multiple CRs were observed at higher doses ( table ); observed time to response in the 1 mg/kg dose group was approximately 8 wks. The 7 pts with CRs all remain on treatment. Enrollment to SGN-35 monotherapy continues at 1.2 mg/kg; combination therapy will be subsequently explored. Conclusions: SGN-35 was generally well tolerated and induced CRs in 7 of 8 evaluable pts at the two highest doses in heavily pretreated patients. Pivotal trials of this antibody-drug conjugate will initiate in early 2009.

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Randomized, double-blind, phase 2, study evaluating same-day vs next-day administration of pegfilgrastim with R-CHOP in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients

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Background: R-CHOP is associated with a high risk of febrile neutropenia (FN). Pegfilgrastim is indicated to lower infection incidence, manifested by FN, when administered once-per-cycle 24 hrs after chemotherapy (CT). However, eliminating an office visit the day after CT is desirable. Methods: Pts ≥ 18 years with previously untreated non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who received R-CHOP (rituximab 375 mg/m2, C 750 mg/m2, H 50 mg/m2, O 1.4 mg/m2, prednisone 100 mg; for 6 cycles Q21D) were randomized 1:1 to pegfilgrastim 6mg within 4 hours or ∼24hrs after CT. The primary endpoint was the duration of severe (grade 4) neutropenia (DSN) in cycle 1. Same-day administration was considered noninferior to next-day if the upper limit of the 2-sided 95% CI for the difference in mean cycle 1 DSN (same day - next day) was <2 days. Results: 77 pts (8 mantle-cell, 69 diffuse large B-cell) were enrolled of 90 planned (due to slow accrual). 75 pts (36 same-day, 39 next-day) received CT and pegfilgrastim. Most pts had stage 3/4 disease (69% same-day, 74% next-day), no bone marrow involvement (75% same-day, 69% next-day) and ECOG status 0 or 1 (94% same-day, 97% next-day). Difference in mean cycle 1 DSN was 0.9 days (95% CI: 0.3–1.4) longer in the same-day than the next-day group (mean [SD]: 2.1 [1.22] vs 1.2 [1.20] days; grade 4 neutropenia incidence: 86% vs 64%). In cycle 1, more pts had a DSN ≥ 3 days in the same-day (36%) than the next-day group (15%). In cycle 4, mean DSN was longer in the same-day than the next-day group (mean [SD] 1.4 [1.40] vs 0.7 [0.94] days; grade 4 neutropenia incidence: 57% vs 42%). Pts in the 2 groups had similar occurrence of FN (17% vs 15%) and serious adverse events (33% vs 36%) across the study. Full dose on schedule, and the incidence of IV anti-infective use or hospitalization due to FN were also similar between groups. Conclusions: In cycles 1 and 4, the mean DSN was nearly 1 day longer for pts in the same-day group compared with the next-day group. Although the protocol-specified 2-day non-inferiority margin for DSN was met, for pts with NHL receiving R-CHOP, we recommend administering pegfilgrastim 24 hours after CT per labeling guidelines.

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