Hematologic Complete Response Rate Research Articles

The Impact of Melphalan Conditioning Schedule on Post-Transplant Outcomes in AL Amyloidosis: A Multicenter Study with 1718 Patients

Introduction: High dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is one of the most effective therapies in light chain (AL) amyloidosis. It is associated with a high hematologic response rate and leads to durable remissions. High dose melphalan is the most frequently used conditioning chemotherapy, as has been used in multiple myeloma (MM). Melphalan dose is based on renal function, age, degree of cardiac involvement and patients' frailty and is predictive of outcomes. While studies that assessed the conditioning schedule have been conducted in MM, with variable results, no such studies were done in AL amyloidosis. Methods: In this retrospective study, we explored the impact of the conditioning schedule on post-transplant outcomes in a large multicenter study. Patients with AL amyloidosis who underwent ASCT for the primary diagnosis of AL amyloidosis between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2020, were included in this study. Results: One thousand seven hundred and eighteen (n=1718) patients from 9 centers are included. The median age was 58 years, and 61% were male. Most patients had one (43%) or two (33%) involved organs, with the most involved organs were the kidneys (69%) followed by the heart (52%). Induction therapy was given to 52% of patients. The conditioning regimen was almost exclusively melphalan (99.2%), with 65% receiving full dose melphalan (≥170 mg/m 2). Melphalan was given over two days in most patients (80%). A rest day between conditioning and stem cell infusion was provided in 53% of patients, mostly in those who received melphalan on a single day rather than over 2 days (87% vs 44%, P<0.001). Post-transplant hematologic response was available for 1569 patients (91% of patients) and were assessed from baseline. Complete response (CR) and very good partial responses (VGPR) were achieved post-ASCT in 33.7% of patients each. Low dFLC-partial response (PR) was achieved in 2.7% and PR in 18% of patients. Altogether, satisfactory post-ASCT response (CR, VGPR, or low-dFLC PR combined) was achieved in 70% of patients. Compared to no induction, less than a PR to induction was associated with a lower probability of achieving satisfactory post-ASCT response, while PR or better to induction had higher chances of satisfactory post-ASCT response (65% vs 46% vs 84%, P<0.001). A single day of melphalan conditioning was associated with a higher probability of satisfactory post-ASCT response compared to two days of conditioning (82% vs 67%, P<0.001). Omitting a day of rest between conditioning and stem cell infusion was also associated with higher satisfactory post-ASCT response compared to having a rest day (76% vs 65%, P<0.001). The Table lists other predictors for a post-ASCT satisfactory hematologic response. In a nominal multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors for higher post-ASCT satisfactory hematological response rate included: PR or better to induction therapy, female gender, kappa light chain isotype, lower dFLC at baseline, and kidney and liver involvement. In addition, full dose melphalan, conditioning given over a single day and having no rest day between conditioning and stem cell infusion were also associated with a higher likelihood of satisfactory post-ASCT response. Post-ASCT hematologic CR rate was higher in those receiving full dose conditioning (36% vs 28%, P<0.001), in those having no rest day (40% vs 28%, P<0.001) but not in those who received one day of conditioning versus two days (35% vs 33%, P=0.5). The rate of ICU admission was higher in those receiving no day rest (17.7% vs 12.6%), P=0.003) and among those who received reduced dose melphalan (18.1% vs 13.3%, P=0.008) but not based on number of conditioning days (P=0.56). Day 100 mortality was significantly higher in the no rest day group (5.6% vs 3.2%, P=0.01) and among those receiving reduced dose melphalan (6.8% vs 3.1%, P=0.004) compared to their counterparts, but not based on the number of days of conditioning (P=0.89). The median follow-up in the entire cohort was 104 months (95% CI 98-110). In a multivariate analysis for overall survival (OS), the conditioning dose but not the conditioning schedule was independently associated with OS. Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate the effect of melphalan conditioning schedule on post-transplant response. This study supports a single day melphalan conditioning in AL amyloidosis to improve post-ASCT response.

Daratumumab plus bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone in Asian patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis: subgroup analysis of ANDROMEDA

Subcutaneous daratumumab plus bortezomib/cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone (VCd; D-VCd) improved outcomes versus VCd for patients with newly diagnosed immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis in the phase 3 ANDROMEDA study. We report a subgroup analysis of Asian patients (Japan; Korea; China) from ANDROMEDA. Among 388 randomized patients, 60 were Asian (D-VCd, n = 29; VCd, n = 31). At a median follow-up of 11.4 months, the overall hematologic complete response rate was higher for D-VCd versus VCd (58.6% vs. 9.7%; odds ratio, 13.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3–53.7; P < 0.0001). Six-month cardiac and renal response rates were higher with D-VCd versus VCd (cardiac, 46.7% vs. 4.8%; P = 0.0036; renal, 57.1% vs. 37.5%; P = 0.4684). Major organ deterioration progression-free survival (MOD-PFS) and major organ deterioration event-free survival (MOD-EFS) were improved with D-VCd versus VCd (MOD-PFS: hazard ratio [HR], 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06–0.75; P = 0.0079; MOD-EFS: HR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05–0.54; P = 0.0007). Twelve deaths occurred (D-VCd, n = 3; VCd, n = 9). Twenty-two patients had baseline serologies indicating prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure; no patient experienced HBV reactivation. Although grade 3/4 cytopenia rates were higher than in the global safety population, the safety profile of D-VCd in Asian patients was generally consistent with the global study population, regardless of body weight. These results support D-VCd use in Asian patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03201965.

Subcutaneous Daratumumab with Bortezomib, Cyclophosphamide, and Dexamethasone in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis: 18-Month Analysis of the Phase 3 ANDROMEDA Study

Subcutaneous Daratumumab with Bortezomib, Cyclophosphamide, and Dexamethasone in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis: 18-Month Analysis of the Phase 3 ANDROMEDA Study

OAB-034: Evaluating the impact of cytogenetic abnormalities on treatment outcomes in patients with AL amyloidosis: subanalyses from the ANDROMEDA study

<h3>Background</h3> Amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a plasma cell disease characterized by the production of light chains that form amyloid fibril deposits in tissues leading to organ dysfunction and death. Cytogenetic abnormalities are common in patients (pts) with AL amyloidosis, and some are associated with poor outcomes. The ANDROMEDA study (NCT03201965) showed that addition of daratumumab to bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (D-VCd) was superior to VCd alone, with higher rates of hematologic complete response (CR) and an acceptable safety profile. Here, we explore outcomes in pts with cytogenetic abnormalities in ANDROMEDA. <h3>Methods</h3> Pts (N=388) with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis were randomized 1:1 to D-VCd or VCd for 6 28-day cycles; thereafter, pts in the D-VCd group received daratumumab alone every 4 weeks for ≤24 total cycles. The proportion of pts with t(11;14), amp1q21, del13q14, and del17p13 based on fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or karyotyping was calculated. Overall (at any time during the study) hematologic CR rate and cardiac and renal response rates at 6 months were evaluated for each subgroup and summarized with descriptive statistics. Within each treatment group, hematologic response among pts with and without t(11;14) or amp1q21 was compared. <h3>Results</h3> 321 pts had testing (D-VCd, n=155; VCd, n=166). In the D-VCd and VCd groups, respectively, 42.9% vs 40.0% had t(11;14), 25.4% vs 20.3% had amp1q21, 16.2% vs 22.0% had del13q14, and 6.7% vs 6.1% had del17p13. At a median follow-up of 20.3 months, the hematologic CR rate was higher with D-VCd vs VCd across all 4 cytogenetic subgroups, ranging from 56–72% vs 0–14% (P<0.05 for all). Organ response rates were numerically higher with D-VCd in all subgroups, except for cardiac response rate in the del17p13 subgroup. In the VCd group, rates of hematologic CR and very good partial response or better (≥VGPR) were 12.5% vs 23.8% and 46.4% vs 56.0% in pts with (n=56) vs without (n=84) t(11;14) and 10.7% vs 19.1% and 53.6% vs 50.0% in pts with (n=28) and without (n=110) amp1q21. In the D-VCd group, rates of hematologic CR and ≥VGPR were 59.3% vs 61.1% and 77.8% vs 80.6% in pts with (n=54) vs without (n=72) t(11;14) and 59.4% vs 59.6% and 81.3% vs 80.9% in pts with (n=32) and without (n=94) amp1q21. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Consistent with the primary analysis of ANDROMEDA, subgroup analyses showed the benefit of D-VCd vs VCd, irrespective of cytogenetic abnormalities. Rates of deep hematologic response were not impacted by t(11;14) and amp1q21 in patients treated with D-VCd, but were generally lower in VCd-treated patients with t(11;14) and amp1q21. These findings further support the use of D-VCd as standard of care in pts with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis, regardless of cytogenetic abnormalities.

SUBCUTANEOUS DARATUMUMAB + BORTEZOMIB, CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, AND DEXAMETHASONE (VCD) IN PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED LIGHT CHAIN (AL) AMYLOIDOSIS: UPDATED RESULTS FROM THE PHASE 3 ANDROMEDA STUDY

Systemic AL amyloidosis is a plasma cell disease characterized by the deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils causing organ dysfunction and death. Primary results from the ANDROMEDA study showed that addition of subcutaneous (SC) daratumumab (DARA) to the standard of care combination of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (VCd) was superior to VCd alone, with higher rates of hematologic complete response (CR) and an acceptable safety profile. DARA-VCd was approved for newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis in January 2021. Here we present an update of the primary ANDROMEDA study results with longer follow-up. ANDROMEDA is a randomized, open-label, active-controlled phase 3 study. Adult patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis were randomized 1:1 to DARA-VCd or VCd and were treated for 6 cycles 28 days each. Bortezomib (1.3 mg/m 2 ), cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m 2 ; maximum weekly dose 500 mg), and dexamethasone (40 mg) were given weekly. DARA SC was given weekly (cycle 1–2) and every 2 weeks (cycle 3–6). After cycle 6, patients in the DARA-VCd group received DARA SC alone every 4 weeks for up to 24 cycles from first dose. Disease status was evaluated every 4 weeks in cycle 1–6 and every 8 weeks after cycle 7. The primary endpoint was overall hematologic CR rate in the intent-to-treat population. Secondary endpoints were major organ deterioration progression-free survival (PFS), organ response rate, time to hematologic response, survival, and safety. Of 388 randomized patients, 195 were randomized to DARA-VCd and 193 to VCd. As of November 2020, the median follow-up was 20.3 months (mo), with a median treatment duration of 18.5 mo for DARA-VCd and 5.3 mo for VCd; 78 patients (40%) in the DARA-VCd group were still on treatment. The overall hematologic CR rate continued to be higher with DARA-VCd than VCd (59% vs 19%; odds ratio [OR] 5.9; 95% CI 3.7–9.4; p < 0.0001). More patients achieved a very good partial response or better (≥VGPR) with DARA-VCd than VCd (79% vs 50%; OR 3.7; 95% CI 2.4–5.9; p < 0.0001). Among responders, median time from randomization to ≥VGPR was shorter for DARA-VCd than VCd (0.56 vs 0.82 months). Cardiac response rates were higher with DARA-VCd than VCd at 6 months (42% vs 22%) and at 12 months (57% vs 28%); renal response rates were 54% vs 27% at 6 months and 57% vs 27% at 12 months. A total of 71 deaths occurred (DARA-VCd, n = 31; VCd, n = 40). From cycle 7 onward in the DARA-VCd group, no grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in ≥5% of patients. There were no systemic administration-related reactions with DARA-VCd after cycle 6. Analysis of major organ deterioration PFS will be updated after ̃200 events have occurred. DARA-VCd (versus VCd alone) demonstrated robust hematologic and organ responses with no new safety concerns with longer follow-up. Updated results from the ANDROMEDA study reinforce the clinical superiority of DARA-VCd over VCd in pts with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis. Based on its recent approval, DARA-VCd represents a new standard of care in AL amyloidosis. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03201965.

Subcutaneous daratumumab + bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (VCd) in patients with newly diagnosed light chain (AL) amyloidosis: Updated results from the phase 3 ANDROMEDA study.

8003 Background: Systemic AL amyloidosis is a plasma cell disease characterized by the deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils causing organ dysfunction and death. Primary results from the ANDROMEDA study showed that addition of subcutaneous (SC) daratumumab (DARA) to the standard of care combination of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (VCd) was superior to VCd alone, with higher rates of hematologic complete response (CR) and an acceptable safety profile. DARA-VCd was approved for newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis in January 2021. Here we present an update of the primary ANDROMEDA study results with longer follow-up. Methods: ANDROMEDA is a randomized, open-label, active-controlled phase 3 study. Adult patients (pts) with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis were randomized 1:1 to DARA-VCd or VCd and were treated for 6 28-day Cycles (Cyc). Bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2), cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2 maximum weekly dose 500 mg), and dexamethasone (40 mg) were given weekly. DARA SC was given weekly (Cyc 1–2) and every 2 weeks (wk) (Cyc 3–6). After Cyc 6, pts in the DARA-VCd group received DARA SC alone every 4 wk for up to 24 Cyc from first dose. Disease status was evaluated every 4 wk in Cyc 1–6 and every 8 wk after Cyc 7. The primary endpoint was overall hematologic CR rate in the intent-to-treat population. Secondary endpoints were major organ deterioration progression-free survival (PFS), organ response rate, time to hematologic response, survival, and safety. Results: Of 388 randomized pts, 195 were randomized to DARA-VCd and 193 to VCd. As of November 2020, the median treatment duration was 18.5 months (mo) for DARA-VCd and 5.3 mo for VCd; 78 pts (40%) in the DARA-VCd group were still on treatment. The overall hematologic CR rate continued to be higher with DARA-VCd than VCd (59% vs 19%; odds ratio [OR] 5.9; 95% CI 3.7–9.4; P&lt; 0.0001). More pts achieved a very good partial response or better (≥VGPR) with DARA-VCd than VCd (79% vs 50%; OR 3.7; 95% CI 2.4–5.9; P&lt; 0.0001). Among responders, median time from randomization to ≥VGPR was shorter for DARA-VCd than VCd (0.56 vs 0.82 mo). Cardiac response rates were higher with DARA-VCd than VCd at 6 mo (42% vs 22%) and at 12 mo (57% vs 28%); renal response rates were 54% vs 27% at 6 mo and 57% vs 27% at 12 mo. A total of 71 deaths occurred (DARA-VCd, n = 31; VCd, n = 40). From Cyc 7 onward in the DARA-VCd group, no grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in ≥5% of pts. There were no systemic administration-related reactions with DARA-VCd after Cyc 6. Analysis of major organ deterioration PFS will be updated after ̃200 events have occurred. Conclusions: Updated results from the ANDROMEDA study reinforce the clinical superiority of DARA-VCd over VCd in pts with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis. Based on its recent approval, DARA-VCd represents a new standard of care in AL amyloidosis. Clinical trial information: NCT03201965.

Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia: clinical picture and therapeutic approaches

Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia (M/Leo) and tyrosine kinase (TK) fusion genes constitute a separate category within the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification. All these are characterized by blood or tissue eosinophilia and the presence of a unique genetic abnormality. M/Leo may have diverse clinical manifestations with variable response to TK inhibitors (TKI). PDGFRA -rearranged neoplasms (usually with detectable FIP1L1-PDGFRA ) are found to be extremely sensitive to low dose of imatinib (IM at 100 mg daily) with nearly 100% hematological complete response rate. Moreover, >90% of IM treated patients may achieve long-term molecular response. IM discontinuation may result in sustained remission in c.50–60% of patients. An excellent response to IM (but at 400 mg/day) was also demonstrated for patients with PDGFRB rearrangements, but trials on IM cessation were not attempted. The FGFR1 -rearranged neoplasms are associated with an aggressive disease course and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is the only potentially curative approach. Participation in clinical trials should be recommended. Recently, pemigatinib was found to be effective in a proportion of FGFR1 -rearranged individuals. An aggressive outcome with rapid blast transformation is also characteristic for the JAK2 -rearranged neoplasms. These patients should be included in clinical trials or attempted with ruxolitinib or fedratinib as a ‘bridge’ to allo-SCT. A new category of neoplasms with eosinophilia and FLT3 and ABL1 rearrangements has not yet been incorporated into the WHO 2016 classification. The prognosis is poor with a tendency to evolve into resistant acute leukemia. The treatment includes TKI with known activity against FLT3/ABL1 followed by allo-SCT.

Subcutaneous Daratumumab (DARA SC) + Bortezomib, Cyclophosphamide, and Dexamethasone (VCd) in Asian Patients with Newly Diagnosed Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis: Subgroup Analysis from the Phase 3 Andromeda Study

Introduction: Systemic AL amyloidosis is a rare disorder of clonal CD38+ plasma cells characterized by deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils leading to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Currently, there are no health authority-approved treatments for AL amyloidosis, and standard of care (SoC) includes therapies developed for multiple myeloma (MM). DARA is a human CD38-targeting antibody for MM. Combining DARA with VCd improved outcomes for AL amyloidosis versus VCd alone in the phase 3 ANDROMEDA study. Here, we report a subgroup analysis of Asian patients (China, Japan, and Korea) from ANDROMEDA. Methods: Eligible patients had newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis with measurable hematologic disease, ≥1 involved organ, cardiac stage (Mayo 2004) I-IIIA, eGFR ≥20 mL/min, and no symptomatic MM. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive DARA SC plus VCd (D-VCd) or VCd. All patients received bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2 SC QW), cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2 PO or IV QW), and dexamethasone (40 mg PO or IV QW) for six 28-day cycles with or without DARA SC (1,800 mg DARA co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 [rHuPH20]; ENHANZE® drug delivery technology, Halozyme, Inc.) by injection QW in Cycles 1-2, Q2W in Cycles 3-6; after Cycle 6, patients continued DARA monotherapy as maintenance for up to 24 cycles (28-day cycles). Disease status was evaluated Q4W in Cycles 1-6 and Q8W after Cycle 7 until hematologic progression or major organ deterioration. The primary endpoint was overall hematologic complete response (CR) rate; key secondary endpoints included major organ deterioration progression-free survival (MOD-PFS), survival, and safety. MOD-PFS was defined as the time from randomization to any of the following events (whichever occurred first): death, clinical manifestation of cardiac or renal failure, or hematologic progression. Results: Among 388 randomized patients (D-VCd, n=195; VCd, n=193), 60 were Asian (D-VCd, n=29; VCd, n=31). Baseline characteristics were well balanced between arms and consistent with the intent-to-treat population. The median age was 66 years, 70% and 58% had heart and kidney involvement, respectively, and 60% had ≥2 organs involved. Cardiac stage I, II and IIIA/B were 28%, 28%, and 43%, respectively. The median duration of treatment was 9.2 mo for D-VCd and 5.3 mo for VCd. Median follow-up was 9.4 mo. The overall hematologic CR rate was 59% for D-VCd and 10% for VCd (odds ratio, 13.2; 95% CI, 3.3-53.7; P&amp;lt;0.0001). D-VCd vs VCd achieved higher rates of very good partial response or better (≥VGPR; 93% vs 61%). MOD-PFS favored D-VCd-treated patients (HR 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.75, P=0.0079). A total of 12 deaths occurred (D-VCd, n=3; VCd, n=9). The most common (≥10%) grade 3/4 TEAEs were lymphopenia (D-VCd 35%/VCd 32%), neutropenia (10%/3%), diarrhea (10%/7%), pneumonia (7%/10%), cardiac failure (7%/10%), hypokalemia (7%/10%), anemia (3%/10%), thrombocytopenia (3%/10%), hypoalbuminemia (3%/10%), and syncope (3%/10%). TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 1 patient in each treatment arm. Conclusion: The addition of DARA SC to VCd was superior to VCd alone in Asian patients, resulting in deeper hematologic responses and improved clinical outcomes, including MOD-PFS, with a safety profile consistent with the overall study population. These data support the use of D-VCd in Asian patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis. Disclosures Suzuki: Takeda, Celgene, ONO, Amgen, Novartis, Sanofi, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AbbVie and Janssen: Honoraria; Takeda, Amgen, Janssen and Celgene: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene and Amgen: Research Funding. Wechalekar:Janssen, Takeda, Caelum, Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kim:BMS, Takeda, Amgen, Celgene, Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Kim:Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding. Zhou:Peking University First Hospital: Current Employment. Iida:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ono: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Merck Sharpe Dohme: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding. Tran:Janssen: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Qin:Janssen: Current Employment. Vasey:Janssen Research &amp; Development: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Tromp:Janssen: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Weiss:Janssen: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Vermeulen:Janssen: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Comenzo:Amgen: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy; Unum: Consultancy; Caleum: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Research Funding; Prothena: Consultancy, Research Funding. Kastritis:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Genesis Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel/accommodations/expenses; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel/accommodations/expenses, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel/accommodations/expenses. OffLabel Disclosure: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of daratumumab plus bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone in Asian patients with AL amyloidosis.

Outcomes By Cardiac Stage in Newly Diagnosed AL Amyloidosis: Results from Andromeda

Outcomes By Cardiac Stage in Newly Diagnosed AL Amyloidosis: Results from Andromeda

Prospective, Multicentric Phase II Randomized Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Methotrexate or Cyclophosphamide in Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia: A French National Study. Report on the Interim Analysis

Introduction Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is characterized by a clonal expansion of CD3+ cytotoxic T or CD3- NK cells. Prominent clinical features include neutropenia, anemia and autoimmune-associated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the disease is usually chronic and indolent, some patients may be symptomatic and require treatment. No standard therapy has been established due to the absence of prospective clinical trials. So far, low dose methotrexate, oral cyclophosphamide, and cyclosporine represent the 3 main options for initial therapy. In 2014, we launched a prospective clinical trial comparing methotrexate to cyclophosphamide in previously-untreated patients with LGL leukemia in need of treatment. Patients and methods The study was designed as a multicentric, national, open label, randomized, controlled trial on two parallel groups, comparing methotrexate and cyclophosphamide. Patients were included if they had at least one of the following indications of treatment: isolated severe neutropenia (ANC &amp;lt;0.5x109/L) or neutropenia (ANC &amp;lt;1.5x109/L) with infections, anemia requiring transfusions or symptomatic anemia, associated complications such as systemic diseases or auto-immune diseases resistant to steroids and/or immunomodulating agents (colchicin, disulone, hydrochloroquine). They were randomly assigned to receive either methotrexate (10 mg/m²/w) or cyclophosphamide (100 mg/d) for 4 months. Responders at M4 continued with the same treatment until M12 (cyclophosphamide was then delivered at 50 mg/d). Non-responders at M4 were randomly assigned to receive either cyclosporine (3 mg/kg/d) or the drug which had not been administered at the first randomization (methotrexate or cyclophosphamide). Response was assessed using previously published criteria (Lamy T, Blood 123:1182, 2014). Complete response (CR) was defined as a normalization of clinical exam (disappearance of splenomegaly or associated autoimmune symptoms) and a complete normalization of blood counts. Partial response (PR) was defined as an improvement in blood counts which did not meet criteria for complete remission (e.g., ANC &amp;gt;0.5x109/L or decrease of transfusion requirements). Treatment failure was defined as no response or any response which did not meet the above-mentioned criteria within four months after the beginning of treatment. To stop the trial as soon as sufficient information was collected, a sequential analysis was planned each time 20 patients were included and evaluated using the triangular test (Sébille V, Bellissant E. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2003;17(5):505-16). The primary endpoint was the hematological CR rate evaluated at M4 (binary endpoint). Secondary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) at M4, M8 and M12, time to relapse. For non-responders at M4, cyclosporine was compared to the treatment which had not been administered during the first phase. Results From Nov 2013 to July 2019, 99 patients met inclusion criteria among which 96 were randomized. The baseline characteristics of these patients are shown in Table1. STAT3 mutation was observed 52% of cases. After the 4th sequential analysis performed on the first 80 patients evaluable for response at M4, the sample path remained in the continuation region of the triangular test. Thus, the trial has to be continued. At M4, 13 patients were in CR (16.3%) and 29 patients were in PR (36.3%), ORR was 52.6%, 36 patients were considered as refractory and underwent a second randomization: 18 patients received cyclosporine and 17 received methotrexate or cyclophosphamide. Conclusions This first prospective randomized clinical trial in LGL leukemia shows that the CR after first line therapy using either methotrexate or cyclophosphamide is relatively low (&amp;lt; 20%). Recruitment is still ongoing to assess if there is a difference in terms of response between the two drugs. Predictive biomarkers of response will be presented at the meeting. Regarding a 52% of incidence of Stat3 mutation (higher than that previously published), Jak/Stat targeted therapy should be prospectively evaluated in this disease. Disclosures Houot: Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Merck Sharp Dohme: Honoraria. Gyan:Pfizer: Honoraria. Feugier:janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; abbvie: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; gilead: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; roche: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

Bortezomib and High Dose Melphalan Followed by Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (BortHDM/SCT) for the Treatment of AL Amyloidosis: Results of a Feasibility Study.

Abstract 4353AL amyloidosis is caused by a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia and is characterized by widespread, progressive amyloid deposition leading to multisystem organ failure and death. In this disease, amyloid protein deposits are derived from monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains. Aggressive treatment of AL amyloidosis with high dose intravenous melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplant (HDM/SCT) is effective in inducing hematologic remission and clinical improvement. Furthermore, we have observed in ∼ 500 patients treated with HDM/SCT that achievement of a hematologic complete response (CR), i.e. disappearance of monoclonal gammopathy, normalization of serum free light chain ratio and clonal plasma cell dyscrasia, is a critical determinant of clinical improvement and prolonged survival. Bortezomib (Bor) has been reported to have activity in patients with AL amyloidosis. Furthermore, a synergistic effect between bortezomib and melphalan has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the combination of bortezomib and HDM is a logical approach to study. Because of the importance of hematologic CR in treatment outcome, we conducted a feasibility study to determine whether addition of bort to HDM/SCT would be tolerable and would increase hematologic CR rates. Additional objectives of the study were to determine overall survival. Eligibility for entry into the trial required diagnosis of AL amyloidosis, age > 18 years, and adequate performance status (SWOG ≤ 2) and cardiopulmonary function (LVEF > 45%, DLCO > 50%). Peripheral blood stem cells were collected by leukapheresis following G-CSF mobilization, with minimum yields of 2.5 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg required for participation in the trial. Bortezomib was administered at 1 mg/m2 on D -6, D -3, D +1, and D +4 and HDM at 140-200 mg/ m2 in two divided doses on D -2 and D -1. From 10/2008 to 7/2009, 8 patients were enrolled (median age 57, range 46-68; median number of involved organs 2, range 1-4). Of the 8 patients enrolled, 1 patient was removed from the protocol because of cardiac arrhythmia during stem cell mobilization and collection phase that precluded treatment with HDM/SCT. Of the 7 patients who received BorHDM/SCT, there was no treatment-related mortality within 100 days of SCT and there were no unexpected hematologic or non-hematologic toxicities associated with addition of bortezomib to HDM/SCT. The median times to neutrophil and platelet engraftment was D +10 and D +14 after SCT, respectively. Of 6 patients evaluable for early responses, normalization of serum free light chain levels and ratio occurred in 5 of 6 (83%) by D +14 and one patient achieved a 45% reduction in serum free light chain concentration at D +14. Of the initial 2 patients with longer follow-up, both have achieved a hematologic CR at 6 months following BorHDM/SCT. Follow-up is ongoing and hematologic responses appear to be well-maintained. Thus, this pilot study demonstrates that bortHDM/SCT is tolerable for selected patients with AL amyloidosis and leads to a high rate of hematologic responses. Disclosures:Off Label Use: Bortezomib in the treatment of AL amyloidosis.

Tandem cycles of high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation increases the response rate in AL amyloidosis

Clinical outcomes of patients with AL amyloidosis treated with high-dose melphalan and stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) are tightly linked to the achievement of a hematologic complete response (HCR). We conducted a prospective trial to determine whether a second cycle of HDM/SCT could induce HCR in patients in whom the plasma cell dyscrasia persisted following initial treatment with HDM/SCT. Sixty-two patients were enrolled. Nine patients (15%) were removed from the protocol. Of the 53 patients continuing in this study, four died within 100 days of treatment (8%), and 27 (55%) achieved an HCR at 6 months after the first cycle of HDM/SCT. Of the 22 patients who did not achieve an HCR after initial treatment, 17 received a second HDM/SCT, 1 died within 100 days of treatment (6%), while 5 (31%) achieved an HCR. Thus, the HCR rate was 67% (32/48) for surviving patients on study, 60% (32/53) for all patients who received initial cycle of HDM/SCT, and 56% (35/62) by intention-to-treat. The median survival for all patients enrolled on the trial has not yet been reached. Thus, tandem cycles of HDM/SCT can increase the proportion of patients who achieve an HCR.

Treatment of AL Amyloidosis with Tandem Cycles of High Dose Melphalan and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: Final Analysis of a Prospective Trial.

AL amyloidosis is caused by a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia and is characterized by widespread, progressive amyloid deposition leading to multisystem organ failure and death. In this disease, amyloid protein deposits are derived from monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains. Aggressive treatment of AL amyloidosis with high dose intravenous melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplant (HDM/SCT) is effective in inducing hematologic remission and clinical improvement. Furthermore, we have observed in over 300 patients treated with HDM/SCT that achievement of a hematologic complete response (CR), i.e. disappearance of monoclonal gammopathy and clonal plasma cell dyscrasia, is a critical determinant of clinical improvement and prolonged survival. Because of the importance of hematologic CR in treatment outcome, we conducted a prospective trial to determine whether a second cycle of HDM/SCT would induce a hematologic CR in patients in whom the plasma cell dyscrasia persisted following initial treatment with HDM/SCT. Additional objectives of the trial were to determine the feasibility and tolerability of tandem cycles of HDM/SCT in AL amyloidosis. Eligibility for entry into the trial required evidence of plasma cell dyscrasia, age < 65 years, ≤ 300 mg of prior oral melphalan, and minimal measures of performance status (SWOG ≤ 2) and cardiopulmonary function (LVEF > 45%, DLCO > 50%). Peripheral blood stem cells were collected by leukapheresis following G-CSF mobilization, with minimum yields of 7.5 x 106 CD34+ cells/kg required for participation in the trial. From 11/2000 to 6/2005, 62 patients, median age 55.5 (range 32–65), M: F ratio 1.8:1.0, were enrolled. Of the 62 patients enrolled, 9 (15%) were removed from the protocol either because of an inadequate stem cell collection (7) or because of complications during stem cell mobilization and collection that precluded treatment with HDM/SCT (2). Of the 53 patients who received the first cycle of 200 mg/m2 HDM, 4 patients died within 100 days of treatment (8%), and 27 (55%) were found to have achieved a hematologic CR 6 months after HDM/SCT. Of the 22 patients who did not achieve a CR after initial treatment, 17 patients received a second HDM/SCT with 140 mg/m2 of IV melphalan. Mortality within 100 days after this second treatment was 6% (1/17), while 27 % (4/15) of surviving patients achieved a hematologic CR by 6 months following the second cycle of HDM/SCT. Therefore, for the patients treated with one or two cycles of HDM/SCT on this study, the ultimate hematologic CR rate was 63% (31/49). With a median follow up of 38 months (range, 14–69 months), the median survival for all patients enrolled has not yet been reached. Moreover, improvements in amyloid related organ dysfunction, particularly in nephrotic syndrome, liver involvement, neuropathy and/or performance status, were evident in all patients who achieved a hematologic CR. In conclusion, tandem cycles of HDM/SCT are tolerable for selected patients with AL amyloidosis and can increase the proportion of patients who ultimately achieve a hematologic CR.