NPM1-mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research Articles

Pre-emptive therapeutic decisions based on measurable residual disease status in acute myeloid leukemia: ready for prime time?

The use of measurable residual disease (MRD) as a biomarker for prognostication, risk stratification, and therapeutic decision-making in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is gaining prominence. MRD monitoring for NPM1-mutated and core-binding factor AML using PCR techniques is well-established for assessing disease after intensive chemotherapy. AML with persistent FLT3-ITD MRD post-intensive chemotherapy and pre-allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (pre-allo-HCT) is associated with an increased risk of relapse and lower survival. Pre-allo-HCT MRD is an independent risk factor for post-allo-HCT outcomes, including relapse and death. Therefore, preemptive interventions on the natural history of MRD positivity are an active area of research beyond its initial prognostic function. Targeting MRD in AML with innovative treatment strategies can improve patient outcomes.

The prognostic significance of genetics in acute myeloid leukemia under venetoclax-based treatment.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most prevalent hematologic malignancy in adults. In 2022, the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) has updated its prognostic system that incorporates cytogenetics and molecular genetics based on data from patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy (IC). Recently, a risk stratification framework has been established for hypomethylating agents (HMA)-based low-intensity treatment (LIT) to fill the gaps in stratification for this treatment modality, but this needs further refinement. Venetoclax (VEN), a BH3 mimetic, targets BCL-2 to modulate apoptosis and metabolism in AML cells. Its combination with HMA or low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) has been shown to enhance the response rates and prolong the survival outcomes of older or unfit patients with AML. In this review, we delved into the prognostic significance of FLT3-ITD and IDH mutations when used in combination with VEN and HMA, as well as in conjunction with their specific inhibitors. We also explored the role of VEN in NPM1-mutated AML and its efficacy in splicing factor mutations AML. Additionally, we examined the response rates and survival outcomes of CBF-AML when treated with a VEN-based regimen. Moving forward, it is imperative that risk stratification for LIT becomes more nuanced to better align with the requirements of personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Integrating holotomography and deep learning for rapid detection of NPM1 mutations in AML

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a significant challenge, particularly in the context of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasm with NPM1 mutations. This study introduces an innovative approach using holotomography (HT), a 3D label-free quantitative phase imaging technique, to detect NPM1 mutations. We analyzed a dataset of 2073 HT myeloblast images from 48 individuals, including both NPM1 wild-type and mutated samples, to distinguish subcellular morphological changes associated with NPM1 mutations. Employing a convolutional neural network, we analyzed 3D cell morphology, focusing on refractive index distributions. The machine learning model showed high accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.9375 and a validation accuracy of 76.0%. Our findings reveal distinct morphological differences between the NPM1 wild-type and mutation at the subcellular level. This study demonstrates the potential of HT combined with deep learning for early, efficient, and cost-effective diagnosis of AML, offering a promising alternative to traditional stepwise genetic testing methods and providing additional assistance in morphological myeloblast discrimination. This approach may revolutionize the diagnostic process in leukemia, facilitating early detection and potentially reducing the reliance on extensive genetic testing.

Early Prediction and Streamline of Nucleophosmin Mutation Status in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Using Cup-Like Nuclear Morphology.

Background and Objectives: With the advent of novel therapies for nucleophosmin gene (NPM1)-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML), there is a growing need for the reliable prediction of NPM1 mutations. This study explored the role of cytomorphological features in the early prediction of NPM1-mutated AML. Materials and Methods: Altogether, 212 de novo AML cases with normal karyotypes, diagnosed and treated at a single institution within 5 years (2018-2023), were retrospectively evaluated. A final diagnosis of NPM1-mutated AML, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) integrated criteria, including real-time based identification of NPM1 mutation and normal karyotype, was established in 83/212 (39.15%) cases. Results: Cup-like blasts (CLBs), a cytomorphological feature suggestive of NPM1-mutated AML, were detected in 56/83 (67%) patients. Most cases (44/56, 78.6%) had CLB ≥ 10%. In total, 27 of 83 AML NPM1-mutated patients had no CLB morphology (missed call). Additionally, two of 212 had CLB morphology without confirmed NPM1 mutation (wrong call). The positive/negative predictive values of cytomorphological evaluation for CLB ≥ 10% were 95.7%/75.6%, with sensitivity/specificity of 53%/98.5%, while the accuracy was 80.7%. We noted an increased percentage of CLBs (≥15%) in 77.8% and 50% of patients with AML without and with granulocytic maturation, respectively (the specificity for NPM1 mutation prediction was 100%). CLB was associated with fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation (p = 0.03), but, without statistical significance for CLB ≥ 10% and CLB ≥ 15%. Conclusions: Our investigation confirmed that the morphological identification of CLB at diagnosis represents a reliable and easily reproducible tool for the early prediction of NPM1 mutations, enabling a streamlined genetic work-up for its confirmation. This may facilitate considering the early administration of individualized therapies by clinicians for specific patients.

AML-392 The Impact of MDS-Related Genetic Mutations on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia

AML-392 The Impact of MDS-Related Genetic Mutations on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia

AML-379 Molecular-Genetic Profiling of NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Its Prognostic Value

AML-379 Molecular-Genetic Profiling of NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Its Prognostic Value

Molecular-Genetic Profiling of NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Its Prognostic Value

Molecular-Genetic Profiling of NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Its Prognostic Value

Mutant NPM1 marginally impacts ribosome footprint in acute myeloid leukemia cells.

NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most frequent AML subtype. As wild-type NPM1 is known to orchestrate ribosome biogenesis, it has been hypothesized that altered translation may contribute to leukemogenesis and leukemia maintenance in NPM1-mutated AML. However, this hypothesis has never been investigated. We reasoned that if mutant NPM1 (NPM1c) directly impacts translation in leukemic cells, loss of NPM1c would result in acute changes in the ribosome footprint. Here, we performed ribosome footprint profiling (Ribo-seq) and bulk messenger RNA (mRNA) sequencing in two NPM1-mutated cell lines engineered to express endogenous NPM1c fused to the FKBP (F36V) degron tag (degron cells). Incubation of degron cells with the small compound dTAG-13 enables highly specific degradation of NPM1c within 4hours. As expected, RNA-sequencing data showed early loss of homeobox gene expression following NPM1c degradation, confirming the reliability of our model. In contrast, Ribo-seq data showed negligible changes in the ribosome footprint in both cell lines, implying that the presence of NPM1c does not influence ribosome abundance and positioning on mRNA. While it is predictable that NPM1c exerts its leukemogenic activity at multiple levels, ribosome footprint does not seem influenced by the presence of mutant NPM1.

Evaluation of a New Closed-System Automated RT-qPCR Assay for the Rapid Detection and Monitoring of Common Nucleophosmin Mutations in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Quantitative assessment of nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutation status is integral to evaluating measurable residual disease (MRD) in NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. In a retrospective study, leftover peripheral blood (PB) specimens (n = 40) which were collected for routine clinical diagnostic evaluations of AML disease burden were tested by both a novel automated RT-qPCR quantitative NPM1 assay (Xpert NPM1 mutation assay) and the NPM1 mutA, mutB&D MutaQuant kit. Based on a Deming regression analysis, there was a high correlation (slope = 0.92; intercept = 0.12; Pearson's r = 0.982) between the quantitative results of the Xpert NPM1 mutation assay and the NPM1 mutA, mutB&D MutaQuant kit. The Xpert test quantitative results are thus highly correlated with the comparator method and the former has potential as a useful alternative for the monitoring of AML patients with a known NPM1 mutation.

Molecular relapse after first-line intensive therapy in patients with CBF or NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia – a FILO study

Patients with Core-Binding Factor (CBF) and NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can be monitored by quantitative PCR after having achieved first complete remission (CR) to detect morphologic relapse and drive preemptive therapy. How to best manage these patients is unknown. We retrospectively analyzed 303 patients with CBF and NPM1-mutated AML, aged 18–60 years, without allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in first CR, with molecular monitoring after first-line intensive therapy. Among these patients, 153 (51%) never relapsed, 95 (31%) had molecular relapse (53 received preemptive therapy and 42 progressed to morphologic relapse at salvage therapy), and 55 (18%) had upfront morphologic relapse. Patients who received preemptive therapy had higher OS than those who received salvage therapy after having progressed from molecular to morphologic relapse and those with upfront morphologic relapse (three-year OS: 78% vs. 51% vs. 51%, respectively, P = 0.01). Preemptive therapy included upfront allogeneic HCT (n = 19), intensive chemotherapy (n = 21), and non-intensive therapy (n = 13; three-year OS: 92% vs. 79% vs. 58%, respectively, P = 0.09). Although not definitive due to the non-randomized allocation of patients to different treatment strategies at relapse, our study suggests that molecular monitoring should be considered during follow-up to start preemptive therapy before overt morphologic relapse.

High-dose cytarabine plus gemtuzumab ozogamicin as consolidation therapy in patients with favorable- or intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia.

Previous prospective randomized trials have investigated the efficacy of gemtuzumab ozogamicin in the frontline treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We evaluated the efficacy of high-dose cytarabine with GO as consolidation therapy in 20 patients with favorable- or intermediate-risk AML in first complete remission. They included six patients with wild-type nucleophosmin (NPM1) core binding factor (CBF), ten with NPM1-mutated non-CBF, and four with wild-type NPM1 non-CBF. The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 62.0months. The three-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates were 72.2% and 77.8%, respectively. OS and RFS were significantly higher for NPM1-mutated non-CBF AML than for wild-type NPM1 non-CBF AML (p = 0.001). We also examined the CD33 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12459419, which has been reported to influence the therapeutic efficacy of GO and CD33 expression. The CD33 expression ratio was higher in CD33 SNP C/C than in C/T (83.1% vs. 49.8%, p = 0.035), but 3-year OS and RFS did not differ significantly. These results suggest that consolidation therapy with high-dose cytarabine plus GO is highly effective in transplant-ineligible elderly patients and may be a reasonable treatment, especially for NPM1-mutated AML.

Intensive induction chemotherapy vs hypomethylating agents in combination with venetoclax in NPM1-mutant AML

AbstractAlthough intensive induction chemotherapy (IC) remains the standard of care for younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), hypomethylating agents + venetoclax (HMA/VEN) can lead to durable remission among older patients with nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutations. Whether IC or HMA/VEN is superior in patients aged ≥60 years with NPM1-mutant AML is unknown. We performed an international, multicenter retrospective cohort study of 221 patients (147 IC and 74 HMA/VEN) with previously untreated NPM1-mutant AML. Composite complete remission (cCR) (defined as CR + CR with incomplete count recovery) rate was similar for IC and HMA/VEN (cCR, 85% vs 74%; P = .067). Although overall survival (OS) was favorable with IC in unselected patients compared with HMA/VEN (24-month OS, 59% [95% confidence interval (CI), 52-69%] vs 38% [95% CI, 27-55%]; P = .013), it was not statistically different among patients aged 60-75 years (60% [95% CI, 52-70%] vs 44% [95% CI, 29-66%]; P = .069) and patients who received an allogeneic stem cell transplant (70% [95% CI, 58-85%] vs 66% [95% CI, 44-100%]; P = .56). Subgroup analyses suggested that patients with normal cytogenetics (24-month OS, 65% [95% CI, 56-74%] with IC vs 40% [95% CI, 26-60%] with HMA/VEN; P = .009) and without FLT3 internal tandem duplication mutations might benefit from IC compared with HMA/VEN (24-month OS, 68% [95% CI, 59-79%] vs 43% [95% CI, 29-63%]; P = .008). In multivariable analysis, OS was not statistically different between patients treated with IC and HMA/VEN (hazard ratio for death with HMA/VEN vs IC, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.40-1.27; P = .25).

Co-mutation landscape and its prognostic impact on newly diagnosed adult patients with NPM1 mutated de novo acute myeloid leukemia.

e18505 Background: 25-35% of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carries NPM1 mutation, characterized by aberrant cytoplasmic dislocation of NPM1 protein, which is generally associated with a favorable outcome in the absence of FLT3-ITD mutation. Indeed, for NPM1-mutated AML patients with different co-mutation profiles, identification of specific co-mutation combinations other than FLT3-ITD mutation is necessary for accurate risk stratification and contributes to identify the optimal population who may benefit from allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) during post-remission therapy. Methods: Eligible patients included newly diagnosed adult patients (≥18 years old) with NPM1 mutated de novo AML (M3 excluded) treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine for at least one complete course of induction therapy from October 2018 to December 2022. All patients received next generation sequencing (NGS) detection for diagnosis before treatment. Response was evaluated within two courses of induction chemotherapy. Overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were collected for endpoint analysis. Results: 178 patients were analyzed. Median age was 59 years old (IQR, 51-68). The co-mutated genes with a detection rate of ≥ 10% included FLT3, DNMT3A, TET2, IDH2, IDH1, PTPN11, NRAS, and WT1. The median follow-up was 26.2 months. Our results showed that in NPM1 mutated AML, co-mutations of IDH1, IDH2, and PTPN11-PTP domain were associated with favorable prognosis, while co-mutations of FLT3-ITD and DNMT3A were associated with poor prognosis. Interestingly, the adverse outcome trends brought by FLT3-ITD and DNMT3A co-mutations could be reversed by IDH mutation and PTPN11 mutations, respectively (Table). Besides, for NPM1 mutated AML patients combined with FLT3-ITD/ DNMT3A mutations, allo-HSCT after remission could significantly improve outcome ( P < 0.05), while similar results were not found in FLT3-ITD/ DNMT3A wild type patients. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that NPM1-mutated AML with different co-mutation profiles led to heterogeneous outcomes. For NPM1-mutated AML patients with adverse prognosis-related co-mutation combinations, allo-HSCT after remission may be a recommended strategy to improve outcome. [Table: see text]

Molecular, clinical, and therapeutic determinants of outcome in NPM1-mutated AML

AbstractAlthough NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carries a generally favorable prognosis, many patients still relapse and die. Previous studies identified several molecular and clinical features associated with poor outcomes; however, only FLT3-internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutation and adverse karyotype are currently used for risk stratification because of inconsistent results and uncertainty about how other factors should influence treatment, particularly given the strong prognostic effect of postinduction measurable residual disease (MRD). Here, we analyzed a large group of patients with NPM1 mutations (NPM1mut) AML enrolled in prospective trials (National Cancer Research Institute [NCRI] AML17 and AML19, n = 1357) to delineate the impact of baseline molecular and clinical features, postinduction MRD status, and treatment intensity on the outcome. FLT3-ITD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.63), DNMT3A (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.32-2.05), WT1 (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.27-2.38), and non-ABD NPM1mut (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.22-2.21) were independently associated with poorer overall survival (OS). These factors were also strongly associated with MRD positivity. For patients who achieved MRD negativity, these mutations (except FLT3-ITD) were associated with an increased cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and poorer OS. However, apart from the few patients with adverse cytogenetics, we could not identify any group of MRD-negative patients with a CIR >40% or with benefit from allograft in first remission. Intensified chemotherapy with the FLAG-Ida (fludarabine, cytarabine, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and idarubicin) regimen was associated with improved outcomes in all subgroups, with greater benefits observed in the high-risk molecular subgroups.

A 2024 Update on Menin Inhibitors. A New Class of Target Agents against KMT2A-Rearranged and NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Menin inhibitors are new and promising agents currently in clinical development that target the HOX/MEIS1 transcriptional program which is critical for leukemogenesis in histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2A-rearranged (KMT2Ar) and in NPM1-mutated (NPM1mut) acute leukemias. The mechanism of action of this new class of agents is based on the disruption of the menin-KMT2A complex (consisting of chromatin remodeling proteins), leading to the differentiation and apoptosis of AML cells expressing KMT2A or with mutated NPM1. To date, this new class of drugs has been tested in phase I and II clinical trials, both alone and in combination with synergistic drugs showing promising results in terms of response rates and safety in heavily pre-treated acute leukemia patients. In this brief review, we summarize the key findings on menin inhibitors, focusing on the mechanism of action and preliminary clinical data on the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia with this promising new class of agents, particularly revumenib and ziftomenib.

FLT3 and IRAK4 Inhibitor Emavusertib in Combination with BH3-Mimetics in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Targeting the FLT3 receptor and the IL-1R associated kinase 4 as well as the anti-apoptotic proteins MCL1 and BCL2 may be a promising novel approach in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The FLT3 and IRAK4 inhibitor emavusertib (CA4948), the MCL1 inhibitor S63845, the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax, and the HSP90 inhibitor PU-H71 were assessed as single agents and in combination for their ability to induce apoptosis and cell death in leukemic cells in vitro. AML cells represented all major morphologic and molecular subtypes, including FLT3-ITD and NPM1 mutant AML cell lines and a variety of patient-derived AML cells. Emavusertib in combination with MCL1 inhibitor S63845 or BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MOLM-13 cells. In primary AML cells, the response to emavusertib was associated with the presence of the FLT3 gene mutation with an allelic ratio >0.5 and the presence of NPM1 gene mutations. S63845 was effective in all tested AML cell lines and primary AML samples. Blast cell percentage was positively associated with the response to CA4948, S63845, and venetoclax, with elevated susceptibility of primary AML with blast cell fraction >80%. Biomarkers of the response to venetoclax included the blast cell percentage and bone marrow infiltration rate, as well as the expression levels of CD11b, CD64, and CD117. Elevated susceptibility to CA4948 combination treatments with S63845 or PU-H71 was associated with FLT3-mutated AML and CD34 < 30%. The combination of CA4948 and BH3-mimetics may be effective in the treatment in FLT3-mutated AML with differential target specificity for MCL1 and BCL2 inhibitors. Moreover, the combination of CA4948 and PU-H71 may be a candidate combination treatment in FLT3-mutated AML.

Comprehensive Molecular Profiling of NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia Using RNAseq Approach.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex hematologic malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutations occur in approximately 30% of AML cases, and NPM1-mutated AML is classified as a distinct entity. NPM1-mutated AML patients without additional genetic abnormalities have a favorable prognosis. Despite this, 30-50% of them experience relapse. This study aimed to investigate the potential of total RNAseq in improving the characterization of NPM1-mutated AML patients. We explored genetic variations independently of myeloid stratification, revealing a complex molecular scenario. We showed that total RNAseq enables the uncovering of different genetic alterations and clonal subtypes, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the real expression of exome transcripts in leukemic clones and the identification of aberrant fusion transcripts. This characterization may enhance understanding and guide improved treatment strategies for NPM1mut AML patients, contributing to better outcomes. Our findings underscore the complexity of NPM1-mutated AML, supporting the incorporation of advanced technologies for precise risk stratification and personalized therapeutic strategies. The study provides a foundation for future investigations into the clinical implications of identified genetic variations and highlights the importance of evolving diagnostic approaches in leukemia management.

Abstract 3218: Combination drug screen identifies novel epigenetic therapies to enhance menin inhibitor efficacy in KMT2A rearranged and NPM1 mutant AML

Abstract Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with KMT2A-rearrangements have a poor prognosis and so there is an urgent need for novel therapies. Menin inhibitors have shown promising anti-leukemic effects in KMT2A-rearranged and NPM1-mutated AML. However, the efficacy of menin inhibitors as single agents may be limited by the development of resistance mutations. Combining menin inhibitors with other epigenetic drugs may present a strategy to enhance their therapeutic potential. In this study, we performed a combination drug screen using an epigenetic drug library in KMT2A-rearranged (MV4;11) and NPM1-mutant (OCI-AML3) AML cell lines to identify synergistic therapies that can be used in conjunction with menin inhibitors. Methods: During assay optimization, MV4;11 and OCI-AML3 cells were treated with the menin inhibitor DSP-5336, and their viability was assessed. Quality control metrics were applied with Z’ values consistently greater than 0.5 for all assay plates and then the cells were subjected to a small molecule compound library screen containing a set of 932 epigenetic drugs. The screening process included a systematic evaluation of each drug's effect on cell viability in combination with the DSP-5336. Results: The combination drug screen demonstrated robust performance in both MV4;11 and OCI-AML3 cell lines, with reliable quality control metrics. Among the epigenetic drugs tested, five compounds were identified as potential hits that synergistically enhanced the efficacy of DSP-5336 across both cell lines.The five identified compounds exhibited enhanced anti-leukemic effects when combined with the menin inhibitor in either one of the cell lines. The targets of these drugs varied, including histone deacetylases, histone acetyltransferases and BRD4 inhibition, suggesting many alternate mechanisms of action involving epigenetic modulation. Remarkably, one of the 5 hits C301-3161, a KAT2A inhibitor, showed limited activity in either cell line alone but increased cell killing with DSP-5336 in both cell lines, highlighting its potential as a specific therapeutic for combining with DSP-5336 in AML patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest combining menin inhibitors with other epigenetic drugs may improve AML treatment outcomes. The combination drug screen successfully identified four novel compounds that synergistically enhance menin inhibitor efficacy in both KMT2A-rearranged and NPM1-mutant AML cell lines. These compounds hold significant promise as potential therapeutic candidates for further investigation. Future studies should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of action for each hit and evaluating their effects in preclinical animal models. Ultimately, this research may pave the way for the development of innovative combination therapeutic strategies for AML patients with KMT2A-rearragned and NPM1-mutant AML. Citation Format: Tulasigeri M. Totiger, Sana Chaudhry, Skye Montoya, Maurizio Affer, Anya K. Sondhi, Alexandra Chirino, Claude-Henry Volmar, Shaun Brothers, Justin Watts, Justin Taylor. Combination drug screen identifies novel epigenetic therapies to enhance menin inhibitor efficacy in KMT2A rearranged and NPM1 mutant AML [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3218.

Automated manufacture of ΔNPM1 TCR-engineered T cells for AML therapy

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous malignancy that requires further therapeutic improvement, especially for the elderly and for subgroups with poor prognosis. A recently discovered Tcell receptor (TCR) targeting mutant nucleophosmin 1 (ΔNPM1) presents an attractive option for the development of a cancer antigen-targeted cellular therapy. Manufacturing of TCR-modified Tcells, however, is still limited by a complex, time-consuming, and laborious procedure. Therefore, this study specifically addressed the requirements for a scaled manufacture of ΔNPM1-specific Tcells in an automated, closed, and good manufacturing practice-compliant process. Starting from cryopreserved leukapheresis, 2E8 CD8-positive Tcells were enriched, activated, lentivirally transduced, expanded, and finally formulated. By adjusting and optimizing culture conditions, we additionally reduced the manufacturing time from 12 to 8days while still achieving a clinically relevant yield of up to 5.5E9 ΔNPM1 TCR-engineered Tcells. The cellular product mainly consisted of highly viable CD8-positive Tcells with an early memory phenotype. ΔNPM1 TCR CD8 Tcells manufactured with the optimized process showed specific killing of AML invitro and invivo. The process has been implemented in an upcoming phase 1/2 clinical trial for the treatment of NPM1-mutated AML.

Postinduction molecular MRD identifies patients with NPM1 AML who benefit from allogeneic transplant in first remission

AbstractSelection of patients with NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for allogeneic transplant in first complete remission (CR1-allo) remains controversial because of a lack of robust data. Consequently, some centers consider baseline FLT3–internal tandem duplication (ITD) an indication for transplant, and others rely on measurable residual disease (MRD) status. Using prospective data from the United Kingdom National Cancer Research Institute AML17 and AML19 studies, we examined the impact of CR1-allo according to peripheral blood NPM1 MRD status measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction after 2 courses of induction chemotherapy. Of 737 patients achieving remission, MRD was positive in 19%. CR1-allo was performed in 46% of MRD+ and 17% of MRD− patients. We observed significant heterogeneity of overall survival (OS) benefit from CR1-allo according to MRD status, with substantial OS advantage for MRD+ patients (3-year OS with CR1-allo vs without: 61% vs 24%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.64; P < .001) but no benefit for MRD− patients (3-year OS with CR1-allo vs without: 79% vs 82%; HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.50-1.33; P = .4). Restricting analysis to patients with coexisting FLT3-ITD, again CR1-allo only improved OS for MRD+ patients (3-year OS, 45% vs 18%; compared with 83% vs 76% if MRD-); no interaction with FLT3 allelic ratio was observed. Postinduction molecular MRD reliably identifies those patients who benefit from allogeneic transplant in first remission. The AML17 and AML19 trials were registered at www.isrctn.com as #ISRCTN55675535 and #ISRCTN78449203, respectively.