Salvage Therapy For Pts Research Articles

Salvage high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) for relapsed primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors (PMNSGCT).

5032 Background: Patients with PMNSGCT have high relapse rates after first-line therapy. Historical outcomes in this subset with standard-dose salvage chemotherapy or HDCT+bone marrow transplant (BMT) have been poor. The use of peripheral-blood stem-cell transplant (PBSCT) has allowed for more rapid engraftment and the ability to start the 2nd course 3-4 weeks after the 1st course of HDCT. We report survival outcomes of salvage HDCT+PBSCT in relapsed PMNSGCT. Methods: Between 2004-January 2021, 32 pts with relapsed PMNSGCT were treated with HDCT+PBSCTx2 utilizing our institutional regimen: carboplatin 700 mg/m2 + etoposide 750 mg/m2, for 3 consecutive days, followed by PBSCT. Median time between cycle1 day1 to cycle2 day1 was 3.2 wks (range, 2.6-4.6). Kaplan-Meier methods were used for progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) analysis. Results: Median age was 30. At the start of HDCT, median AFP was 192 (range, 4-17130) and hCG 1.5 (range, 0.6-15711). First-line therapy was standard germ cell tumor chemotherapy such as bleomycin-etoposide-cisplatin (BEP) or etoposide-ifosfamide-cisplatin (VIP). HDCT was 2nd line in (26, 81.3%) and 3rd line in (6, 18.8%). Eighteen (56.3%) pts had platinum-refractory disease defined as progression within 4 weeks of 1st line chemo. Twenty-three (72%) patients had extra mediastinal metastases (mets) at the start of HDCT. Metastatic sites included pulmonary (17), lymph nodes (2), liver (3), bone (2), brain (1). Median follow-up time from start of HDCT was 1 yr (range, 0.02-14.1). Twenty-six (81%) pts completed both cycles, while 6 (19%) completed only one cycle due to toxicity or progression. The estimated 2-yr PFS was 30.7 (95% CI, 15.8-46.9) and 2-yr OS was 35.2 (95% CI, 18.9-51.9). At the most recent follow-up, 9 (28%) pts were continuously no evidence of disease (NED), including 2 pts who had surgical resection of teratoma following HDCT. Median follow-up from the start of HDCT for the NED pts was 4.6 yrs (range, 1-14.1). Five of the NED pts had extra mediastinal mets, and 2 had platinum-refractory disease. Among the 9 NED pts, HDCT was 2nd line in 7 (77.8%) and 3rd line in 2 (22.2%). These results compare favorably to historical data with standard-dose chemotherapy or HDCT+BMT in relapsed primary mediastinal GCT with salvage rates < 10% (Hartmann et al., JCO 19:1641-1648, 2001). Grade ≥3 toxicity, as previously described in our study (Adra et al., JCO 35:1096-1102, 2017), occurred in 8 (25%) pts. There were two treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: HDCT+PBSCT is a safe and effective salvage therapy in pts with relapsed PMNSGCT with curative potential. In our opinion, these complicated patients are best managed at tertiary centers with expertise in medical oncology, stem cell transplantation, and thoracic surgical oncology.

A Phase 1 Study Investigating the Combination of AFM13 and the Monoclonal Anti-PD-1 Antibody Pembrolizumab in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma after Brentuximab Vedotin Failure: Data from the Dose Escalation Part of the Study

BackgroundAFM13 is a bispecific, tetravalent NK cell-engaging antibody construct binding to CD30 on Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) cells and CD16A on NK cells. By engaging CD16A-positive NK cells, AFM13 leads to NK-cell mediated killing of CD30-positive lymphoma cells (Reusch et al., 2014). Pembrolizumab is a PD-1 blocking antibody that prevents tumor immune evasion and has shown to induce high single-agent response rates in patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (R/R) HL (Armand et al., 2016). AFM13 has shown first signs of clinical activity in R/R HL as single agent in a preceding Phase 1 study (Rothe et al., 2015). Preclinical in vivo data of the combination of AFM13 with PD-1 inhibition suggest synergistic activity and the potential for induction of cross-talk between innate and adaptive immunity (Zhao et al., 2016). The combination of the two agents could improve outcomes in pts with R/R HL.MethodsA Phase 1b study is ongoing to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the combination of AFM13 with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as salvage therapy after failure of standard therapies including brentuximab vedotin in HL (NCT02665650). Pts receive escalating doses of AFM13 (Table 1) in combination with pembrolizumab at a flat dose of 200 mg administered every 3 weeks following the classical 3+3 design. Upon completion, recruitment continues into an extension cohort. Response assessment is performed every 12 weeks by PET/CT according to the Lugano Classification Revised Staging System (Cheson 2014).ResultsAs of July 24th 2017, 12 pts have been enrolled into the dose escalation part of the study. All pts have relapsed disease and have failed standard treatments including brentuximab vedotin. 66 % (8/12) have failed prior autologous stem cell transplantation.At the time of the data extract, all 12 pts had completed the 6-week dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) observation period. 3 pts were enrolled into cohorts 1 and 2 each and 6 patients were enrolled into cohort 3. While no grade 3 or 4 adverse events related to the study treatment were observed, one DLT per protocol definition was observed in cohort 3, which was a repeated grade 2 infusion-related reaction (IRR), leading to discontinuation of AFM13 treatment. No further DLTs occurred. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were IRRs (9 pts), headache (4 pts), rash (4 pts), nausea (4 pts) and cough (4 pts). All these events were of grade 1 or 2. All observed IRRs were related to the AFM13 administration. Premedication with antihistamine and steroid was not mandatory during dose escalation. Only one grade 3 AE, a duodenal ulcer, was observed, which was assessed as not related to the study treatment. Thus the extension cohort will continue with the highest dose explored during dose escalation.3-month response data from the 12 patients enrolled into cohorts 1, 2 and 3 will be reported at the ASH 2017 annual meeting.ConclusionsEarly data suggest that the combination of AFM13 and pembrolizumab is a well-tolerated salvage therapy in pts with R/R HL. While IRRs were observed frequently, all of these events were of mild or moderate severity and only one event led to discontinuation of treatment in one patient. Preliminary antitumor activity will be further analyzed in the currently recruiting extension cohort. [Display omitted] DisclosuresAnsell:Merck: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding. Chen:Merck: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Research Funding. Forero-Torres:Juno: Research Funding; 47 Pharmaceutical: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Genentech/Roche: Research Funding; GSK: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding. Armand:Tensha: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Otsuka: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Infinity: Consultancy; Merck & Co., Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genmab: Consultancy; Sequenta/Adaptive: Research Funding; Sigma Tau: Research Funding. Lossos:Affimed: Research Funding. Reeder:Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding. Strassz:Affimed: Employment. Kerber:Affimed: Employment. Bartlett:Celgene: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; KITE: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Merck & Co: Research Funding; Bristol-Meyers Squibb: Research Funding; Immune Design: Research Funding; Forty Seven: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Millenium: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; ImaginAB: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Rituximab Plus Bortezomib Still Represents an Effective Treatment Option for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Introduction.Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) represents 5-7% of all non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) and is still an incurable disease. In recent years first line treatment approaches were strongly improved both for younger (i.e. high-dose cytarabine regimens) and for elderly patients (pts) (i.e. bendamustine-including regimens or Rituximab maintenance after RCHOP therapy). However, MCL retains a strong tendency to recurrence with shorter Duration of Response (DOR) after any further line of therapy. Furthermore, in recent years many drugs were developed, that have demonstrated strong efficacy in the treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) MCL. In particular, the BTK inhibitor Ibrutinib is currently used in the treatment of R/R MCL worldwide with the highest single-agent efficacy in terms of Overall Response (ORR) and Complete Response Rate (CRR) and DOR. With the wide use of Ibrutinib new problems are emerging, for example a certain aggressiveness of MCL relapsing after or resistant to this drug. Furthermore, some patients present one or more co-morbidities that preclude or at least contraindicate Ibrutinib treatment, especially atrial fibrillation or the needing for anti-coagulation. Finally, many treatments of R/R MCL are currently available (Bendamustine, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, etc…) and there are no data suggesting which could be the more effective “treatment-sequence” for MCL pts. The proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of R/R MCL with good ORR and DOR, both as single drug and in association with Rituximab. However, due to rapid availability of new drugs, its role as a potential treatment of R/R MCL is under-explored, even if a good toxicity profile was also observed. Here we report our experience of Rituximab plus Bortezomib (R+B) as salvage therapy for pts with R/R MCL.Materials and Methods.We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of R/R MCL pts treated from January 2008 to December 2013 with the following regimen: i.v. Bortezomib 1.6 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of a 35-days cycle for 6 cycles; i.v. Rituximab 375 mg/m2 administered on the same treatment days for 2 cycles. The aims of this study are an analysis of efficacy (in terms of ORR, CRR, PFS, DOR, OS) and of (hematological and non hematological) toxicity. Response to treatment was evaluated by chest-abdomen and pelvis CT scan; for the evaluation of response Cheson 2007 criteria were applied. Patients also underwent bone marrow evaluation and endoscopy, if positive at baseline.Results.Nineteen pts were treated according to the R+B regimen. Pts' characteristics are summarized in table 1. A median of 4.5 cycles were administered (range 1-6).Efficacy analysis . The ORR was 63% (12 pts) and the CRR was 53% (10 pts), while one pt experienced a stable disease and in the remaining 6 cases a progression of disease was observed. The median PFS and OS (Figure 1) were 32,6 and 45,7 months respectively, while median DOR was 28,6 months (with no significant differences between pts reaching CR or PR after treatment).Toxicity analysis . Grade (g) 3-4 neutropenia was observed in 6/19 pts but no cases of FN were observed, even if 14/19 pts received some G-CSF prophylaxis. One pt with g3 anemia at the start of R+B treatment experienced g4 anemia and received multiple RBC support, while g3 and 4 thrombocytopenia were experienced by 3 pts and 1 pt respectively with no major bleeding events and no need for transfusions. The most frequent extra hematological toxicities were gastrointestinal (6 pts; all g1), neurological (5 pts; 3 g2 and 2 g1), asthenia (4 pts; 2 g2 and 2 g1), while 4 pts experienced infections (1 g1, 2 g2, 1 g3). Because of toxicity, 7 pts had a dose reduction (mainly related to neurological symptoms) and 9 pts experienced some delay in treatment administration or single-day treatment interruption. There were no deaths related to hematological or non-hematological toxicity.Conclusion.Even in the era of the new drugs for the treatment of R/R MCL, R+B still represents an attractive treatment option due to its high efficacy and its low toxicity profile and should be strongly considered in the armamentarium of MCL therapies that should be offered to our pts [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Phase II study of nivolumab and salvage nivolumab + ipilimumab in treatment-naïve patients (pts) with advanced non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) (HCRN GU16-260-Cohort B).

4510 Background: The HCRN GU16-260 trial reported on the efficacy and toxicity of nivo monotherapy in treatment naïve clear cell RCC (Cohort A) and the efficacy of nivo/ipi salvage therapy in pts with tumors resistant to initial nivo monotherapy (Atkins JCO 2020.38.15_suppl.5006). Limited information is available on the effects of such an approach in pts with advanced nccRCC. Methods: Eligible pts with treatment-naïve nccRCC received nivo 240mg IV q2 wk x 6 doses followed by 360mg IV q3 wk x 4 doses followed by 480 mg q4 wk until progressive disease (PD), toxicity, or completion of 96 wks of treatment (Part A). Pts with PD prior to or stable disease (SD) at 48 wks (pSD) were potentially eligible to receive salvage nivo (3mg/kg) /ipi (1 mg/kg) q3 wk x 4 doses followed by q4 wk nivo maintenance for up to 48 wks (Part B). All pts were required to submit tissue from a metastatic lesion obtained within 12 months (mo) prior to study entry and prior to enrolling on Part B for correlative studies. Results: 35 pts with nccRCC were enrolled between 5/2017 and 12/2019 at 12 participating HCRN sites. Median age 63 (range 35-84 years); 89% male. IMDC favorable 8 (23%), intermediate 18 (51%) and poor risk 9 (26%). Of the 35 pts 19 (54%) had papillary, 6 (17%) chromophobe and 10 (29%) unclassified histology. RECIST defined ORR was 5 of 35 (14.3%) [CR 2 (5.7%), PR 3 (8.6%)], SD 16 (45.7%), PD 14 (40.0%). Immune-related ORR was 8 of 35 (22.9%). RECIST ORR by histology was: papillary - 1/19 (5%); chromophobe - 1/6 (17%); unclassified - 3/10 (30%). 9 pts (26%) had tumors with sarcomatoid features with 3 (33%) (2 unclassified, 1 papillary) responding. Median PFS was 4.0 (2.7, 4.3) mo. 21 pts remain alive. None of the responders have progressed or died. 28 pts (25 PD, 3 pSD) were potentially eligible for salvage nivo/ipi (Part B), but 12 did not enroll due to symptomatic PD (2), grade 3-4 toxicity on nivo (3), or other including no biopsy tissue (7). In the 16 Part B pts, best response to nivo/ipi was: PR (1, 6%) – (unclassified/non-sarcomatoid); SD (7, 44%); PD (8, 50%). Grade 3 Treatment-related adverse events (TrAEs) were seen in 7/35 (20%) on nivo. Grade 3-5 TrAEs were seen in 7/16 (44%) on nivo/ipi with 1 pt experiencing sudden death. Correlative studies including PD-L1 status, WES and RNAseq are pending. Conclusions: Nivo monotherapy has limited activity in treatment naïve nccRCC with most responses (4 of 5) seen in pts with sarcomatoid and/or unclassified tumors. Toxicity is consistent with prior nivo studies. Salvage treatment with nivo/ipi was provided in 16 of 28 (57%) pts with PD/pSD on nivo monotherapy, with 1 response observed. Clinical trial information: NCT03117309.

Phase II study of nivolumab and salvage nivolumab + ipilimumab in treatment-naïve patients (pts) with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (HCRN GU16-260).

5006 Background: Nivolumab (nivo) is FDA approved for pts with VEGFR TKI-resistant RCC and the nivo + ipilimumab (nivo/ipi) combination is FDA approved for treatment naïve pts with IMDC intermediate and poor risk RCC. Little information is available on the efficacy and toxicity of nivo monotherapy in treatment naïve RCC or the efficacy of nivo/ipi salvage therapy in pts with tumors resistant to initial nivo monotherapy. Methods: Eligible pts with treatment naïve RCC received nivo 240mg IV q2 wk x 6 doses followed by 360mg IV q3 wk x 4 doses followed by 480 mg q4 wk until progressive disease (PD), toxicity, or completion of 96 wks of treatment (Part A). Pts with PD prior to or stable disease (SD) at 48 wks (pSD) were potentially eligible to receive salvage nivo (3mg/kg) /ipi (1 mg/kg) q3 wk x 4 doses followed by q4 wk nivo maintenance for up to 48 wks (Part B). All pts were required to submit tissue from a metastatic lesion obtained within 12 months (mo) prior to study entry and prior to Part B. Pathology specimens will be analyzed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative immunofluorescence, WES and RNAseq with results linked to clinical outcome. Results: 123 pts with clear cell(cc) RCC were enrolled between 5/2017 and 12/2019 at 12 participating HCRN sites. Median age 65 (range 32-86 years); 72% male. IMDC favorable 30 (25%), intermediate 79 (65%) and poor risk 12 (10%). 22 (18%) had a component of sarcomatoid histology (SARC). 117 pts are currently evaluable for response. RECIST defined ORR was: 34 (29.3%)[CR 5 (4.3%), PR 29 (24.8%)], SD 47 (40.2%), PD 36 (30.7%). ORR by irRECIST was 35%. ORR by IMDC was: favorable 12/29 (41.4%), intermediate/poor 22/87 (25.3%) and for SARC 6/22 (27.3%). Median DOR is 13.8 (10.9, NA) mo. Median PFS is 7.4 (5.5, 10.9) mo. 110 pts remain alive. 60 pts (54 PD, 6 pSD) to date were potentially eligible for salvage nivo/ipi (Part B), but 28 did not enroll due to symptomatic PD (17), grade 3-4 toxicity on nivo (8), other (3). 27 of 32 Part B pts are currently evaluable for efficacy and 30 for toxicity. Best response to nivo/ipi was PR (11%), SD (30%), PD (59%). ORR by irRECIST was 19%. Grade 3-5 Treatment-related AEs (TrAE) were seen in 35/123 (28)% on nivo with 1 death due to respiratory failure. Grade 3-4 TrAE were seen in 10/30 (33%) on nivo/ipi with 0 deaths. Correlative studies are pending. Conclusions: Nivo monotherapy is active in treatment naïve ccRCC across all IMDC groups. Toxicity is consistent with prior nivo studies. Salvage treatment with nivo/ipi after nivo monotherapy was feasible in 53% of pts with PD/pSD, with 11% responding. Clinical trial information: NCT03117309 .

Brentuximab Vedotin and Nivolumab for Relapsed or Refractory Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma: Long-Term Follow-up Results from the Single-Arm Phase 1/2 Study

Brentuximab Vedotin and Nivolumab for Relapsed or Refractory Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma: Long-Term Follow-up Results from the Single-Arm Phase 1/2 Study

Phase II trial of ixazomib combined with gemcitabine and doxorubicin in patients with SMARCB1-deficient kidney malignancies.

TPS678 Background: SMARCB1 (also known as INI-1, hSNF5, or BAF47) is a potent tumor suppressor inactivated in all cases of renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) and renal cell carcinoma unclassified with medullary phenotype (RCCU-MP), as well as the majority of malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT). These highly aggressive malignancies often occur in young patients (pts) and are associated with poor prognosis. There are currently no approved therapies targeting SMARCB1 defects. We previously showed that SMARCB1 loss induces a synthetically lethal vulnerability to perturbations of the cellular proteostasis machinery by proteasome inhibitors (Genovese et al. Nature, 542:362-366, 2017). The present study was designed to determine whether the addition of the second-generation proteasome inhibitor ixazomib to cytotoxic chemotherapy with gemcitabine and doxorubicin (IGD regimen) can improve outcomes of pts with aggressive SMARCB1-deficient kidney malignancies. Methods: This single-arm trial uses the Bayesian optimal phase II (BOP2) design (Heng et al. Stat Med 2017) to determine if the IGD regimen will improve the two co-primary endpoints of objective response rate (ORR) to 50% and 28-week disease control rate (DCR) to 30% compared with the historical ORR and 28-week DCR of 29% and 14%, respectively, achieved using gemcitabine plus doxorubicin alone as first-line or salvage therapy in pts with SMARCB1-negative RMC, RCCU-MP, and adult-onset kidney MRTs treated at our institution. Up to 30 pts aged ≥ 12 years old will be enrolled and any number of prior therapies is allowed. Ongoing monitoring for safety and futility will be implemented in 10-patient cohorts. If both the ORR and DCR improve to 50% and 30%, respectively, then there is only a 3.5% chance of stopping early and a 93.1% chance of claiming that IGD is efficacious. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, and overall survival. Tissue correlative analyses will be performed to determine whether tumors from pts responding to IGD have increased levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers involved in protein turnover. At the time of the abstract submission, 5 pts have been enrolled on this study. Clinical trial information: NCT03587662.

A Phase 1b Study Investigating the Combination of the Tetravalent Bispecific NK Cell Engager AFM13 and Pembrolizumab in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma after Brentuximab Vedotin Failure: Updated Safety and Efficacy Data

A Phase 1b Study Investigating the Combination of the Tetravalent Bispecific NK Cell Engager AFM13 and Pembrolizumab in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma after Brentuximab Vedotin Failure: Updated Safety and Efficacy Data

Impact of early FDG-PET directed intervention on preoperative therapy for locally advanced gastric cancer: A Cooperative Group random assignment phase II study (Alliance A021302) Impac.

TPS4135 Background: Gastric cancer is a prevalent and morbid illness for which new treatment strategies are needed. Peri-operative therapy is a standard approach that is associated with only a 15% improvement in overall survival. Early FDG-PET scanning, performed prior to cycle 2, can distinguish patients (pts) responding to chemotherapy from those who are not. FDG-PET non-responding pts have poorer survival. This study addresses the question of salvage therapy in pts who are PET non-responders. Specifically, does salvage chemotherapy with docetaxel /irinotecan improve pt survival in FDG-PET-nonresponding pts with locally advanced gastric cancer. Methods: This is a multicenter, cooperative group, NCI supported, randomized phase II study of salvage chemotherapy + surgery versus surgery and post-operative chemoradiotherapy in pts who are FDG-PET non-responders (defined as a decrease in SUVmaxof the primary tumor of less than 35%). A total of 176 pts with locally advanced, resectable gastric cancer who were FDG-PET non-responders to cycle 1 of platinum/capecitabine based chemotherapy will be randomized in a 1:1 manner to receive either (Arm A) surgery followed by fluoropyrimidine-sensitized radiotherapy (4500 cGy), or (Arm B) salvage chemotherapy with docetaxel / irinotecan (DI) for 2 cycles followed by standard resection and 3 cycles DI post-operatively. DI is administered as D 30 mg/m2, I 50 mg/m2 given on D1, D8 of a 21 day cycle. 416 pts will be screened to yield 162 non-responders (81 FDG-PET non-responders per treatment group). With expected 120 events, the study will have 80% power to detect a hazard ratio of 0.625 for improved survival at the one-sided significant level of 0.15. Pts will be required to provide tissue at the time of resection, as well as whole blood prior to resection for correlative studies associated with platinum sensitivity, FDG avidity, and prognostic markers. This study is available through all cooperative groups (SWOG, ACRIN/ECOG, Alliance, and NRG) and the National Clinical Trials Network. Enrollment began in November 2015. Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882; Clinical Trial Information: NCT02485834 .

Preliminary Results from a Phase 1/2 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin in Combination with Nivolumab in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma

BackgroundBrentuximab vedotin (BV) is an antibody-drug conjugate directed against CD30, a receptor that engages the CD30 ligand expressed on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, promoting tumor cell growth (Montanari 2014, Hansen 2014). Through disruption of the microtubule network, BV induces apoptotic cell death, and may initiate an antitumor immune response (i.e., immunogenic cell death) through the induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (Gardai 2015). Nivolumab is a fully human monoclonal PD-1 blocking antibody that prevents tumor immune evasion. Both agents have independent high single-agent response rates in patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (R/R) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and when used in combination, may exhibit mechanistic synergy. Given the demonstrated efficacy of both BV and nivolumab, together these agents could yield improved CR rates prior to ASCT in pts with R/R HL, and potentially better long-term outcomes.MethodsA phase 1/2 study is ongoing to evaluate the safety and antitumor activity of BV administered in combination with nivolumab as first salvage therapy in pts with R/R classical HL after standard frontline chemotherapy (NCT02572167). Adult pts are treated in 21-day cycles for up to 4 cycles (12 weeks). Pts receive 1.8 mg/kg BV on Cycle 1 Day 1, and 3 mg/kg nivolumab on Cycle 1 Day 8. For cycles 2 through 4, BV and nivolumab are administered on Day 1 of each cycle at the same doses. After completion of the Cycle 4 response assessment, pts are eligible to undergo ASCT. Investigator assessment of lymphoma response and progression is per the Lugano Classification Revised Staging System for malignant lymphoma (Cheson 2014).ResultsTwenty-five pts (60% female) with a median age of 32 years (range, 18-69) have been enrolled to date. Sixty percent of pts have relapsed disease, 36% have primary refractory disease (failure to achieve CR with frontline therapy, or relapse within 3 months of completing frontline therapy), and 1 pt (4%) has unknown status. At the time of enrollment, 32% of pts presented with extranodal disease and 16% with bulky disease.At the time of the data extract, 23 pts had received treatment. An increased incidence of infusion-related reactions (IRRs) was observed at the start of combination treatment in Cycle 2 during the BV infusion leading to 1 dose delay. Premedication with corticosteroids (hydrocortisone 100 mg or equivalent) and antihistamines at Cycles 2-4 was instituted through a protocol amendment.Six pts have completed combination treatment, and all have achieved an objective response (ORR, 100%), with 3 of 6 achieving a complete metabolic response (CmR, 50%). All 6 pts have proceeded directly to ASCT. Median number of CD34+ cells collected was 12.9 x106 cells/kg (range, 5-26) in a mean number of 1.7 apheresis sessions (range, 1-2).Adverse events (AEs) for all pts are summarized prior to ASCT. Eighteen of the 23 treated pts (78%) experienced adverse events (AEs). Fifteen pts (65%) had AEs ≤ Grade 2 in severity and 3 pts (13%) experienced Grade 3 AEs. No pts experienced Grade 4 AEs pre-ASCT. Fatigue was the most common AE occurring in 35% of pts, followed by nausea (26%), rash (22%), dyspnea, myalgia, and pruritus (17% each). One pt experienced a treatment-related serious adverse event (SAE) of dehydration, hypercalcemia, and acute kidney injury. Immune-related adverse events (IrAEs) were experienced by 3 pts; 2 pts who experienced Grade 1 rash treated with topical steroids, and 1 pt who experienced Grade 1 hypothyroidism. No pts have discontinued treatment prematurely.In addition to Reed-Sternberg cells, CD30 is expressed on activated T cells. Preliminary biomarker data indicate a BV-induced decrease in the percentage of CD4+ T regulatory (Treg) cells at C1D8, with no decrease in proliferating CD8+ T cells, and no significant decrease observed in the percentage of CD4+ Th1 cells compared to baseline for 5 of 6 pts (83%). Nivolumab induced a robust expansion of T cells at C1D15.ConclusionsEarly data suggest the combination of BV and nivolumab is an active and well-tolerated salvage therapy in pts with R/R HL. While an elevated incidence of IRRs has been observed, toxicities with this regimen appear to be tolerable overall. The preliminary antitumor activity suggests this combination may be a promising option for R/R HL pts. Updated results will be shared at the time of presentation. DisclosuresHerrera:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Immune Design: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Bartlett:Gilead: Consultancy. Moskowitz:BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Research Funding. Feldman:Abbvie/Pharmacyclics/Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. LaCasce:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Forty Seven Inc.: Consultancy. Ansell:Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding. Fenton:Seattle Genetics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kato:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment. Fong:Seattle Genetics: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Front-Line FLAG-IDA and Nove-HiDAC Chemotherapy Improves Overall Survival (OS) and Complete Remission Rates (CR) for Patients with Secondary or Therapy-Related AML Compared to 3&7

Background: Therapy for patients (pts) with high risk AML remains unsatisfactory. Retrospective studies have demonstrated activity of fludarabine, cytarabine, GCSF and idarubicin (FLAG-IDA) and of mitoxantrone, etoposide and cytarabine (NOVE-HiDAC) as salvage therapy in pts with relapsed or refractory AML. A recent randomized trial indicated high complete remission (CR) rates with improved relapsed-free survival when FLAG-IDA is administered as frontline induction therapy (Burnett et al. J Clin Oncol 2013). Since 01/2011, we have used FLAG-IDA as a first line therapeutic option in pts with high risk AML (poor risk cytogenetics, antecedent myeloproliferative neoplasm or myelodysplastic syndrome, and/or therapy-related AML) in an attempt to improve CR rates and permit more patients with AML to advance to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Prior to 2011, either 3&7 or NOVE-HiDAC was used as first line therapy in patients with AML.Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients with high risk AML treated with front-line (a) FLAG-IDA between 01/2011 to 03/2015, (b) NOVE-HiDAC from 01/2006 to 12/2014, or (c) 3&7 from January 01/2011 to 12/2014 at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, to determine the CR rates and overall survival (OS) associated with the different regimens.Results: Patients characteristics are in Table 1. Fifty-two, 32, and 30 pts received FLAG-IDA, NOVE-HiDAC or 3&7 as first induction, respectively. Patients receiving FLAG-IDA had more high-risk features (i.e. complex cytogenetics, more azacytidine failures) compared to those receiving 3&7. Overall CR rate (i.e. CR + [CRi] + [CRp]) with FLAG-IDA, NOVE-HiDAC, and 3&7 respectively was 86% (n=42/49), 84% (n=21/25) and 50% (n=13/26), respectively. Median CR duration, censored at time of transplant, for pts receiving FLAG-IDA, NOVE-HiDAC and 3&7 was 3 mos (0.5-15), 3.5 mos (1-9) and 5.5 mos (0.5-42), respectively. OS at 1 year with FLAG-IDA, NOVE-HiDAC and 3&7 was 61% (95% CI, 41% -75%), 55% (95% CI, 34%-72%) and 21.6% (95% CI, 7.4%-40.7%), respectively (log-rank test p-value=0.0076). On subgroup analysis, there was no statistical difference in OS for pts ≥70 years. Of those with a donor identified, 35% (n=13/37), 73% (n=11/15) and 29% (n=5/17) of pts who were treated with FLAG-IDA, NOVE-HiDAC and 3&7 underwent an alloSCT, respectively. Pts with sAML may have had a higher transplant rate due to donor searches initiated earlier. Probable and possible invasive aspergillosis infections in pts receiving FLAG-IDA, NOVE-HiDAC and 3&7 were 50%, 34% and 33% respectively. Institution of earlier bronchoscopies led to increased fungal detection in the FLAG-IDA group. Median length of stay and ICU transfers were similar between groups. Induction deaths were secondary to sepsis, respiratory failure, invasive aspergillosis, and hemorrhage; these were similar across groups. Two pts receiving NOVE-HiDAC, with prior MPN, died of progressive splenomegaly and liver failure.Conclusions: Toxicities associated with frontline FLAG-IDA and NOVE-HIDAC induction are acceptable. FLAG-IDA and NOVE-HiDAC induction can result in durable CR, permitting patients with high risk AML to proceed to alloSCT and providing more favourable survival rates than frontline 3&7. Randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings for pts with poor-risk sAML and tAML.Table 1Patient CharacteristicsFLAG-IDA(2013-2015)NOVE-HiDAC(2006-2014)3&7(2011-2014)N=52N=32N=30Median Age,y (range) Age <70 Age ≥ 70 Sex (M:F)59.5 (21-76) 47 (90%) 5 (10%) 25:2754.5 (24-74) 31 (97%) 1 (3%) 18:1461.5 (20-78) 21 (70%) 9 (30%) 23:7Cytogenetics by MRC Classification Good Intermediate Poor Not available0 (0%) 25 (48%) 23 (44%) 4 (8%)0 (0%) 18 (56%) 9 (28%) 5 (16%)0 (0%) 20 (67%) 6 (20%) 4 (13%)Molecular (Pts ≤70 y with normal karyotype) FLT3-NPM1+ FLT3+ NPM1+ FLT3+ NPM1- FLT3-NPM1-1/11 (9%) 5/11 (45%) 2/11 (18%) 3/11 (27%)0/7 (0%) 2/7 (29%) 1/7 (14%) 4/7 (57%)0/7 (0%) 1/7 (14%) 0/7 (0%) 6/7 (86%)WBC (x 109/L) (range)5.15 (0.6 -239)13 (1.3-182.4)3.2 (0.7-164)sAML IBMFS MPN MDS Prior AZA27 (52%) 0/27 (0%) 10/27 (37%) 17/27 (63%) 9/17 (53%)29 (91%) 1/29 (4%) 15/29 (51%) 13/29 (45%) 2/13 (15%)20 (67%) 2/20 (10%) 0/20 (0%) 18/20 (90%) 5/18 (28%)Therapy-Related (%)14 (27%)6 (19%)15 (50%)De Novo AML with Complex Cytogenetics FLT3+ Other (ie MLL)15 (29%) 7/15 (47%) 5/15 (33%) 3/15 (20%)0 (0%)0 (0%)Donor Identified (%)37(71%)16(50%)17(57%) DisclosuresGupta:Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Toxicity and efficacy of salvage paclitaxel chemotherapy in Royal Marsden (RM) oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma (OGA) patients (pts).

188 Background: Paclitaxel is a standard global salvage therapy for pts with advanced refractory OGA. Western pts may differ from Asian pts with respect to chemotherapy metabolism and cancer behaviour, and the benefits associated with paclitaxel in this setting have not been assessed outside of Asia. We examined the efficacy and toxicity associated with salvage paclitaxel for advanced OGA at RM over a 3 year period. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. We identified all pts with OGA treated with salvage weekly paclitaxel from 01/06/2011 to 21/02/2014 from the electronic pt record at RM. The following data was collected: demographics, metastatic sites, resection status, response/duration of response to prior chemotherapy, ECOG PS, haemoglobin, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, CEA, CA19.9, RM prognostic score, CT response and date of progression, death or last follow up. Toxicity was collected as per NCI Common Toxicity Criteria (v4.0). Overall and progression free survival (OS/PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression analysis examined the association between clinical and laboratory variables with survival. Results: 57 pts were identified. Pts were 74% male; median age 64y; 66% PS 0-1; 91% 2nd line. Median number cycles 3 (range 1-8). Median follow up 13.6m. Response rate was 18.4% in evaluable pts. OS and PFS were 5.8m (95% CI: 4.8 – 6.8m) and 2.6m (95% CI: 1.9 – 3.2m). 2y and 3y survival from start of 1st line treatment were 26% and 13%. In multivariate analyses PS ≥2 [HR 2.28, p = 0.018], and ALP ≥100 U/L, [HR=2.01, p= 0.033] were independent negative prognostic factors for OS. ≥ Grade 3 nausea, diarrhea and neuropathy were uncommon (&lt;2% each), rate of ≥ grade 3 fatigue was 11%. Grade 3-4 neutropenia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 12%, 11% and 2% pts. Conclusions: Advanced OGA pts treated at RM with salvage paclitaxel have an OS equivalent to pts in clinical trials with less hematological toxicity than seen in Asian patients. This may be due to regional pharmacogenetic profiles. As a significant proportion of pts now survive 2-3y with limited toxicity, therapeutic nihilism is unwarranted.

High Dose-Chemotherapy Followed By Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients with Refractory or Recurrent Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma –Results of a Multicenter Study By the Germany Collaborative PCNSL Study Group

Introduction: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) relapses in up to 60% after conventional chemotherapy. The prognosis of refractory or recurrent PCNSL is very poor with a median survival of up to 5 months. Whole brain radiotherapy may improve survival up to 10 months, but is associated with significant neurotoxicity. High-dose chemotherapy (HDT) and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) have demonstrated high efficacy in the treatment of newly-diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) in younger patients (pts.). To evaluate the efficacy of this approach, we initiated a prospective multicenter phase II study with HDT and ASCT for relapsed PCNSL. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 00647049)Patients and Methods: Thirty eight pts. <65 years were treated within the phase II trial, chemotherapy (CHT) consisted of 2 cycles of Rituximab (3,75mg/m²), AraC (2x 3 g/m2) plus thiotepa (TT, 40 mg/m2) followed by rG-CSF and stem-cell-mobilization after the 1st cycle. Conditioning regimen included BCNU (400 mg/m2) and TT (4x5 mg/kgBW) followed by ASCT. Patients not in complete remission after HDT and ASCT underwent WBRT.Results: From 2007 to 2012, 38 pts (18 female, 20 male) with relapsed (n=31) or refractory (n=7) PCNSL from 10 German centers were enrolled and evaluable for analysis (median age 58 years, range 37-66 years). All pts had aggressive B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). Median Karnofsky performance status at diagnosis was 90% (range 60-100). Patients were intensively pretreated, all pts underwent HD-MTX within the first-line-treatment, 15 of 38 pts were treated within the Bonn protocol. Thirty-one of 38 pts (81,6%) received HDT and ASCT according to protocol. Three pts died before PBSCT, 4 further pts were treated off study due to PD (n=2), refusal of HDT (n=1) and insufficient stem cell harvest (n=1). Regarding the primary endpoint in the intent-to-treat population, 22 pts (57,9%) achieved complete (CR) and and 5 (13,2%) partial remission (PR) after HDT and ASCT, respectively. In patients treated per protocol, the CR and PR-rate rate was 71% and 16,1% respecticely. The overall respinse rate in the per protocol population was 86,1%. Six pts in PR after HDT and ASCT received consolidating WBRT. After a median 39-month follow-up (range 0-48 mo), 1 and 2 years OS was 63% and 57%, respectively. Median survival of the intent-to-treat population was 29 months. Further results will be presented.Conclusion: Sequential systemic application of high-dose cytostatic agents followed by HDT+ASCT is highly effective as salvage therapy for pts. with relapsed or refractory PCNSL. DisclosuresIllerhaus:Riemser: Honoraria. Wolf:Bayer: Honoraria; Geo Pharma: Honoraria. Stilgenbauer:Pharmacyclics, Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding.

FLAG-IDA Has Significant Activity As Frontline Induction or Salvage Therapy for Patients with High Risk and/or Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Background: Therapy for patients (pts) with high risk and/or relapsed or refractory AML remains unsatisfactory. Retrospective studies have demonstrated activity of fludarabine, cytarabine, granulocyte colony stimulating factor and idarubicin (FLAG-IDA) as salvage therapy in pts with relapsed or refractory AML. Furthermore, a recent randomized trial has indicated high complete remission (CR) rates with improved relapsed-free survival when FLAG-IDA is administered as frontline induction chemotherapy (Burnett et al. J Clin Oncol 2013). Therefore, since January 2011, we have employed FLAG-IDA as first line therapy in pts with high risk AML (i.e. poor risk cytogenetics, antecedent myeloproliferative neoplasm or myelodysplastic syndrome, or therapy-related AML), or as first salvage in pts with primary refractory or relapsed AML, in an attempt to improve CR rates and permit more patients with AML to advance to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT).Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the 62 consecutive patients with high risk AML or primary refractory or relapsed AML treated with FLAG-IDA between January 2011 to December 2013 at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to determine the CR rate and overall survival (OS) associated with FLAG-IDA remission induction chemotherapy.Results: Baseline characteristics of the patients are listed in Table 1. Fourteen pts received FLAG-IDA as first induction, whereas 48 pts received FLAG-IDA as salvage (39 as first salvage and 9 as second salvage).The overall CR rate (i.e. CR + CR with incomplete platelet recovery [CRi]) using FLAG-IDA as frontline therapy was assessed in 13 patients, as one pt died during induction therapy and therefore, was not evaluable. Of the 13 evaluable patients, all achieved CR or CRi. The overall CR rate for the salvage induction group was 73% (i.e. 31% CR and 42% CRi). The CR duration was censored at time of transplant. The CR duration for pts receiving FLAG-IDA as first induction was 3 mos (range, 0-15 mos). For pts receiving FLAG-IDA as salvage therapy, the CR1 duration for primary refractory AML pts was 6 mos (range, 2-58 mos) and CR2 duration for relapsed AML pts was 4 mos (range, 1-12 mos). 76% of patients (n=10) who received frontline FLAG-IDA induction chemotherapy, and achieved CR/CRi, had a donor identified, but only 40% of those pts underwent alloSCT. 85% of pts (n=30) who received salvage FLAG-IDA, and achieved CR/CRi, had a donor identified, but only 53% of those pts proceeded to alloSCT.The length of hospital stay during the first FLAG-IDA induction was 33 days (range, 17-96 days), whereas the length of hospital stay for salvage FLAG-IDA induction was 43 days (range, 10-305 days). Fourteen percent of pts in the first induction group were admitted to the ICU during their induction, compared to 17% of pts in the salvage induction group. The median ICU stay was 39.5 days and 14 days, respectively. There was a 14% death rate during FLAG-IDA induction for both groups.The median follow up time from diagnosis for both groups was 15.28 mos (range, 2-70.4 mos). Overall survival at 1 and 2 years in the upfront FLAG-IDA induction group was 65% and 41%, respectively, while OS at 1 and 2 years for the salvage FLAG-IDA group was 60% and 35%, respectively.Conclusions: The toxicities associated with FLAG-IDA induction, including induction death rates and ICU admission rates, are acceptable and similar in the untreated and heavily pre-treated groups. FLAG-IDA induction can result in durable CR rates, permitting patients with high risk AML or patients with primary refractory or relapsed AML to proceed to allogeneic transplantation.Table 1:Patient CharacteristicsFront-LineN=14SalvageN=48Median age, y (range)≥70y (%) ≥60y (%)65.5 (21-76) 2 (14%) 10 (71%)50 (18-76) 2 (4%) 10 (21%)Gender7M : 7F22M : 26FSecondary/Therapy-related Prior MDS Prior MPN 14 (100%) 2 (14%) 2 (14%) 17 (35%) 8 (17%) 2 (4%)Cytogenetic risk group Good Intermediate Poor0 4 (28%) 10 (71%)3 (6%) 28 (58%) 17 (35%)Molecular abnormalitiescKit mutated FLT3-ITD mutated0 1 (7%)2 (4%) 5 (10%)Median no. prior treatment regimens (range)0 1 (1-2) Prior chemotherapy regimen Daunorubicin + cytarabine NOVE-HiDAc OtherNA NA NA43 (90%) 11 (23%) 3 (6%)Disease status Primary refractory Relapsed CR1 duration <12 monthsNA NA NA17 (35%) 31 (65%)23 (74%)NA – not applicable; NOVE-HiDAc – mitoxantrone, etoposide and cytarabine DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of patients (pts) with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). While allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only known curative therapy for CML, it is now rarely utilized given the excellent long-term results with TKI treatment. Therefore, only a few reports are available detailing HSCT outcome for this pt population. The purpose of this study is to examine HSCT outcome for pts with CML who received TKI therapy and identify predictors of survival, relapse and non-relapse mortality (NRM). Between January 2002 and April 2012, 55 pts with CML underwent HSCT at the Leukemia/BMT Program of BC. Transplant indications were advanced disease at diagnosis (15), TKI resistance as defined by the ELN treatment guidelines (30), TKI intolerance (2), physician preferance (4). Four pts had not received TKI therapy during this time period and were excluded from further analysis. Of the 51 pts examined in this study there were 34 males and 17 females. The median age at HSCT was 45 years and the Sokal score at diagnosis was low risk or intermediate risk (22), high risk (28) and unknown (1). The median time from diagnosis to HSCT was 307 days. Therapy prior to HSCT was imatinib (IM) only (22); IM with chemotherapy (19); IM followed by dasatinib and/or nilotinib (10). Disease status at HSCT was first chronic phase (CP1) (19), accelerated phase (9), CP2 (19), CP3 (3), BP (1). Four pts had kinase domain mutations identified at HSCT. EBMT score was 1-4 (33), and 5-7 (18). HSCT was myeloablative in 48 pts [TBI-based (25); BuCY (23)] and reduced intensity in 3 pts. Stem cell source was bone marrow (8) or PBSC (43) from a HLA matched sibling (24), HLA matched unrelated donor (UD) (18) or mismatched UD (9). At a median follow-up of 5.9 years, 18 pts have relapsed [molecular (7), cytogenetic (1), hematologic (10)] and 16 pts have died [relapse (8), GVHD (3), infection (2) regimen related toxicity (2), cerebral hemorrhage (1)]. The overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), relapse and NRM at 8 years was 68%, 46%, 41% and 23% respectively. The corresponding results for the 32 pts transplanted for TKI resistance/intolerance were 75% (OS), 52% (EFS), 39% (relapse) and 15% (NRM). In univariate analysis, disease status at HSCT (p=.0005), lower EBMT score (p=.04), complete molecular response (CMR) to HSCT (p<.0001), and Sokal score (p=.05) predicted for better OS. Donor (female) to pt (male) gender combination (p=.02), presence of cGVHD (p=.04) and CMR to HSCT (p<.0001) predicted for lower relapse. Predictors of NRM included disease status at HSCT (p=.008), lower EBMT score (p=.004) and CMR to HSCT (p<.0001). In multivariate analysis, CMR to HSCT remained an independent predictor of OS [odds ratio (OR) 43], EFS (OR 56), relapse (OR 29) and NRM. Donor (female) to pt (male) also remained an independent predictor of EFS (OR 6) and relapse (OR 3). In conclusion, HSCT remains an effective salvage therapy for pts with CML in the TKI era who present with advanced disease or resistance/intolerance to TKI therapy. Disease status at HSCT and achievement of CMR are strong predictors of OS, EFS, relapse and NRM. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract P1-08-40: BRCA-1 promotor methylation and p53 mutation in triple-negative breast cancer patients refrectory to taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Abstract Introduction Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) without pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is associated with high risk of disease recurrence. In ABCSG trials 14 and 24, concomitant epirubicin plus docetaxel (+/- capecitabine) was used as NAC regimen; patients (pts) without pCR routinely received another 4-8 cycles of adjuvant CMF. Tumours harbouring BRCA-1 germline mutations are apparently less responsive to taxane-based chemotherapy, while sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents is retained. In sporadic TNBC, BRCA-1 promotor methylation is frequently observed; this may also result in an impaired activity of genetic repair mechanisms. Therefore, we investigated the effect of adjuvant CMF as salvage therapy in pts with or without BRCA-1 promotor methylation who did not achieve pCR to taxane-based (cyclophosphamide-free) NAC. Moreover, the predictive role of TP53 mutations was investigated in these tumours. Methods All pts with TNBC refractory to taxane-based NAC who received adjuvant CMF were included. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples with the Qiagen DNA FFPE Tissue Kit® and purified. For determining BRCA1 promoter methylation status, DNA was bisulfite-treated; the TaqMan® assay was used in order to perform a quantitative methylation-specific PCR. DNA quantity was normalized using Actin-b. For the investigation of TP53 mutations in exons 4-9, purified DNA was PCR amplified, sequenced by Sanger sequencing and results were analyzed with SeqScape® software version 2.7. Mutations were validated using the IARC p53 database. Results Twenty-four pts, median age 47 years, were available for this analysis. In 10/24 pts (41.7%), a BRCA-1 promotor methylation was detected; TP53 mutations were observed in 16/24 pts (66.7%). At a median follow-up of 27.5 months, 2/10 pts (20%) with BRCA-1 promotor metyhlation had a disease-free survival (DFS) event, as compared to 9/14 (64.3%) in the non-methylated group (p = 0.0472; Fisher's exact test). Kaplan Meier estimation of disease-free survival (DFS) in the non-methylated group was 16 months (95% CI 0.0-41.73) and was not reached in the methylated group (n.s.). TP53 mutation was neither associated with increased risk of disease recurrence nor with DFS. No correlation was observed between BRCA-1 promotor methylation and TP53 mutation; still, all methylated samples were exclusively affected be missense and nonsense mutations. Conclusions Adjuvant CMF is of limited activity in TNBC refractory to taxane-based NAC. Still, in breast cancer harbouring BRCA-1 promotor methylation, a significant decrease of DFS events was observed. TP53 mutation status on the other hand, was not associated with outcome; while no correlation was found between BRCA-1 promotor methylation and TP53 mutation status, we only observed missense and non-sense mutations in methylated samples. In conclusion, tumours harbouring BRCA-1 promotor methylation are apparently sensitive to DNA damage caused by cyclophosphamide. Further clinical validation of this concept is warranted. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-08-40.

FDG-PET Adapted Sequential Therapy With Brentuximab Vedotin and Augmented ICE Followed By Autologous Stem Cell Transplant For Relapsed and Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma

BackgroundPre-transplant FDG-PET (PET) normalization is the strongest predictor of outcome following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) for patients with relapsed or refractory (rel/ref) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (Moskowitz, AJ. Blood. 2010 Dec 2;116(23):4934-7). Due to its high efficacy in ASCT failures, we aimed to determine whether brentuximab vedotin (BV) can replace ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide) salvage therapy, increase rate of PET normalization, and enhance referral to ASCT for patients (pts) who fail front-line HL therapy. Here we present our phase II study evaluating a novel salvage strategy for rel/ref HL, an intent-to-treat study of PET-adapted sequential therapy with BV and augmented ICE (augICE) prior to ASCT. MethodsPatients with rel/ref HL who have failed 1 prior regimen are enrolling on this phase II clinical trial. Patients receive weekly brentuximab vedotin (BV) administered at 1.2mg/Kg IV weekly for 3 weeks on and 1 week off for 2 cycles, followed by PET. Patients who achieve normalization of PET (Deauville 2 or less) proceed to ASCT. Patients with PET scores of Deauville 3 or higher receive 2 cycles of augICE prior to consideration for ASCT. Results41 of planned 46 patients have enrolled; 34 pts completed salvage therapy, of whom 33 proceeded to ASCT. 28 pts are at least 90 days post-ASCT and represent the focus of this report. These 28 pts include 20 (71%) males, 21 (75%) pts with primary refractory or relapse within 1 year of initial treatment, 11 (39%) with B symptoms at enrollment and 11 (39%) with extranodal disease. Median number CD34+ cells/kg collected were 7.44x 10^6 (2.96 - 31.43x10^6). Disease status prior to ASCT was CR (Deauville 2) for 27 pts and PR (Deauville 3) for 1 pt. Salvage therapy for pts in CR prior to ASCT include BV alone (9), BV followed by augICE (16), and BV followed by augICE (with Deauville 4 response) followed by involved field radiation to achieve CR (2). The 1 patient in PR prior to ASCT received BV followed by augICE. Conditioning regimens included BEAM (9), CBV( 9), and high dose chemoradiotherapy (10). Early (within 90 days) transplant-related toxicities include grade 2 pneumonitis (3pts) and grade 3 acute kidney injury (1pt); late toxicities include grade 3 esophageal stenosis (1pt), grade 3 acute kidney injury (1pt), and 1 death (7 months post ASCT) due to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. After a median follow-up of 9.5 months post-ASCT (range 3.3-15.6 months), 2 of 28 pts have progressed (at 2.7 and 4.3 months post ASCT respectively). One achieved a second CR with BV and proceeded to allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT); the second achieved near CR following GND (gemcitabine, vinorelbine, Doxil) and proceeded to alloSCT. ConclusionPET-adapted sequential salvage therapy with BV followed by augICE produces high CR rates, adequate stem cell collection, and facilitates referral to ASCT for virtually all pts. Updated results will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures:Moskowitz:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Brentuximab vedotin is approved for treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma following failure of 2 multi-agent regimens or autologous stem cell transplant. This study is evaluating the use of brentuximab vedotin in the pre-transplant setting for Hodgkin lymphoma. Schoder:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Hamlin:Seattle Genetics : Consultancy, Honoraria. Horwitz:Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Moskowitz:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding.

Phase II Study of Azacitidine (Vidaza®, Aza) and Donor Lymphocyte Infusions (DLI) As First Salvage Therapy in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Relapsing After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-SCT): Final Results From the AZARELA-Trial (NCT-00795548)

Abstract 656 Background:Relapse after allo-SCT is a major cause of treatment failure in patients (pts) with myeloid malignancies and is associated with a poor prognosis. As therapeutic options are limited, treatment of these pts is challenging. Indeed, there is a need for novel strategies which ideally target the leukemic clone and direct the immune system towards an enhanced GvL effect without aggravating GvHD. The hypomethylating agent Aza might provide these properties, and results from retrospective studies investigating Aza+/−DLI in pts with AML/MDS relapsing after allo-SCT were encouraging. Design/Methods:We here report the final results from a prospective single-arm EBMT multicenter phase II trial which aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a combination of Aza and DLI as 1st salvage therapy in pts with AML or MDS with hematological relapse after allo-SCT. Treatment schedule contained up to 8 cycles Aza (100 mg/m2/d d1-5, every 28 d) followed by DLI with increasing dosages (1-5×106–1-5×108cells/kg) after every 2ndAza cycle. Results:A total of 30 pts (19 f/11 m, median age 56 years, range 29–71) from 6 German transplant centres were included between January 2009 and May 2010. The majority of pts (n=28, 93%) suffered from AML, while 2 pts (8%) had MDS or MDS/MPN, respectively. At transplant, 16 pts (53%) had active disease (6 induction failure, 7 relapse I/II, 3 untreated) and 14 pts (47%) were in remission (12 CR1, 2 CR2). Following standard-dose (n=4, 13%) or dose-reduced conditioning (n=26, 87%), 10 pts (33%) received a graft from MSD and 20 pts (67%) from MUD. PBSC were used in 29 pts (97%), while 1 pt (3%) received BM. Acute GvHD occurred in 13 pts (46%) and 4 pts (13%) had chronic GvHD prior inclusion. None of the pts had active GvHD at the time of relapse, but 6 pts were still on immunosuppressive therapy. All pts had hematological relapse (median BM blasts: 34%, median chimerism: 67%) at a median time of 160 days (range 19–1699) following allo-SCT. A median of 3 courses Aza (range 1–8) were administered, and 22 of 30 pts (73%) received DLI (median: 1, range: 1–4, median CD3 dose 5×106/kg/DLI, range: 1–100×106). Overall response rate was 47%. Seven pts (23%) achieved CR or CRi, 2 pts (7%) PR, and 5 pts (17%) had stable disease (SD). Median time and median number of Aza cycles to best response were 79 days (range 28–299) and 3 cycles (range 1–8) respectively. Of the 7 pts who achieved a CR, 5 pts continue in CR for a median of 605 days (range 307–763) without any additional treatment, while 1 pt relapsed after 490 days and 1 pt died from GvHD. By July 2011 median follow-up of surviving pts is 645 days (range 564–857) and 5 of 30 pts (17%) are currently alive. Twelve pts have died due to progressive disease (PD), while 7 pts died during (n=3, 2 infection, 1 bleeding) or after the end of therapy (n= 4, 1 GvHD, 2 infection, 1 bleeding). All 5 pts who underwent 2nd allo-SCT died. Median overall survival (OS) of all pts is 117 days (95% CI 66–168 days). Patients with CR/CRi had a significant longer OS than pts not reaching CR/CRi (not reached vs. 83 days, p<.001). Eleven pts (37%) developed aGvHD, while cGvHD was observed in 5 pts (17%). Any type of GvHD was seen in 78% of pts with CR/PR as opposed to 33% in pts with SD/PD (p=.03). Cytopenias grade III/IV occurred in all pts, but were considered to be drug-related in only 11 pts (37%). The most common drug-related grade III/IV non-hematological toxicities were infection and bleeding. Conclusion:Aza and DLI as first salvage therapy is a safe and active approach for pts with AML or MDS who relapse after allo-SCT, and induces durable remissions in a subgroup of pts. Further research to better define target patient groups and combination partners for AZA+DLI is needed. Disclosures:Schroeder:Celgene: Financial travel support. Bug:Celgene: Lecture fees, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Luft:Celgene: Research Funding. Kobbe:Celgene: Financial travel support, Research Funding.

Azacitidine (Vidaza®, Aza) and Donor Lymphocyte Infusions (DLI) In Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Relapsing After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT): Interim-Analysis From the AZARELA-Trial (NCT-00795548).

AbstractAbstract 1294 Background:Patients with AML or MDS who relapse after allogeneic HSCT have a poor prognosis and therapeutic options are limited. The DNA hypomethylating agent Aza has significant activity in patients (pts) with AML and MDS and retrospective analyses have recently shown encouraging results with the use of Aza +/− DLI in patients with AML and MDS, who relapsed after allogeneic HSCT (Czibere et al., 2010; Luebbert et al., 2010). In line with these clinical observations preclinical data suggest that Aza enhances a Graft-versus-Leukemia (GvL) effect while mitigating Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD). Design/Methods:To evaluate the activity and safety of Aza in combination with DLI as first salvage therapy in pts with AML or MDS relapsing after HSCT, we conducted a prospective, multicenter, single-arm phase-II trial. Pts were allowed to receive up to 8 cycles Aza (100 mg/m2/d d1-5, every 28 days) and 3 DLI with increasing dosages (1-5×106 – 1–5×108 cells/kg) after every 2nd Aza treatment cycle. Additional DLI were permitted. Results:Between January 2009 and May 2010, 30 pts from 6 German transplant centres were included into this trial. So far, 25 pts (15 female/10 male) were evaluable and are presented in this analysis:Of these, 23 (92%) suffered from AML (15 de novo/8 secondary following MDS), 1(4%) from a MDS (RAEB-1) and 1 (4%) from a myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative syndrome (MDS/MPS, CMML-1). Median age was 54 years (range 29–71).Conditioning was myeloablative in 24 pts (96%) and non-myeloablative in 1 patient (4%). Eight pts (35%) received a graft from a matched sibling donor, while 15 (65%) were transplanted with a matched unrelated donor (2 pts missing data). Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) were used in 24 pts (96%; 1 pt missing data).At the time of transplant 6 pts (24%) had primary induction failure, another 6 (24%) suffered from first or secondary relapse, 10 pts (40%) were in first or second complete remission (CR), while 3 pts (12%) were untreated. With regard to their molecular and genetic characteristics at diagnosis, 21 pts belonged to an adverse (9 pts) or intermediate (12 pts) group, whereas 2 pts were diagnosed with a favourable genetic phenotype (2 pts not performed).Prior to relapse 9 (36%) and 3 (12%) pts had episodes of acute GvHD and/or chronic GvHD, respectively.Relapse occurred in all pts after a median of 160 days (range 19–1199) following HSCT (median BM blasts: 34%, range 5–100%, median chimerism: 63% range-1-100%). At the time of relapse, karyotype was evaluable in 13 of 25 pts (52%). Of these 13 pts, 4 pts had a normal karyotype, while 9 had chromosomal aberrations including 6 pts with a complex karyotype.Patients received a median of 3 courses Aza (range 1–8) and 18 of 25 pts (72%) received DLI (median: 1, range: 1–4, median CD3 dose 5×106/kg/DLI, range: 1–207×106).Following treatment, overall response rate was 64% with 5 pts (20%) achieving a CR or CRi, 3 (12%) a partial remission (PR) and 8 (32%) a stable disease (SD). Median response duration was 266 days. Acute GvHD occurred in 6 pts (24%) (2 skin/6 liver/ 2 gut) after a median of 65 days (range 19–179) following the first DLI, while chronic GvHD was observed in 3 pts (12 %, all limited). Hematotoxicity (grade III-IV) was observed in 64% of all evaluated patients. Common adverse events were gastrointestinal side effects as well as infections.After a median follow-up of 100 days (range 25–485) 15 of 25 pts (60%) are currently alive. Median overall survival of all pts is 184 days (range 87–281). All pts, who achieved a CR/CRi, remained in ongoing remission for a median time of 229 days. Achieving a CR (CR: not reached vs. no CR: 117 days, p .008) or any type of response (CR/CRi, PR or SD) to the combination of Aza and DLI (any response: not reached vs. no response: 79 days, p .0001) were associated with a significantly longer overall survival. Conclusion:The combination of Aza and DLI as salvage treatment for patients with AML or MDS who relapse after allogeneic HSCT seems to be safe and shows significant anti-leukemic activity. Response, including CR rates, so far match those from retrospective analyses. Data presented in this interim-analysis suggest that salvage therapy with Aza and DLI is of substantial therapeutic benefit in these challenging patients. Disclosures:Platzbecker:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Bug:Celgene: Honoraria. Luft:Celgene: Research Funding. Fenk:Celgene: Research Funding. Kobbe:Celgene: Research Funding.

Certolizumab Pegol as Salvage Therapy in Patients with CD Intolerant to or Without Adequate Response to Two Prior Anti-TNF Agents

Purpose: Certolizumab pegol (CP), an anti-TNF agent has been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of Crohn's disease(CD). Other FDA approved anti-TNF agents for treatment of CD include infliximab (INF) and adalimumab (ADA). The aim of present study was to assess the efficacy of CP in pts with CD who initially responded but subsequently lost response or were intolerant to previous therapy with other ant-TNF agents specifically INF and ADA at our Institution. Methods: A retrospective review of an electronic database was performed at our Institution. We reviewed all outpt records from 04/07-06/09 in our IBD center in order to identify patients with IBD who were treated with CP. CP was administered subcutaneously in the dose of 400 mg at week 0, 2 and 4 and then after every 4 weeks. The efficacy of CP was evaluated by Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) prior (HBI 1) and after (HBI 2) initiation therapy with CP. Clinical response was defined as reduction of HBI score ≥ 3 points from baseline whereas clinical remission was defined as HBI score ≤ 4 points. Results: There were 1312 consecutive IBD pts identified over this time interval. Among them, 16 pts (10 women) with CD were treated with CP who initially responded but subsequently lost response (n=6) or were intolerant (n=10) to previous therapy with other ant-TNF agents specifically INF and ADA with a mean (± SD) age 36.8 (± 12.9)yrs. The mean duration of CD was 14.7 (± 8.1)yrs. Two pts with clinically active CD (12.5%) experienced infusion reactions after initiation therapy with CP (1 pt was intolerant to INF, 1 pt was intolerant to INF and ADA) and their HBI 2 scores were not available. Therefore HBI 1 and HBI 2 scores were calculated in 14 pts. The mean HBI 1 score was 7.9 ± 5.0 whereas the mean HBI 2 score was 6.2 ± 5.6 (p=0.04). The mean duration of follow-up on therapy with CP was 5.9 (±3.8) months. Prior to initiation of therapy with CP 9 of 14 pts (64.3%) had clinically active CD (mean HBI 1 10.9 ± 3.3) whereas 5 of 14 pts were in clinical remission (mean HBI 2 2.4 ± 1.5). Among 9 pts who received therapy with CP who had active CD, upon evaluation of HBI 2 score benefit was seen in 44% overall. Clinical remission was achieved by 3 of 9 (33 %) patients; clinical response was achieved by 1 of 9 pts (11%) whereas 5 pts (55.6%) did not respond to treatment with CP. All 5 pts who began treatment with CP with CD in remission were capable of maintaining their state of remission (mean follow-up 5.2 ± 4.0 months). Conclusion: Our preliminary data suggest that the use of a third anti-TNF agent particularly CP is an effective salvage therapy in pts with CD who are intolerant to or lose their initial response to two previous anti-TNF agents (INF and ADA). Disclosure: Dr Gary Lichtenstein - Received research/grant support, support for lectures and for scientific advisory committee for Salix, Shire, Axcan, Ferring, P&G, Centocor, Abbott, UCB Inc, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Elan and Prometheus.