Single Rituximab Research Articles

Rituximab Plus Lenalidomide Versus Rituximab Monotherapy in Untreated Follicular Lymphoma Patients in Need of Therapy. First Analysis of Survival Endpoints of the Randomized Phase-2 Trial SAKK 35/10

Background: The randomized phase-2 trial SAKK 35/10 was conducted by the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) and the Nordic Lymphoma Group (NLG) to compare the activity of single-agent rituximab versus rituximab plus lenalidomide in the first-line treatment of symptomatic follicular lymphoma (FL). The results of primary endpoint (complete remission [CR/CRu] at week 23) assessment were previously reported, showing that addition of lenalidomide to rituximab results in a significantly higher CR/CRu rate at the expected cost of increased but manageable toxicity (Kimby et al. Blood 2014.124 (21):799; Zucca et al. Hematol Oncol 2015. 33(s1): 105). Here we report the first analysis of secondary endpoints, progression-free survival (PFS), time to next anti-lymphoma treatment (TTNT), CR duration, as well as CR/CRu rate at 30 months (CR30).Methods: 154 patients (pts) with grade 1 to 3a FL, untreated and in need of systemic therapy, were randomized to receive either rituximab (375mg/m2 at week 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 14 and 15) or rituximab (same schedule) plus lenalidomide (15 mg daily, from 14 days before the first until 14 days after the last rituximab administration). The sample size was calculated to allow the detection of a 20% increase of the CR/Cru rate with 90% power and type I error 0.10; a one-sided Z-test for proportions was used to compare the two arms. Treatment was discontinued in pts who did not achieve at least a 25% reduction in the sum of products of tumor diameters at week 10. Primary and secondary endpoints were defined according to the NCI international standardized criteria (Cheson et al 1999).Results: 77 pts (median age 63 years, 52% with stage IV and 47% with poor-risk FLIPI score) were allocated in the single-agent rituximab arm and 77 (median age 61 years, 48% with stage IV and 47% with poor-risk FLIPI score) in the combination arm. A higher CR/CRu rate in the combination arm was documented both by the investigator assessment (36% vs 25%) and by the independent response reviewers of CT scans (61% vs. 36%). Adverse events of grade ≥3 were more common (56% vs 22% of pts) in the combination arm, including neutropenia (23% vs 7%). At a median follow up of 3.1 years, a longer CR duration was seen for the pts in the combination arm (median not reached vs 2.3 years) as well as a longer PFS (median not reached vs. 2.3 years), these differences were not statistically significant. The CR30, recently identified as a reliable surrogate of PFS (Sargent et al. Hematol Oncol 2015. 33(s1): 166), was significantly improved by the addition of lenalidomide to rituximab (42% vs 19%, p=0.001). Moreover, TTNT was significantly longer with the combination (median not reached vs 2.1 years, p=0.02) [Figure1]. Overall survival rates at 3 years were 93% and 92%, respectively.Conclusions: The SAKK 35/10 randomized trial confirmed that lenalidomide plus rituximab is an active and feasible initial treatment for FL pts in need of therapy. Addition of lenalidomide significantly increased the CR/CRu rate at week 23 (primary endpoint) and was maintained throughout 30 months. Although the trial was not powered to detect survival differences (secondary endpoints), a significantly better TTNT and a trend towards prolonged PFS and CR duration was seen in the combination arm. The excellent overall survival in both arms suggests that chemotherapy-free strategies should be further explored. [Display omitted] DisclosuresKimby:Jansen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Honoraria for lecture at educational session; Celgene: Other: Honoraria for lecture. educational meeting; Pfizer: Other: Research grant; Roche: Other: Honoraria for lecture in educational meetings; Gilead: Honoraria, Other: honoraria for educational lecture in meeting sponsored by Gilead. Mey:roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Wahlin:Roche: Consultancy. Hernberg:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria. de Nully Brown:Roche: Research Funding. Ferreri:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Zander:Bristol Myers, Celgene, Amgen, Mundipharma, Janssen-Cilag, Takeda Pharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Safety of Subcutaneous Administration of Rituximab during the First-Line Treatment of Patients with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: The MabRella Study

Background: Rituximab, administered intravenously (IV), is the mainstay of treatment for CD20+ B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A subcutaneous (SC) formulation has been approved in Europe and other countries based on the SABRINA study, which showed non-inferior pharmacokinetics and comparable safety and efficacy for rituximab SC compared with IV in treatment-naïve patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) (Davies A, et al. Lancet Oncol 2014;15:343-52). Furthermore, rituximab SC reduces healthcare resource burden (De Cock et al. PLoS One 2016;11:eD157957) and improves patient satisfaction and convenience compared with IV (Rummel et al. Blood 2015;18:A469). MabRella is a global umbrella study comprising three local open-label, single-arm, Phase 3b studies evaluating the safety of first-line (1L) rituximab SC treatment in patients with FL or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with a focus on administration-related reactions (ARRs). The studies share a core protocol, study endpoints, and timepoints, but have flexibility for modifications at local level. Data from participating countries is pooled for pre-defined global analyses.Methods: Patients were aged 18-80 years with grade 1-3a FL or DLBCL, and ECOG PS of ≤3. All patients had received ≥1 full dose of rituximab IV as 1L induction or maintenance prior to study entry, and were eligible to receive at least 4 additional cycles of induction or 6 additional cycles of maintenance. Patients with FL or DLBCL receiving induction therapy were treated with rituximab SC 1400mg every cycle (14, 21, or 28 days) for 4-7 cycles, in combination with standard chemotherapy. FL patients undergoing maintenance treatment received single-agent rituximab SC 1400mg every 2 months for 6-12 cycles. The primary endpoint was incidence of ARRs following multiple doses of rituximab SC; ARRs were defined as all adverse events (AEs) occurring within 24 hours of rituximab administration and considered related to the study drug by the investigator. Secondary safety endpoints included grade ≥3 AEs and serious AEs (SAEs). The safety analysis included all patients who received ≥1 dose of study treatment. Safety data were not collected for rituximab IV, as patients entered the trial after they had switched to SC. Data are presented from a planned interim analysis of safety (cut-off March 31, 2016).Results: At the data cut-off, the safety population comprised 336 patients: 157 from Italy; 139 from Spain; and 40 from North Africa (Tunisia and Algeria). The median (range) age was 59 (19-80) years and 50% patients were male; 205 patients had FL and 131 had DLBCL. With respect to patients with FL, 84 completed ≥1 cycle of rituximab SC induction (37 completed all 7 cycles) and 190 completed ≥1 cycle of maintenance (169 completed 6 cycles and 26 completed all 12 cycles). Among DLBCL patients, 37 completed all 7 cycles of induction. Overall, 282 patients (84%) experienced an AE during treatment (Table 1). ARRs were observed in 75 patients (22%), the most common of which (≥2% incidence) were erythema (12%) and injection-site erythema (4%). Other AEs reported in ≥10% of patients were neutropenia, asthenia, erythema, pyrexia, and diarrhea (Table 1). Grade ≥3 AEs occurring in ≥5% of patients were neutropenia (24%) and febrile neutropenia (6%). Grade ≥3 ARRs were observed in 4 patients (1%). SAEs were reported in 29% of patients (8% drug-related). Of 11 deaths attributed to AEs, 2 were considered to be related to treatment (Klebsiella infection and sepsis). The safety profile of rituximab SC was generally comparable between FL and DLBCL patients, although neutropenia (any grade and grade ≥3) was more prevalent in DLBCL patients, while erythema (any grade) was more common in FL patients (Table 1). The profile of AEs was similar during induction and maintenance, but the intensity and seriousness of events was lower during maintenance (Table 2). Geographic location (Spain, Italy, North Africa) of study sites did not appear to impact on the safety profile of rituximab SC.Conclusions: In line with previous reports (Davies et al. 2014), rituximab SC is well tolerated during the 1L treatment of patients with NHL. The safety profile of 1L rituximab SC is similar to reports for IV administration, with the exception of an expected increase in ARRs, the majority of which are mild or moderate in intensity, and resolve spontaneously. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresPanizo:Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche Pharmaceuticals: Speakers Bureau. Rigoroso Mendoza:F Hoffmann La Roche Ltd: Employment. Truman:Aurinia Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; F Hoffmann La Roche Ltd: Consultancy, Equity Ownership. Smith:F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd.: Employment.

High-Grade Salivary-Gland Involvement, Assessed by Histology or Ultrasonography, Is Associated with a Poor Response to a Single Rituximab Course in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: Data from the TEARS Randomized Trial.

PurposeTo determine whether the severity of salivary-gland involvement, assessed using salivary gland ultrasonography [SGUS], histological focus score, or the unstimulated whole salivary flow [UWSF], was associated with the response to rituximab in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome [pSS].Materials and MethodsAmong the 120 patients with pSS enrolled in the randomised TEARS trial of rituximab versus placebo, 35 underwent either centralised minor salivary-gland biopsy or SGUS at inclusion. The echostructure of each parotid and submandibular gland was graded on a scale of 0 to 4. Histologic minor salivary gland involvement was assessed by the focus score. Among rituximab-treated patients with available data (n = 14), half met the Sjögren’s Syndrome Responder Index [SSRI]-30 definition of a response at week 24.ResultsThe SGUS score correlated positively to the focus score [r = 0.61] and negatively to the UWSF [r = -0.68]. The focus score was not correlated to the UWSF. The median total SGUS grade at inclusion was 9 [6-11] in responders versus 16 [11-16] in non-responders [p = 0.04]. The proportion of SSRI-30 responders was 0% among patients with SGUS grade 4 and 88% among those with SGUS grade ≤3. Low baseline SGUS scores were associated with sicca-related outcomes improvement, but not with fatigue or biological improvement. Median baseline focus score was 0.3 [0.0–1.3] in the responders versus 4.0 [2.7–5.3] in the non-responders [p = 0.02]. Baseline UWSF was not associated with the response rate.ConclusionIn patients with pSS, the highest SGUS grade or a high histological focus score is associated with absence of a response to a single rituximab course after 6 months. Further studies, including more patients and different treatment strategies, are required to confirm the clinical utility of these potential biomarkers in pSS.

Cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas: 2016 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification, and management

Approximately one-fourth of cutaneous lymphomas are B-cell derived and are generally classified into three distinct subgroups: primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL), primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL), and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL, LT). Diagnosis and disease classification is based on histologic review and immunohistochemical staining of an appropriate skin biopsy. Pathologic review and an appropriate staging evaluation are necessary to distinguish primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas from systemic B-cell lymphomas with secondary skin involvement. Disease histology remains the most important prognostic determinant. Both PCFCL and PCMZL are indolent lymphomas that infrequently disseminate to extracutaneous sites and are associated with 5-year survival rates that exceed 95%. In contrast, PCDLBCL, LT is an aggressive lymphoma with an inferior prognosis. PCFCL and PCMZL patients with solitary or relatively few skin lesions may be affectively managed with local radiation therapy. While single-agent rituximab may be employed for patients with more widespread skin involvement, multiagent chemotherapy is rarely appropriate. In contrast, management of patients with PCDLBCL, LT is comparable to the management of patients with systemic DLBCL. Am. J. Hematol. 91:1052-1055, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder presenting with skin ulceration in a renal transplant recipient who achieved sustained remission with rituximab therapy: A case report.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is associated with a variety of clinical presentations, but rarely involves the skin. We herein report a case of PTLD presenting with skin ulceration in a renal transplant recipient. A biopsy of the ulcer confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient was initially treated with immunosuppression reduction, but the skin ulcer persisted. He was then treated with two courses of chemotherapy, but his condition was complicated with cryptococcal infection. Antifungal agents were administered to control the fungal infection. The patient later developed lymphoma recurrence and was successfully treated with single-agent rituximab. The patient remains well 6 years after treatment, with no evidence of disease relapse. Therefore, PTLD may manifest as skin lesions and physicians must be aware of this rare presentation.

Newly diagnosed and relapsed follicular lymphoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

Newly diagnosed and relapsed follicular lymphoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

Rituximab Effectiveness and Safety for Treating Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundPrimary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that involves the exocrine glands and internal organs. pSS leads to destruction and loss of secretory function due to intense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Therapeutic options include mainly symptomatic and supportive measures, and traditional immunosuppressant drugs have shown no effectiveness in randomized trials. Rituximab (RTX) is a chimeric antibody anti-CD20 that leads to B cell depletion by diverse mechanisms. There is evidence that this drug may be effective for treating pSS. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate Rituximab effectiveness and safety for treating pSS.Methods and FindingsWe conducted a systematic review of RCTs published until December 2015, with no language restriction. We registered a protocol on Plataforma Brasil (40654814.6.0000.5505) and developed search strategies for the following scientific databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and LILACS. We included adults with established pSS diagnosis and considered the use of Rituximab as intervention and the use of other drugs or placebo as control. Four studies met our eligibility criteria: three with low risk of bias and one with uncertain risk of bias. The total number of participants was 276 (145 RTX, 131 placebo). We assessed the risk of bias of each included study and evaluated the following as primary outcomes: lacrimal gland function, salivary gland function, fatigue improvement and adverse events. We found no significant differences between the groups in the Schirmer test at week 24 meta-analysis (MD 3.59, 95% CI -2.89 to 10.07). Only one study evaluated the lissamine green test and reported a statistically significant difference between the groups at week 24 (MD -2.00, 95% CI -3.52 to -0.48). There was a significant difference between the groups regarding salivary flow rate (MD 0.09, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.16) and improvement in fatigue VAS at weeks 6 (RR 3.98, 95% CI 1.61 to 9.82) and week 16 (RR 3.08, 95% CI 1.21 to 7.80).ConclusionsAccording to moderate quality evidence, the treatment with a single RTX course in patients with SSp presents discrete effect for improving lacrimal gland function. Low-quality evidence indicates the potential of this drug for improving salivary flow. According to low quality evidence, no differences were observed in the evaluation after 24 weeks regarding fatigue reduction (30% VAS), serious adverse events occurrence, quality of life improvement and disease activity. With a very low level of evidence, there was no improvement in oral dryness VAS evaluation.

Fc Gamma Receptor 3A and 2A Polymorphisms Do Not Predict Response to Rituximab in Follicular Lymphoma.

Preclinical studies suggest that SNPs in the Fc gamma receptor (FCGR) genes influence response to rituximab, but the clinical relevance of this is uncertain. We prospectively obtained specimens for genotyping in the rituximab extended schedule or re-treatment trial (RESORT) study, in which 408 previously untreated, low tumor burden follicular lymphoma (FL) patients were treated with single agent rituximab. Patients received rituximab in 4 weekly doses and responders were randomized to rituximab re-treatment (RR) upon progression versus maintenance rituximab (MR). SNP genotyping was performed in 321 consenting patients. Response rates to initial therapy and response duration were correlated with the FCGR3A SNP at position 158 (rs396991) and the FCGR2A SNP at position 131 (rs1801274). The response rate to initial rituximab was 71%. No FCGR genotypes or grouping of genotypes were predictive of initial response. A total of 289 patients were randomized to RR (n = 143) or to MR (n = 146). With a median follow-up of 5.5 years, the 3-year response duration in the RR arm and the MR arm was 50% and 78%, respectively. Genotyping was available in 235 of 289 randomized patients. In patients receiving RR (n = 115) or MR (n = 120), response duration was not associated with any FCGR genotypes or genotype combinations. Based on this analysis of treatment-naïve, low tumor burden FL, we conclude that the FCGR3A and FCGR2A SNPs do not confer differential responsiveness to rituximab.

Rituximab Maintenance for Aggressive B Cell Lymphoma Improves Outcomes Only in Rituximab Naive Patients, Results from a Meta-Analysis

Whilst maintenance therapy with rituximab has been established its role as for follicular lymphoma with high tumor burden, its clinical relevance in aggressive lymphoma still remains to be elucidated due to controversial results of previous studies. In order to address this issue, we conducted a meta-analysis targeting CD20 positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma. We collected prospective randomized trials where case cohorts were administered with single agent rituximab as maintenance therapy for responding patients (PR or better) to induction treatments with or without consolidative autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and were compared with control cohorts just followed with observation. Out of the 387 candidate reports, we extracted four relevant papers. Rituximab maintenance was placed as the first-line treatment scheme in three studies and second-line or later in one. The pooled estimates of the effect were calculated using random-effect model according to the method of Der Simonian-Laird with inverse variance weighting. Hazard ratio (HR) was selected as measures for responses, and risk difference (RD) for adverse effects. When HR was not available for a given study, it was estimated using methods described by Tierney et al. We assessed heterogeneity of the trial results using a chi-square test of heterogeneity and the I2 measure of inconsistency. Data of the 1546 patients of aggressive lymphoma from four studies comprising of 773 subjects each in maintenance and observation arms. Overall, rituximab maintenance had marginal impact on event-free survival (hazard ratio (HR): 0.80, 95% confidential interval (CI): 0.63 - 1.02, p=0.0719). Heterogeneity among all the trials was not statistically significant (p=0.19, I2=37.01%). To investigate the factors associated with significant impact of rituximab maintenance, we performed subset analyses according to various parameters inherent to study design of each report. No use of rituximab as part of induction treatment prior to randomization was significantly associated with better EFS in the rituximab maintenance arm (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35 - 0.93, p=0.024). By contrast, rituximab maintenance had almost no impact on outcomes when patients had already received rituximab before (HR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.73 - 1.15, p=0.437). Furthermore, rituximab maintenance had positive effect when used in the first-line treatment scheme (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58 - 0.89, p=0.0026). When ASCT was not included in the treatments prior to randomization, rituximab maintenance significantly improved EFS (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56 - 0.91, p=0.0057). In order to examine relative impact of these parameters, we conducted meta-analyses using mixed-effects model treating these parameters (ASCT in prior treatment, rituximab in prior treatment, in first-line scheme) as categorical moderators. Prior rituximab administration before randomization was the sole significant factor (beta=0.6017, p=0.0253). Notably, in this model, residual heterogeneity disappeared almost completely (I2=0.0%, test for residual heterogeneity p=0.62), suggesting that the three parameters representing the difference of study design accounts for almost all of variety in effect-sizes among them. This suggests that rituximab included in induction therapy is sufficient to exert its role for responding aggressive lymphoma. Rituximab maintenance was associated with neutropenia (RD: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01 - 0.12) and marginal increase of infection (RD: 0.14, 95% CI: -0.08 - 0.36). In conclusion, rituximab maintenance was not associated with better EFS in overall subjects. It has positive effect on EFS only when rituximab was not used in the induction therapy, which is a rare situation nowadays, negating practical usefulness of adding rituximab maintenance for aggressive lymphoma. [Display omitted] DisclosuresTsurumi:Chugai Pharmaceuticals: Speakers Bureau.

Augmenting Neutrophil Function By Administration of Peg-Filgrastim Potentiates Rituximab and Is Safe in Patients with Indolent B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: Results of a Phase II Study

Background: Pre-clinical studies have shown that host immune system activation by G-CSF/GM-CSF enhances the biologic activity of rituximab through up-regulation of CD11b/18 expression on neutrophils, increase in the number of circulating granulocytes and higher CD20 epitope density on tumor cells. To further explore the role of augmenting neutrophil function in B-cell lymphoma, we conducted an open-label, single-arm, phase II study evaluating the safety and clinical efficacy of peg-filgrastim and rituximab in patients with low-grade CD20 positive B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL) [chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), follicular lymphoma (FL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL)]. (NCT01682044)Materials and methods: Twenty patients with untreated or relapsed/refractory indolent lymphoma were treated with rituximab (375 mg/m2) every other week for 4 doses, and after 8 weeks every 2 months for 4 additional doses (total 8 doses). Peg-filgrastim (6mg) was administered subcutaneously 3 days before each dose of rituximab. Clinical responses and tolerability were examined according to standard international criteria. Biologic monitoring included evaluation of phenotype characteristics of host neutrophils, changes in oxidative burst, and in vitro functional assays including CMC and ADCC at baseline and before each dose of rituximab.Results: Baseline patient characteristics were as follows: Median age: 64 (28-86) yrs; 70% male; FL: 70%, CLL: 20%, MZL: 10%; Ann-Arbor stage- II- 10%, III- 30% and IV- 60%; disease status- newly diagnosed: 1, rituximab refractory: 2, relapsed ≥1 line of therapies: 17. Median number of prior therapies was 2 (1-5); 75% had previously received rituximab and 90% had received prior anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy. The addition of peg-filgrastim to rituximab was well tolerated, and did not increase the frequency or severity of rituximab-related toxicities. Most of the adverse events were grade 1-2 infusion-related toxicities. One patient developed grade 4 hyperuricemia. One patient with MZL died while on treatment due to disease progression. The overall response rate (ORR) was 60% (12/20) with a complete response (CR) rate of 35% (7/20). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 17.9 months (95% CI- 9.9-27.6 months); median overall survival (OS) was not reached. A shorter time-to-peak oxidative burst after first dose of peg-filgrastim was associated with higher rates of CR (p= 0.04) and longer PFS (p=0.03, figure 1). Though intensity of peak oxidative burst did not correlate statistically with outcomes, patients who achieved CR (and OR) had consistently higher free radical levels compared to those who did not, especially during the first 2 months of treatment. This trend waned during the latter part of therapy suggesting neutrophil exhaustion. Further analyses are ongoing to evaluate the association between rituximab ex vivo immunological assays and clinical endpoints outcomes.Conclusion: The combination of peg-filgrastim and rituximab was well tolerated with favorable response rates and PFS compared to historical controls treated with single-agent rituximab. Augmented neutrophil function was associated with higher CR rates and OS. Our results support further evaluation of strategies that enhance the innate immune system to improve rituximab activity in B-cell lymphoma. [Display omitted] DisclosuresOff Label Use: Pegfilgrastim has been combined with rituximab in this phase 2 study for treatment of indolent B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.. Czuczman:Celgene: Employment; Immunogen: Other: Advisory board; MorphoSys: Consultancy; Boehringer-Ingelheim: Other: Advisory Board.

Temsirolimus in Combination with Bendamustine and Rituximab for the Treatment of Relapsed Mantle Cell and Follicular Lymphoma: Report on an Ongoing Phase I/II Trial

Background: mTOR inhibition has been shown to be effective in various subtypes of malignant lymphomas. In relapsed MCL a phase III trial could prove superiority of Temsirolimus to standard options. Furthermore, in patients with follicular and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, promising response rates could be observed (Smith et al, JCO 2010). Whereas combination to single agent Rituximab (R) improved efficacy (Ansell et al, Lancet Oncology 2011), there is limited information of the feasibility and efficacy in combination with chemotherapy. Bendamustine (B) has been shown to be effective in various lymphoma entities and has a beneficial side effect profile (Rummel et al, JCO, 2005). In the phase I of this trial, we have established that 50mg of Temsirolimus given 3 times weekly in a four week cycle could be safely added to BR (Hess, Leukemia, 2015). Here we report for the first time combined results of phase I and II of this trial.Methods: this is a multicenter, national, prospective trial. Inclusion criteria: patients were eligible if they had histologically proven FL or MCL, 1-3 prior treatment lines, no curative option available, no refractoriness to Bendamustine, measurable disease, ECOG < 3, sufficient bone marrow reserve, no severe concomitant diseases and given informed consent. Treatment consisted of Bendamustine 90mg/m² day 1-2, Rituximab 375mg/m² day 1 and Temsirolimus 50 mg day 2, 8, 15 of a 28d cycle. A total of 4 cycles was planned with interim staging after 2 cycles.Results: Overall 34 patients (pts) have been included until now (15 pts phase I, 19 pts phase II). Concerning clinical characteristics, median age was 71 years, with 25 MCL and 9FL, and a median number of 2 pretreatments (1-3). Overall the treatment was well tolerated, and toxicity was predominantly hematologic. In 118 evaluable cycles of chemotherapy the following hematologic grade 3 / 4 toxicities were noted: leukopenia (11 pts, 32%), neutropenia (8 pts, 24%), and thrombocytopenia (7 pts, 21%). Non-hematologic grade 3 / 4 observed in at least two patients were angioedema and decrease in blood potassium, infection, metabolic (4 events). AE's of special interest: pulmonary: rate of cough (4; 12%) and pneumonitis (1; 3%); gastrointestinal: diarrhea (6; 18%), nausea (13, 38%); general: fatigue (16; 47%), mucositis (13, 38%); bleeding: epistaxis (4; 12%), which all were predominantly grade 1 or 2. Response: currently, best responses were 8 CR (31%), 16 PR (62%) and 2 SD (8%) in 26 patients evaluable so far. Updated results will be presented at the meeting. Overall responses were 94% in MCL (7 CR, 10 PR, 1 SD) and 88% in FL (1 CR, 6 PR, 1 SD). After a median follow up of 13 months (mean: 21 months) median PFS is 18.6 months for the entire cohort, with 22 months for MCL and not reached in FL.Summary: In this ongoing phase II trial 50mg Temsirolimus (day 1,8,15) in combination with Bendamustine and Rituximab was well tolerated and feasible. A moderate dose of Temsirolimus to standard chemotherapy might be the optimal way to achieve the maximum efficacy with mTOR inhibitors; in fact excellent response rates suggest an additive effect of mTOR inhibition to BR. Even after the BTK inhibitor Ibrutinib has entered the clinical arena of MCL, this combined treatment represents a valuable additional option especially for patients with relapsed MCL DisclosuresHess:Pfizer, Janssen, Roche, Mundipharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen, Roche, , Celgene, Novartis: Consultancy. Keller:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy. Witzens-Harig:Roche: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Lenalidomide Exhibits Activity in Mantle Cell Lymphoma through Increased NK Cell Mediated Cytotoxicity

Introduction: Lenalidomide (Len) is indicated for the treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) in the United States and Switzerland. Len binds to the cullin 4 ring E3 ubiquitin ligase complex resulting in ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of lymphoid transcription factors Aiolos and Ikaros leading to stimulation of immune cells, such as T-cells. Clinical trial CC-5013-MCL-002 (NCT00875667) is a randomized open-label phase II study in R/R MCL patients in which Len was given orally at 25 mg/day on days 1-21 of each 28-day cycle until progression (N=170). The control arm consisted of investigator choice of single-agent rituximab, gemcitabine, fludarabine, chlorambucil, or cytarabine (N=84). We explored the immune effects of Len treatment in MCL patients enrolled in CC-5013-MCL-002 and further investigated our findings in in vitro MCL co-culture models. Methods: Peripheral blood samples for exploratory analysis were collected at Cycle 1 Day 1 (C1D1, pre-treatment), Cycle 1 Day 4 (C1D4), Cycle 2 Day 15 (C2D15) and at treatment discontinuation. Flow cytometric profiling of T, B and natural killer (NK) cell subsets was performed and differences were analyzed for correlation with clinical outcomes (response rate and progression free survival [PFS]). Cell dependent cytotoxicity was measured in 1) anti-CD3 stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) treated with vehicle or 1-10000 nM Len for 3 days and incubated with target tumor cells for an additional 4 hours followed by an apoptosis assay as measured by Annexin V/ToPro-3 flow cytometry and 2) negatively selected CD56+ NK cells stimulated with IL-2 and treated with Len (1 nM to 10 μM) for 18 hrs and incubated with target tumor cells for an additional 4 hours followed by apoptosis assay. Results: At baseline, no significant differences were observed in the absolute levels of immune subsets when comparing non-responders (NR) and responders (R) in either Len (NR=11, R=23) or control (NR=4, R=5) arms. However, in the Len arm, significantly elevated (adj. p The mechanism whereby NK cell modulation contributes to clinical benefit demonstrated by Len in patients was further explored in in vitro co-culture systems with MCL cell lines. Len treated PBMC co-cultured with Jeko-1, Granta-519, and Mino MCL cell lines resulted in 38-47.5% more apoptosis compared to DMSO (p≤0.001). We examined the effect of Len on Aiolos and Ikaros protein expression in CD56+ NK and CD3+ T cells within anti-CD3 antibody stimulated PBMCs treated with DMSO or various concentrations of Len (1 nM to 10 μM) for 72 hours. Degradation of both Aiolos (40%) and Ikaros (95%) was observed after drug treatment in CD56+ NK cells. Aiolos and Ikaros levels were also monitored in CD3+ T cells and showed decreased levels after Len treatment, consistent with previous reports (Gandhi, 2014; Kronke, 2014). Furthermore, purified CD56+ NK cell mediated cytotoxicity produced a similar pro-apoptotic effect as the PBMC assay in all MCL cell lines versus DMSO (p≤0.01). Supernatants from co-cultures of NK cells with MCL cell lines showed significantly elevated granzyme B levels as compared to DMSO controls (p≤0.0001), suggesting that the apoptotic effects observed are induced by granzyme B. Conclusions: Lenalidomide is an immune modulating agent and NK cell modulation in particular may play a role in its clinical activity in MCL. A significant increase in proportions of NK cell subsets (vs total lymphocytes) at C1D4 versus baseline was observed and is a potential response indicator of favorable clinical outcome in R/R MCL patients treated with Len. In vitro, Len enhances cell mediated cytotoxicity of MCL cell lines in two co-culture model systems. Understanding NK cell mediated mechanism(s) has potential to enhance guiding patient selection strategies and rational combination therapies of lenalidomide in MCL. Disclosures Hagner:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chiu:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ortiz-Estevez:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Biyukov:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Brachman:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Trneny:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodations, expenses, Research Funding. Morschhauser:Genentech Inc./Roche: Other: Advisory boards. Stilgenbauer:AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Celgene, Genentech, Genzyme, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Mundipharma, Novartis, Pharmacyclics, Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Milpied:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Musto:Sandoz: Consultancy; Celgene: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy; Genzyme: Consultancy; Novartis: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Honoraria. Martinelli:AMGEN: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; ROCHE: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; MSD: Consultancy. Heise:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Daniel:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chopra:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Carmichael:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Trotter:Celgene Corporation: Employment. Gandhi:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Thakurta:Celgene Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Long-Term Results of Cytarabine-Containing Induction Followed By Consolidation with Autologous Stem Cell Transplant and Rituximab Maintenance As Primary Treatment for Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Introduction: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) often follows an aggressive course and remains incurable with standard therapies. First-line chemotherapy followed by consolidation with high-dose chemotherapy (HDT) and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has become a standard of care in eligible patients (pts). As relapse remains the main cause of treatment failure, strategies such as intensifying induction therapy with high-dose cytarabine or adding rituximab maintenance (RM) have been tested to reduce the relapse rate (RR) post-ASCT. We evaluated the effect of the addition of cytarabine and RM on the outcome of pts undergoing ASCT.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive MCL pts who underwent ASCT after first-line chemotherapy at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre between 2000-2013. Pts received induction with CHOP, RCHOP, or RCHOP alternating with RDHAP (RCHOP/RDHAP), followed by HDT with or without total body irradiation (TBI). All pts had a documented response to induction using Cheson 1999 criteria. After ASCT, pts received maintenance with single-agent rituximab 375 mg/m2 or were simply observed.Results: 98 MCL pts were treated: median age was 56 years (36-66), 15 pts (15%) had blastoid or pleomorphic subtype, 85 pts (87%) had stage IV disease. MIPI was high risk in 18 pts (19%). Induction therapy: CHOP 14 pts (14%), RCHOP 57 (58%), and RCHOP/RDHAP 27 (28%). After induction CR was obtained in 44%, PR in 56% pts. CR rates were: CHOP 7 (50%), RCHOP 25 (44%), RCHOP/RDHAP 12 (44%) (P=ns). 89% pts had collected > 5*106 CD34/kg after RCHOP, and 78% after RCHOP/RDHAP (P=ns). Overall 66/98 pts (67%) had > 5*106 CD34/kg collected with 1 apheresis (Table 1). HDT was melphalan+etoposide for 63% pts, cytarabine+melphalan for 31% pts; 77 (79%) also received TBI. Median time from diagnosis to ASCT was 7.5 months (2.5, 33.4). Post-ASCT responses: CR 92 pts (94%), PR 4 (4%), 2 (2%) PD. Median time to ANC ≥0.5 were 10 days (CHOP), 11 days (RCHOP), and 11 days (RCHOP/RDHAP), while median days to PLT≥20 were 9 (CHOP), 11.5 (RCHOP), and 13 (RCHOP/RDHAP). Post-ASCT, 31% of pts had normal blood counts at 3 months which improved to 52% at 1 year post-ASCT. Maintenance data were available for 95/98 pts. RM was given to 72 pts (74%). Median follow-up from date of transplant for the entire cohort was 3.22 years (range 0.7 - 14.1). The 2-year and 5-year PFS were 85.8% (76.7-91.5) and 52.2% (37.7-64.7), respectively. 32 pts relapsed after ASCT (32.65%). Relapse occurred in 3 (11%) pts after RCHOP/RDHAP, 19 (33%) after RCHOP, and 10 (71%) after CHOP. Median time to relapse was 9 years (95%CI: 4.7-NR). 2-year and 5-year RR were 14.54% and 41.65%, respectively. Median OS was 9.15 years (95%CI: 7.3-NR), 2-year OS was 88.8% (80.2-93.8), and 5-year OS was 74.9% (61.7-84.2%). For patients observed without treatment post-ASCT, median PFS was 2.87 years (1.22-4.63) and median OS 5.19 years (1.66-NR), while for those receiving RM, PFS was 9.06 years (4.97-NR, p<0.001) and median OS has not yet been reached (7.30- NR, p=0.009).Conclusions: Response rate and PFS were similar between different induction regimens. The outcomes of responding pts following ASCT appear superior to previous strategies. Our patients enjoyed a very long PFS and median OS is surprisingly long as well. Within the limits of a retrospective study, our data support the use of rituximab maintenance, showing a significant benefit in both PFS and OS.Table 1ASCT dataStem cell collectionCHOPRCHOPRCHOP/RDHAPP valuePts collecting > 2x106 /Kg CD34+ cells in 1 day4/14 (29%)44/57 (77%)17/27 (67%)0.002Pts collecting 2-5 x106 /Kg CD34+ cellsN/A6/57 (11%)6/27 (22%)Pts collecting >5 x106 /Kg CD34+ cellsN/A51/57 (89%)21/27 (78%)0.153Engraftment median (range)Days to ANC ≥ 0.510 (9,11)11 (9, 12)11 (9, 12)Pts with ANC ≥ 0.5 ≤ 11 days13/13 (100%)45/52 (87%)21/25 (84%)0.33Days to PLT ≥ 209 (7, 15)11.5 (9, 17)13 (9, 26)Pts with PLT ≥ 20 ≤ 12 days12/13 (92%)37/52 (71%)8/25 (32%)0.0001*Days from ASCT to discharge13 (11,26)14 (11,30)13 (11,23)PTs requiring RBC Transfusions11 (79%)43 (75%)22 (81%)0.821Number of RBC Transfusions2 (0, 4)2 (0, 7)3(0, 6)Pts requiring PLT Transfusions12 (86%)52 (93%)25 (93%)0.759Number of PLT Transfusions1 (0, 4)2 (1, 9)3 (1, 5)* comparison CHOP Vs R-CHOP: not significant, p=0.113Legend. ASCT: autologous stem cell transplant; Pts: patients; ANC: absolute neutrophils count;PLTs: platelets; RBC: red blood cells. DisclosuresKuruvilla:Hoffmann LaRoche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Lundbeck: Honoraria; Karyopharm: Honoraria.

Follicular lymphoma: 2015 update on diagnosis and management.

Follicular lymphoma is generally an indolent B cell lymphoproliferative disorder of transformed follicular center B cells. Follicular lymphoma (FL) is characterized by diffuse lymphoadenopathy, bone marrow involvement, splenomegaly, and less commonly other extranodal sites of involvement. In general, cytopenias can occur but constitutional symptoms of fever, night sweats, and weight loss are uncommon. Diagnosis is based on histology of preferably a biopsy of a lymph node. Immunohistochemical staining is positive in virtually all cases for cell surface CD19, CD20, CD10, and monoclonal immunoglobulin, as well as cytoplasmic expression of bcl-2 protein. The overwhelming majority of cases have the characteristic t(14;18) translocation involving the IgH/bcl-2 genes. The Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index prognostic model for FL uses five independent predictors of inferior survival: age >60 years, hemoglobin <12 g/dL, serum LDH > normal, Ann Arbor stage III/IV, number of involved nodal areas > 4. The presence of 0, 1, 2, and ≥ 3 adverse factors defines low, intermediate, and high-risk disease. With the use of more modern therapies, outcomes have improved. Observation continues to be adequate for asymptomatic patients with low bulk disease and no cytopenias, with no survival advantage for early treatment with either chemotherapy or rituximab alone. For patients needing therapy, most patients are treated with chemotherapy plus rituximab, which has improved response rates, duration of response and overall survival. Randomized studies have shown additional benefit for maintenance rituximab both following chemotherapy-rituximab and single agent rituximab. Experimental therapies as well as stem cell transplantation (SCT) are considered for recurrent disease.

Rituximab for indolent lymphomas before and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The most substantial advancement in the treatment of indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), since the advent of combination chemotherapy, has been the introduction of the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab. However, the optimal schedule, timing, and duration of rituximab therapy remain controversial. Since its initially reported single-agent activity in 1997, the role of rituximab has greatly expanded and it is now ubiquitously integrated in all treatment phases of indolent NHL. Yet, several questions remain to be addressed: should asymptomatic patients be treated at diagnosis with single-agent rituximab or still kept in watchful waiting, what are the optimal first-line treatments to combine with rituximab, what is the role of maintenance therapy, and is there a benefit in incorporating rituximab in autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation schemes for these diseases? Recent and ongoing clinical trials tackling these relevant issues will be presented and critically discussed in this article. Excellent outcomes are reported with rituximab therapy in indolent NHL, both early and late in the disease course. Continued study of this most valuable therapeutic agent is warranted to set the optimal treatment approach leading to cure the majority of patients.

To maintain or not, that is the question

To maintain or not, that is the question

Follicular lymphoma: first-line treatment without chemotherapy for follicular lymphoma.

Opinion statement: The optimal initial treatment of follicular lymphoma (FL) is not known, and initial management of patients varies considerably between providers and institutions. The assertion that patients with low tumor burden can be observed for a period of time is being challenged owing to the safety and tolerability of novel therapeutics and the movement of the field away from traditional chemotherapy agents. Single agent rituximab has become increasingly popular as initial management of patients with low tumor burden disease, and there is evidence that prolonged treatment with rituximab can improve progression-free survival (PFS) when compared to induction with rituximab or observation. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) has similarly shown efficacy in low tumor burden disease. Novel agents such as lenalidomide, idelalisib, and ibrutinib are being studied in the first-line setting. Importantly, none of these strategies have demonstrated an improved overall survival in a randomized study versus observation. It is the opinion of the authors that endpoints such as PFS alone, while important, should not drive changes in management with limited resources. Composite endpoints including quality of life are more informative on the true impact of treatments on patients with follicular lymphoma. Providers should encourage all patients to be treated in the context of an appropriate clinical trial when possible. If a patient is not a clinical trial candidate, we typically treat patients with advanced stage and high tumor burden with chemoimmunotherapy. The decision to give maintenance rituximab is individualized to the patient, as there is no overall survival benefit. In patients with early stage disease, we favor consideration of radiation therapy if the patient is a candidate. Our initial recommendation to patients with advanced stage, low tumor burden disease, is close observation or "watch and wait." We have observed that most patients become comfortable over time with an observation approach. If a patient is not comfortable with this recommendation, we will use single agent rituximab. If the patient responds to therapy, we do not recommend maintenance rituximab in low tumor burden disease but rather prefer a retreatment strategy or an extended schedule of four additional doses of rituximab.

A Phased Desensitization Protocol With Rituximab and Bortezomib for Highly Sensitized Kidney Transplant Candidates.

Desensitization protocols comprising plasmapheresis, IVIGs, and rituximab and/or bortezomib have allowed for successful kidney transplantation in some highly HLA-sensitized patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the optimal combination of these therapies and their proper timing remains entirely unknown. We propose a phased desensitization strategy using rituximab followed by bortezomib as a safer method. Three sensitized kidney transplant candidates who could not be desensitized using our conventional protocol, which consists of a single rituximab dose combined with plasmapheresis, were enrolled in this study. When IgM(+) CD27(-) naive B cells reappeared but IgM(+) CD27(+) memory B cells remained undetectable in their peripheral blood, the patients were treated with 1 cycle of bortezomib followed by plasmapheresis. After bortezomib treatment, patients' donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) values were decreased, and cross-match tests were consistently negative. All 3 patients underwent living donor kidney transplantation. They showed immediate renal function, and both DSA and non-DSA were undetectable during the observation period. Neither antibody-mediated rejection nor severe acute cellular rejection was encountered in these patients after transplantation. The present cases suggest that a phased use of rituximab and bortezomib can safely desensitize highly sensitized kidney transplant candidates.

Is observation dead in follicular lymphoma? No, but the apoptosis pathway has been activated.

Follicular lymphoma (FL), the most common indolent type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, presents with a highly variable clinical course and affects the overall survival (OS) of patients. Although observation has been adopted widely by clinicians in the management of patients with FL, the benefits of early treatment must be reviewed in light of the significant progress made in the treatment of symptomatic or higher-tumor-burden FL. When treatment is indicated, a variety of combination chemotherapeutic regimens have proven efficacy and have shown improvements in both progression-free and event-free survival, and the addition of rituximab to these regimens has shown a statistically significant improvement in OS. Additionally, single-agent rituximab has been added to the possible therapeutic options for patients with low-tumor-burden FL. Although a paucity of clinical data exists on the upfront treatment of the low-tumor-burden population, the question of whether early treatment, especially with the newer rituximab-containing chemotherapy regimens, would improve OS is thought-provoking. Furthermore, novel targeted therapies with tolerable side effect profiles are rapidly advancing in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The future for patients with low-tumor-burden FL is brighter than ever before.

A population-based study of prognosis in advanced stage follicular lymphoma managed by watch and wait.

Watch and wait (WAW) is a common approach for asymptomatic, advanced stage follicular lymphoma (FL), but single-agent rituximab is an alternative for these patients. In this nationwide study we describe the outcome of patients selected for WAW. A cohort of 286 out of 849 (34%) stage III-IVA FL patients seen between 2000 and 2011, were managed expectantly and included. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 35% [95% confidence interval (CI) 29-42]. The 10-year overall survival (OS) was 65% (95%CI 54-78), and the cumulative risk of dying from lymphoma within 10years of diagnosis was 13% (95%CI 7-20). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase and > four nodal regions involved were associated with a higher risk of lymphoma treatment and death from lymphoma. The WAW patients and a matched background population had similar OS during the first 50months after diagnosis (P=0·7), but WAW patients had increased risk of death after 50months (P<0·001). The estimated loss of residual life after 10years was 6·8months. The 10-year cumulative risk of histological transformation was 22% (95%CI 15-29) and the 3-year OS after transformation was 71% (95%CI 58-87%). In conclusion, advanced stage FL managed by WAW had a favourable outcome and abandoning this strategy could lead to overtreatment in some patients.