Treatment-emergent Grade Research Articles

Pomalidomide (POM) with or without low-dose dexamethasone (LoDEX) in patients (Pts) with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): MM-002 phase II age subgroup analysis.

8532 Background: POM demonstrated clinical efficacy and favorable tolerability in RRMM pts previously treated with lenalidomide (LEN) and bortezomib (BORT), in the randomized, multicenter, open label MM-002 phase II trial. This analysis evaluated whether the efficacy and tolerability of POM+LoDEX treatment is consistent across age subgroups. Methods: Pts with RRMM who had received ≥ 2 prior therapies, including LEN and BORT, and were refractory to their last regimen were randomized to either POM+LoDEX (POM 4 mg/day, days 1–21 of a 28-day cycle; LoDEX 40 mg/week) or POM alone. End points included progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (based on EBMT criteria), response duration, and safety. A post-hoc analysis based on age (≤ 65 vs. > 65 yrs) was conducted. Results: A total of 221 pts with a mean age of 64 yrs (range 34–88) were randomized to POM+LoDEX (n = 113) or POM (n = 108). The efficacy outcomes and the most common treatment emergent grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) for the age subgroups according to treatment arm are presented in the Table. Conclusions: Regardless of age (≤ 65 vs. > 65 yrs), POM with or without LoDEX was effective and generally well tolerated in heavily pretreated RRMM pts who had already received LEN and BORT. POM with or without LoDEX represents a new clinical option for pts previously treated with numerous lines of therapy. Updated data will be presented at the meeting. Clinical trial information: NCT00833833. [Table: see text]

Combination of antiangiogenic therapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy for sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma.

4512 Background: Numerous treatment options exist for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), but optimal treatment for patients (pts) with sarcomatoid features remains undefined. Sarcomatoid differentiation is a particularly unfavorable prognostic feature in mRCC. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has modest activity, with a response rate of 16% for doxorubicin plus gemcitabine (Gem). Retrospective data has suggested a response rate of 10% for antiangiogenic therapy. We prospectively studied the combination of antiangiogenic therapy, sunitinib (Su), with Gem chemotherapy in this mRCC subpopulation. Methods: Pts with mRCC and sarcomatoid differentiation were enrolled in a phase 2 clinical trial at 3 institutions. Treatment consisted of 21-day cycles of Su, 37.5 mg on a 2 weeks on/1 week off schedule, along with Gem 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8. The primary endpoint was radiographic response rate (RR) by RECIST. Secondary endpoints included time to disease progression (TTP), safety, and overall survival (OS). Results: Among 35 pts treated in total, 7 were classified as MSKCC good risk, 26 as intermediate risk, and 2 as poor risk. There were 10 partial responses and 1 complete response, for a confirmed RR of 30%. An additional 10 pts exhibited stable disease (clinical benefit rate 60%). Among the 10 pts who had progressive disease as their best response, the majority had underlying non-clear cell histology. Median TTP was 3.5 months (range 0.5-12). Eight pts discontinued due to adverse events (AEs). The most common treatment-emergent grade 3 or higher AEs were neutropenia (8 pts), fatigue (5), anemia (2), and hypertension (2). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Median OS was 11 months (range 1-38+). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest prospective trial combining cytotoxic chemotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy in patients with RCC and sarcomatoid features. Our results suggest that combination therapy may be more efficacious than either treatment alone in this subtype of mRCC and supports an ongoing intergroup trial (NCT01164228). Further research is necessary to define prognostic factors, including histologic and molecular biomarkers, for distinct subpopulations within this heterogeneous disease. Clinical trial information: NCT00556049.

Tivantinib for second-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomised, placebo-controlled phase 2 study

Tivantinib (ARQ 197), a selective oral inhibitor of MET, has shown promising antitumour activity in hepatocellular carcinoma as monotherapy and in combination with sorafenib. We aimed to assess efficacy and safety of tivantinib for second-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. In this completed, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 2 study, we enrolled patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and Child-Pugh A cirrhosis who had progressed on or were unable to tolerate first-line systemic therapy. We randomly allocated patients 2:1 to receive tivantinib (360 mg twice-daily) or placebo until disease progression. The tivantinib dose was amended to 240 mg twice-daily because of high incidence of treatment-emergent grade 3 or worse neutropenia. Randomisation was done centrally by an interactive voice-response system, stratified by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and vascular invasion. The primary endpoint was time to progression, according to independent radiological review in the intention-to-treat population. We assessed tumour samples for MET expression with immunohistochemistry (high expression was regarded as ≥2+ in ≥50% of tumour cells). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00988741. 71 patients were randomly assigned to receive tivantinib (38 at 360 mg twice-daily and 33 at 240 mg twice-daily); 36 patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo. At the time of analysis, 46 (65%) patients in the tivantinib group and 26 (72%) of those in the placebo group had progressive disease. Time to progression was longer for patients treated with tivantinib (1·6 months [95% CI 1·4-2·8]) than placebo (1·4 months [1·4-1·5]; hazard ratio [HR] 0·64, 90% CI 0·43-0·94; p=0·04). For patients with MET-high tumours, median time to progression was longer with tivantinib than for those on placebo (2·7 months [95% CI 1·4-8·5] for 22 MET-high patients on tivantinib vs 1·4 months [1·4-1·6] for 15 MET-high patients on placebo; HR 0·43, 95% CI 0·19-0·97; p=0·03). The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events in the tivantinib group were neutropenia (ten patients [14%] vs none in the placebo group) and anaemia (eight [11%] vs none in the placebo group). Eight patients (21%) in the tivantinib 360 mg group had grade 3 or worse neutropenia compared with two (6%) patients in the 240 mg group. Four deaths related to tivantinib occurred from severe neutropenia. 24 (34%) patients in the tivantinib group and 14 (39%) patients in the placebo group had serious adverse events. Tivantinib could provide an option for second-line treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and well-compensated liver cirrhosis, particularly for patients with MET-high tumours. Confirmation in a phase 3 trial is needed, with a starting dose of tivantinib 240 mg twice-daily. ArQule, Daiichi Sankyo (Daiichi Sankyo Group).

A Phase 2 Study of Elotuzumab (Elo) in Combination with Lenalidomide and Low-Dose Dexamethasone (Ld) in Patients (pts) with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (R/R MM): Updated Results

A Phase 2 Study of Elotuzumab (Elo) in Combination with Lenalidomide and Low-Dose Dexamethasone (Ld) in Patients (pts) with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (R/R MM): Updated Results

A Phase I Study of the Anti-CD79b Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) DCDS4501A Targeting CD79b in Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)

AbstractAbstract 56 Introduction:CD79b, a component of the B-cell receptor (BCR), is expressed by nearly all B-cell malignancies including NHL. DCDS4501A is an ADC consisting of an anti-CD79b monoclonal antibody conjugated to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a microtubule disrupting agent via a protease-cleavable peptide linker. DCDS4501A exhibits potent anti-tumor activity in murine xenograft models of B-cell lymphoma. Methods:A Phase I study of DCDS4501A is being conducted to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and biologic activity of escalating doses of DCDS4501A in pts with relapsed/refractory B-cell NHL. Pts receive DCDS4501A intravenously every 21 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Intrapatient dose escalation based on tolerability at higher doses is permitted. Following determination of the recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) based on protocol-defined dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) occurring within 21 days of dosing, additional pts with indolent and aggressive B-cell NHL will be enrolled to further evaluate safety and efficacy based on Cheson response criteria. Here we report the RP2D and preliminary safety and efficacy results. Results:To date, 33 pts have been enrolled (64% male), median age of 65 years (range 20–85): follicular lymphoma (FL, n=14), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL, n=11), MCL (n=4), MZL (n=2), transformed FL (n=1), and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL, n=1). Enrolled patients were heavily pre-treated: 29 patients had ≥ 3 prior regimens, all pts had received prior rituximab, and 9 pts received prior high-dose therapy followed by stem cell transplantation. Pts received a median of 3 doses (range 1–12) of DCDS4501A in 6 dose-escalation cohorts with doses ranging from 0.1–2.4 mg/kg. The protocol-specified MTD was not formally reached, however, 2.4 mg/kg DCDS4501A was determined to be the RP2D based on the overall safety and tolerability profile at that dose, which included 1 pt with a DLT of Grade 4 febrile neutropenia and pneumonia. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (AE) occurring in ≥ 20% of pts were neutropenia (59%), diarrhea (38%), nausea (34%), hyperglycemia (31%), fatigue (31%), constipation (28%), peripheral neuropathy (28%), pyrexia (28%), leukopenia (25%), chills (22%), and cough (22%). Neutropenia (39%) and leukopenia (12%) were the only treatment-emergent Grade ≥ 3 AEs in ≥ 10% of pts. Seven of 12 pts treated at the RP2D of 2.4 mg/kg experienced a Grade 3–4 AE: Grade 3–4 neutropenia in 5 pts, and anemia, leukopenia and fatigue each in 2 pts. Eight (24%) pts across all dose levels experienced a serious AE (SAE). Four SAEs were reported in 2 pts treated at the RP2D of 2.4 mg/kg: 1 pt with atrial fibrillation, neutropenia, and pneumonia and 1 pt with cardiac failure; in both cases the SAE resolved and study treatment resumed. Treatment discontinuation due to AE occurred in 1 pt each for Grade 3 neutropenia and Grade 3 hyponatremia. One pt had a dose reduction for Grade 4 febrile neutropenia and pneumonia. No deaths were reported within 30 days of the last dose of DCDS4501A. Most cases of neutropenia were observed in the absence of growth factor support. Assessment of Cycle 1 PK after the first dose of DCDS4501A indicated that exposure of antibody-conjugated MMAE (acMMAE), total antibody, and free MMAE, increased with dose. The clearance estimates of acMMAE and total antibody were similar across doses from 0.1–2.4 mg/kg; volume of distribution estimates of acMMAE and total antibody approximated plasma volume, which also did not change with dose. These results suggested dose proportional increase of acMMAE and total antibody exposures. Early evidence of anti-tumor activity was observed, including 5 pts with > 50% reduction in target lesion burden at the first on-treatment tumor assessment after 3–4 cycles of treatment: 2 with FL, and 1 each with DLBCL, transformed FL, and MCL; 4 pts continue on treatment with DCDS4501A (range 5–12 cycles). Two of four pts treated at 2.4 mg/kg evaluable for anti-tumor activity to date had > 80% reduction in target lesion burden at the first on-treatment tumor assessment. Conclusions:DCDS4501A, a novel ADC targeting CD79b, has demonstrated an acceptable toxicity profile and encouraging anti-tumor activity in heavily pretreated pts with relapsed/refractory B-cell NHL. Updated clinical data will be presented. These results support additional clinical evaluation of DCDS4501A in B-cell malignancies. Disclosures:Palanca-Wessels:Genentech: Research Funding. Off Label Use: anti-CD79b Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) DCDS4501A. Salles:roche: Consultancy. Morschhauser:Genentech: Honoraria. Advani:Genentech: Research Funding. Press:g: Consultancy. Ho:Genentech: Employment. Kahn:Genentech: Employment. Lu:Genentech: Employment. Su:Genentech: Employment. Chu:Genentech: Employment.

A Phase I Study of DCDT2980S, an Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Targeting CD22, in Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)

AbstractAbstract 59 Introduction:CD22 is a lineage marker expressed in most B-cell lymphomas. DCDT2980S is an ADC consisting of an anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody conjugated to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a potent microtubule disrupting agent linked to the antibody via a protease-cleavable peptide linker. DCDT2980S exhibits potent anti-tumor activity in murine xenograft models of B-cell lymphoma and is being evaluated in a Phase I study to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and biologic activity in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory B-cell NHL. Methods:Pts receive DCDT2980S intravenously every 21 days at dose levels 0.1 to 3.2 mg/kg until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Intrapatient dose escalation based on tolerability at higher doses is permitted. Following determination of the recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) based on protocol-defined dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) occurring within 21 days of dosing, additional pts with indolent and aggressive B-cell NHL are being enrolled to further evaluate safety and efficacy based on Cheson response criteria. Here we report the RP2D and preliminary safety and efficacy results. Results:To date, 35 pts (57% male), median age 66 years (range 30–85) have been enrolled: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL, n=18), follicular lymphoma (FL, n=11), transformed FL (n=4), and small lymphocytic lymphoma (n=2). Enrolled patients were heavily pre-treated: 26 pts had received ≥ 3 prior regimens, all pts had received prior rituximab, and 7 pts received prior high-dose therapy followed autologous or allogenic stem cell transplantation. Overall, pts received a median of 4 doses (range 1–25) of DCDT2980S in 7 dose-escalation cohorts, and 2 expansion cohorts at the RP2D. All 3 pts treated with DCDT2980S at 3.2 mg/kg developed Grade 4 neutropenia following the first dose, one of which constituted a DLT. No DLTs were reported in the 6 pts treated at 2.4 mg/kg, which is the RP2D. Across all dose levels, the most common treatment-emergent adverse events (AE) in ≥ 20% of pts were diarrhea (34%), fatigue (34%), nausea (31%), neutropenia (26%), decreased appetite (23%), vomiting (23%), and peripheral edema (20%). Treatment-emergent Grade ≥ 3 AEs were reported in 9 (27%) pts including 5 out of 9 pts who were treated at the RP2D of 2.4 mg/kg. Overall, neutropenia (24%) was the only Grade ≥ 3 AE in ≥ 10% of pts (24%) and was the only Grade ≥ 3 AE reported in > 1 pt (n=2) treated at the RP2D. Eight (26%) pts across all dose levels experienced a serious AE (SAE) of which one Grade 3 dehydration in a pt treated at 3.2 mg/kg was attributed to DCDT2980S. Treatment discontinuation due to AEs occurred in 3 pts: Grade 3 neutropenia (n=1) and Grade 3 peripheral sensory neuropathy (n=2). No deaths were reported within 30 days of the last dose of DCDT2980S. Assessment of Cycle 1 PK after the first dose of DCDT2980S indicated that the exposure of antibody-conjugated MMAE (acMMAE), total antibody, and free MMAE increased with dose. The clearance estimates of both acMMAE and total antibody were similar across doses from 1.0–3.2 mg/kg. The volume of distribution estimates for acMMAE and total antibody approximated plasma volume and did not change with dose and suggest dose-proportional increase of acMMAE and total antibody exposures for doses of 1.0–3.2 mg/kg. Early evidence of anti-tumor activity was observed. At the RP2D of 2.4 mg/kg, 2 of 3 pts with DLBCL had > 75% reduction in tumor sum of perpendicular dimensions (SPD) and negative PET scans; 1 partial response was noted in a pt with FL treated at 1.8 mg/kg. These 3 pts continue on study, each having received at least 8 cycles of study treatment. Two additional pts with DLBCL receiving 0.5 mg/kg and 3.2–2.4 mg/kg had > 50% reduction in tumor SPD and discontinued study treatment after 8 and 6 cycles, respectively, to undergo stem cell transplant. Conclusions:In this early experience, DCDT2980S is well tolerated, has a favorable safety profile and has evidence of anti-tumor activity in in a heavily pretreated pts with relapsed/refractory B-cell NHL. Updated clinical data will be presented. These results support additional clinical evaluation of DCDT2980S in B-cell malignancies. Disclosures:Advani:Genentech: Research Funding. Off Label Use: anti-CD79b Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) DCDS4501A. Lebovic:Genentech: Speakers Bureau. Brunvand:Genentech: Speakers Bureau. Chen:Genentech: Research Funding. Chang:Genentech: Research Funding. Ho:Genentech: Employment. Kahn:Genentech: Employment. Lu:Genentech: Employment. Su:Genentech: Employment. Chu:Genentech: Employment.

A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of GS-9450 in Subjects With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

In nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the extent of hepatocyte apoptosis correlates with disease severity. Reducing hepatocyte apoptosis with the selective caspase inhibitor GS-9450 has a potential for altering the course of the liver disease. In this phase 2, double-blind study, 124 subjects with biopsy-proven NASH were randomized to once-daily placebo or 1, 5, 10, or 40 mg GS-9450 for 4 weeks. Absolute and percent changes from baseline in ALT levels, AST levels, and caspase-3-cleaved cytokeratin (CK)-18 fragments at week 4 were assessed by an analysis of covariance model with adjustment for baseline values. In the 40-mg group, mean (SD) ALT decreased by 47 (43) U/L from baseline to week 4 (P < 0.0001 versus placebo), and the proportion of subjects with normal ALT increased from 0% to 35% at week 4. In the 40-mg group, mean AST decreased by 13 U/L from baseline (not significant), and the proportion with normal AST increased from 20% at baseline to 48% at week 4. By week 4, mean CK-18 fragment levels had decreased to 393 (723) U/L in the GS-9450 10-mg group and 125 (212) U/L in the 40-mg group, but these reductions were not statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported during treatment, and the percentage of subjects with at least one treatment-emergent grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormality ranged from 11.5% to 17% across the GS-9450 treatment groups versus 35% in the placebo group. GS-9450 treatment induced significant reductions in ALT levels in NASH patients. Reductions in CK-18 fragment levels also occurred, although they were not statistically significant. At appropriate therapeutic indices, selective caspase inhibitors may be a promising treatment option in patients with NASH.

Bortezomib- and Thalidomide-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) in Multiple Myeloma (MM): Clinical and Molecular Analysis of 474 Patients Treated with Thalidomide-Dexamethasone (TD) or Bortezomib-TD (VTD)

Abstract 1821 Introduction: PN is an important complication of MM and its incidence has been further increased after the introduction of the novel agents thalidomide and bortezomib. In a phase 3 trial comparing TD with VTD as induction therapy prior to and consolidation therapy after double autologous stem-cell transplantation for previously untreated MM patients, the VTD arm was significantly superior over TD in terms of improved rates of complete or near-complete response (CR/nCR) (the primary study endpoint) and progression free survival (PFS). Toxicity of VTD and TD regimens, including PN, was a secondary study endpoint. Methods: We performed a subanalysis of the study to assess the frequency, reversibility, risk factors and molecular markers associated with treatment-emergent PN. PN was graded by use of National Cancer Institute9s Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI CTCAE) version 3.0. Since grade 1 PN could be misinterpreted and does not interfere with the daily activities, only patients who developed PN of at least grade 2 were evaluated. A total of 474 patients (of whom, 236 randomized to the VTD arm and 238 to TD) were stratified according to the development or not of grade ≥2 neurological adverse events (NAEs). Gene expression profiles (GEP) of pre-treatment CD138+ bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs) were analyzed in a subset of 127 VTD-treated patients for whom biological samples taken at diagnosis were adequate for genomic analysis. GEP experiments were performed using the Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 platform and class comparison of groups of array was done with one-way ANOVA Partek Genomic Suite (version 6.4). Results: Occurrence of PN throughout the entire treatment program was significantly higher in the VTD arm compared with TD. In particular, the rate of grade ≥2 PN was 35% vs 10% (p Conclusions: Although VTD incorporated into double ASCT was associated with a higher incidence of grade ≥2 PN compared with TD, the probability of complete resolution or improvement to at least grade 1 was comparable in both VTD- and TD-treated groups. Importantly, NAEs did not adversely affect the rate of CR/nCR, and TTP and PFS. No relationship between development of PN and both patient demographics and disease characteristics was observed. Conversely, GEP analysis of BMPCs from patients with VTD-induced PN showed the significant deregulated expression of genes involved in the nervous system function. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Bortezomib and Thalidomide as induction therapy prior to and consolidation therapy after double autologous stem-cell transplantation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Tosi:Janssen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Baccarani:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Mayers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Boccadoro:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria. Cavo:Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Superior Complete Response Rate (CR) and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) with Bortezomib-Thalidomide-Dexamethasone (VTD) Versus Thalidomide-Dexamethasone (TD) As Consolidation Therapy After Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation (ASCT) in Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Abstract 1871 Introduction: In a randomized phase 3 study, the use of VTD as induction therapy prior to and consolidation therapy following double ASCT increased the rate of complete or near complete response (CR/nCR) and extended PFS in comparison with TD given as induction and post-ASCT consolidation therapy in 474 newly diagnosed MM patients (Cavo et al , Lancet 2010). However, the specific impact of VTD consolidation on improved clinical outcomes was not defined. Methods: To address this issue, we performed a per-protocol analysis of 321 patients who received the entire treatment program, including the two pre-planned cycles of consolidation therapy with either VTD (160 of 236 patients, 68%) or TD (161 of 238 patients, 68%). By study design, two 35-d cycles of VTD (V 1.3 mg/m 2 on days 1, 8, 15, and 22; T 100 mg/d on days 1–35; D 40 mg on the days of and after each V administration) or TD (at the same doses as in VTD) were given as consolidation therapy to patients randomly assigned to each of the two respective induction regimens. Patient and disease characteristics at baseline were comparable in the two groups of patients. Results: The rates of CR and CR/nCR were significantly higher after consolidation therapy with VTD compared with TD (CR: 61% vs 47%; p=0.012; CR/nCR: 73% vs 61%; p=0.020). The impact of VTD consolidation on post-ASCT enhanced rates of CR and CR/nCR was confirmed by the McNemar test (CR: p=0.0009; CR/nCR: p=0.004) which conversely failed to demonstrate a significant increase in the frequencies of CR (p=0.052) and CR/nCR (p=0.110) with TD consolidation therapy. The absolute probability of upgrading from less than CR before consolidation to CR after consolidation was 31% with VTD and 17% with TD (Pearson chi-square test: p=0.03). Ninety six percent of patients who upgraded from less than CR to CR after VTD consolidation were in nCR (44%) or VGPR (52%) before starting consolidation therapy. A landmark analysis (with the landmark set as the start of consolidation therapy) was performed to compare time to progression (TTP), PFS, and overall survival (OS) between treatment groups. With a median follow-up of 30 months, the estimated 3-year probability of relapse or progression was 38% with VTD and 52% with TD (p=0.039 by Kaplan-Meier analysis) (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47–0.98, p=0.041). PFS was significantly longer for patients receiving VTD consolidation than for those treated with TD (3-year estimates: 62% vs 46%; p=0.025) (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46–0.95, p=0.027), a gain particularly evident for patients who failed to achieve CR after ASCT (3-year PFS estimates: 66% vs 43%; HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.32–0.91, p=0.022). Superior PFS with VTD vs TD consolidation was retained across poor prognosis subgroups, including patients with t(4;14) and/or del(17q) (HR: 0.44, p=0.004), del(13q) (HR: 0.44, p=0.002), β 2 -microglobulin >3.5 mg/L (HR: 0.57, p=0.025), lactate dehydrogenase >190 U/L (HR: 0.57, p=0.005), or ISS stage 2 and 3 (HR: 0.57, p=0.021). In a multivariate regression analysis, the most important and independent variables positively correlated with PFS were VTD consolidation therapy (p=0.002), double ASCT (p=0.001), low β 2 -microglobulin (p Conclusions: In comparison with TD, post-ASCT consolidation therapy with the triplet VTD regimen significantly increased the rates of CR and CR/nCR, and extended landmarked TTP and PFS. Superior PFS with VTD consolidation was maintained across poor prognosis subgroups, including those with advanced ISS stage and/or high-risk cytogenetic profiles. In a multivariate regression analysis VTD consolidation was confirmed to be an independent variable favorably affecting PFS. The superior activity seen with VTD versus TD as induction therapy before ASCT was retained despite the same triplet regimen being used as post-ASCT consolidation. Disclosures: Cavo: Millennium: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria; Genzyme: Honoraria. Off Label Use: Bortezomib and Thalidomide as post autotransplantation consolidation therapy in myeloma. Patriarca: Schering-Plough: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria. Petrucci: Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria. Di Raimondo: Janssen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Palumbo: Merck: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Honoraria. Offidani: Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria. Baccarani: Bristol-Meyers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees.

A Randomized Phase 3 Trial Comparing Pemetrexed/Carboplatin and Docetaxel/Carboplatin as First-Line Treatment for Advanced, Nonsquamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

This study compared survival without toxicity in patients with advanced, nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer who were treated with first-line pemetrexed/carboplatin or docetaxel/carboplatin. This multicenter, open-label, parallel-group, phase 3 trial comprised patients randomized (1:1) to pemetrexed/carboplatin (n = 128) or docetaxel/carboplatin (n = 132). Patients received treatment on day 1 of each 21-day cycle (maximum of six cycles). Treatment included carboplatin (area under the curve = 5 mg/ml × min) and pemetrexed (500 mg/m(2)) or docetaxel (75 mg/m(2)). The primary outcome measure, survival without treatment-emergent grade 3/4 toxicity, was defined as the time from randomization to the first treatment-emergent grade 3/4 adverse event or death and was analyzed using a log-rank test. The analysis population included 106 patients in the pemetrexed/carboplatin (Pem/Carb) group and 105 patients in the docetaxel/carboplatin (Doc/Carb) group. Survival without treatment-emergent grade 3/4 toxicity was significantly longer in the Pem/Carb versus the Doc/Carb group (log-rank p < 0.001; median survival without treatment-emergent grade 3/4 toxicity: 3.2 versus 0.7 months; adjusted hazard ratio = 0.45 [95% confidence interval: 0.34-0.61]). Overall survival was similar in the Pem/Carb versus the Doc/Carb group (log-rank p = 0.934; median survival: 14.9 versus 14.7 months; adjusted hazard ratio = 0.93 [95% confidence interval: 0.66-1.32]). Compared with the Doc/Carb group, fewer patients in the Pem/Carb group experienced grade 3/4 drug-related, treatment-emergent neutropenia, leukopenia, or febrile neutropenia, and more patients experienced anemia and thrombocytopenia. There were three study drug-related deaths during treatment in each group. The favorable benefit-to-risk profile of pemetrexed/carboplatin suggests that pemetrexed/carboplatin is an appropriate first-line treatment option for chemonaïve patients with advanced, nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer.

Outpatient consolidation treatment with clofarabine in a phase 2 study of older adult patients with previously untreated acute myelogenous leukemia

This report describes outpatient (OP) administration of clofarabine in older patients (≥60 years) with untreated acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Overall, 112 patients underwent clofarabine induction. Clofarabine was administered to 35 OPs for a total of 72 OP cycles, with 81% of these cycles representing consolidation treatment. Median length of hospital stay was 0–6 days and 5–25 days across OP and inpatient (IP) cycles, respectively. The most common adverse events (AEs) were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, edema, hypokalemia and pneumonia. The overall frequency of treatment-emergent grade ≥3 AEs and serious AEs was generally not different with IP or OP administration of clofarabine. No deaths were reported within 30 days following OP or IP consolidation cycles. In the appropriately selected older patient, OP administration of clofarabine consolidation appears feasible, is as well tolerated as IP administration and has potential to contribute to the quality of life in elderly patients with AML.

Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of CT-322 (BMS-844203), a Targeted Adnectin Inhibitor of VEGFR-2 Based on a Domain of Human Fibronectin

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and preliminary antitumor activity of CT-322 (BMS-844203), a VEGFR-2 inhibitor and the first human fibronectin domain-based targeted biologic (Adnectin) to enter clinical studies. Patients with advanced solid malignancies were treated with escalating doses of CT-322 intravenously (i.v.) weekly (qw), or biweekly (q2w). Plasma samples were assayed for CT-322 concentrations, plasma VEGF-A concentrations, and antidrug antibodies. Thirty-nine patients completed 105 cycles of 0.1 to 3.0 mg/kg CT-322 i.v. either qw or q2w. The most common treatment-emergent grade 1/2 toxicities were fatigue, nausea, proteinuria, vomiting, anorexia, and hypertension. Grade 3/4 toxicities were rare. Reversible proteinuria, retinal artery, and vein thrombosis, left ventricular dysfunction, and reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome were dose limiting at 3.0 mg/kg. The MTD was 2 mg/kg qw or q2w. CT-322 plasma concentrations increased dose proportionally. Plasma VEGF-A levels increased with dose and plateaued at 2 mg/kg qw. Anti-CT-322 antibodies developed without effects on pharmacokinetics, VEGF-A levels, or safety. Minor decreases in tumor measurements occurred in 4 of 34 evaluable patients and 24 patients had stable disease. CT-322 can be safely administered at 2 mg/kg i.v. qw or q2w and exhibits promising antitumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors. The absence of severe toxicities at the MTD, demonstration of plasma drug concentrations active in preclinical models, and clinical pharmacodynamic evidence of VEGFR-2 inhibition warrant further development of CT-322 and suggest strong potential for Adnectin-based targeted biologics.

A Phase I/II Study of CYT387, An Oral JAK-1/2 Inhibitor, In Myelofibrosis: Significant Response Rates In Anemia, Splenomegaly, and Constitutional Symptoms

AbstractAbstract 460 Background:CYT387 is a potent JAK-1/2 inhibitor that suppresses the in vitro growth of cells harboring JAK2V617F (Leukemia 2009;23:1441) and was effective in a murine model of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) (Blood 2010;115:5232). Aims/Methods:To assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic behavior of CYT387 in a Phase I dose-escalation study in patients with high- or intermediate-risk primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and post-PV or post-essential thrombocythemia (ET) myelofibrosis. The secondary objective was evaluation of preliminary efficacy. CYT387 was administered orally once daily in 28-day cycles. Once dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was identified, a dose-confirmation cohort initiated treatment at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or lower. Result:Thirty six subjects (median age 64 years) have been enrolled (targeted accrual 120); 18 each in the dose escalation and dose confirmation phases. Twenty-three subjects had PMF, 8 post-PV MF, and 5 post-ET MF; 81% were JAK2V617F-positive. Median palpable spleen size was 18 cm and 20 subjects (56%) were red cell transfusion-dependent at study entry. Prior treatment included JAK inhibitors (9 and 1 subjects with INCB018424 and TG101348, respectively) and pomalidomide in 9 patients. The median treatment duration to date is 15 weeks (range 4–38). Dose-linear plasma exposures were observed up to 300 mg/day, with mean elimination T1/2 at steady state ranging from 3.9 to 5 hours across doses. Toxicity:All 36 subjects were evaluable for toxicity. At 400 mg/day, 2 of 6 subjects experienced DLT (1 each with asymptomatic grade 3 hyperlipasemia and grade 3 headache that were reversible upon holding drug); consequently, the MTD was declared at 300 mg/day. In the dose-confirmation phase, subjects were started at one of 2 dose levels that were deemed clinically effective: 150 mg/day (n=15) and 300 mg/day (n=3). Thirty-five subjects are currently on active therapy: 100 mg/day (n=2), 150 mg/day (n=20), 300 mg/day (n=10), and 400 mg/day (n=3).CYT387 was well tolerated. No grade 4 non-hematological toxicities were observed. Grade 3 non-hematologic adverse events were infrequent and included increased transaminases (n=2), increased alkaline phosphatase (n=2), headache/head pressure (n=2), increased lipase (n=1), and QTc prolongation (n=1). Thirteen (36%) subjects experienced “first-dose effect” characterized by grade 1 lightheadedness and hypotension; this phenomenon was self-limited and generally resolved within 3–4 hours with rare recurrence.Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia was seen in 8 (22%) subjects, and treatment-emergent grade 3 anemia was seen in 1 subject only (3%). Treatment-emergent grade 3/4 neutropenia was not observed. Efficacy:Thirty two of 36 subjects who completed at least 1 cycle were eligible for response assessment: Anemia:Twenty two subjects were evaluable for anemia response (baseline Hgb <10 g/dL or red cell transfusion-dependent). Of these, 9 subjects (41%) achieved the threshold of response for “Clinical Improvement (CI)” per the International Working Group for MPN Research and Treatment (IWG-MRT) criteria, including 2 of 4 subjects who were previously treated with INCB018424. An additional 5 subjects experienced a >50% reduction in transfusion requirement, thus increasing the total anemia response rate to 63%. Splenomegaly:Thirty of 32 evaluable subjects had splenomegaly at baseline: median 20 cm; range 10–32 cm. Twenty nine subjects (97%) had some degree of spleen size reduction (median 9 cm; range 2–18 cm): 11 (37%) patients have achieved a minimum 50% decrease in palpable spleen size, thus qualifying them for a CI, including 3 of 8 subjects (38%) who were previously treated with INCB018424. Constitutional symptoms:The proportion of patients with the following symptoms at baseline, are: fatigue (97%), pruritus (22%), night sweats (38%), cough (13%), bone pain (28%), and fever (16%). At last follow up, improvement (complete resolution) in these symptoms was reported by 68% (16%), 86% (57%), 83% (75%), 75% (50%), 78% (44%), and 100% (100%), respectively. Conclusion:CYT387 is first-in-class of the JAK inhibitors with a significant response rate in anemia in myelofibrosis patients. The drug also shows substantial activity in reducing spleen size and controlling constitutional symptoms. CYT387 is well tolerated, and treatment responses have been seen both at (300 mg/day) and below (150 mg/day) the MTD. Disclosures:Pardanani:Cytopia Inc.: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Clinical trial data for CYT387 use in Myelofibrosis. Fida:YM Biosciences Australia: Employment, Equity Ownership. Burns:YM Biosciences Australia: Employment, Equity Ownership. Smith: YM Biosciences Australia: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Phase II study of biweekly temozolomide plus bevacizumab for adult patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.

e12554^ Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) accounts for half of all primary brain tumors and despite decades of research, median survival is about 8-12 months. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkalating agent which is approved as a first-line therapy for GBM. Bevacizumab (BEV) is a monoclonal antibody which targets vascular endothelial growth factor and is approved for the treatment of recurrent GBM. The combination of BEV and standard dosing of TMZ may not increase survival above the use of TMZ alone. Alternate dosing of TMZ has been shown to further increase survival in a sub-set of patients. The purpose of this study is to determine the 6-month progression-free survival of patients with recurrent GBM treated with BEV plus biweekly dosing of TMZ. Secondary end-points include radiographic response, evaluation of toxicity, analysis of tumor DNA (MGMT), and functional assessment of cancer therapy for brain tumors (FACT-Br). Methods: Patients with recurrent GBM were treated with BEV 10 mg/kg in combination with TMZ 100 units/m2 every 2 weeks. Complete patient evaluations were repeated every 4 weeks and MRI scans were repeated every 8 weeks. FACT-Br questionnaires were completed every 8 weeks. Results: Accrual goal is 30 subjects; preliminary data is presented. 5 patients have been accrued to this study thus far. 4 patients are actively enrolled in the study. One patient exited after the first cycle of therapy due to progressive disease, the other four have had partial radiographic responses. One patient has been progression-free for > 7 months; the remainder are currently progression-free after 2 cycles. To date there have been no grade 4 toxicities. The following treatment-emergent grade 3 adverse events have been observed: encephalopathy (epileptic), pulmonary emboli and fatigue. Of these, only pulmonary emboli and fatigue were considered possibly drug-associated. Methylation of MGMT gene was NOT detected in any of the 5 subjects. Conclusions: We conclude that the combination of bevacizumab and temozolomide given bi-monthly is well tolerated and may have efficacy in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. Added safety and efficacy data will be reported as this phase II study progresses. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Position Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Genentech Genentech, Schering-Plough Genentech, Schering-Plough Genentech In compliance with the guidelines established by the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy (J Clin Oncol. 2006 Jan 20;24[3]:519-521) and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), ASCO strives to promote balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor through disclosure of financial and other interests, and identification and management of potential conflicts. According to the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy, the following financial and other relationships must be disclosed: employment or leadership position, consultant or advisory role, stock ownership, honoraria, research funding, expert testimony, and other remuneration (J Clin Oncol. 2006 Jan 20;24[3]:520). The ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy disclosure requirements apply to all authors who submit abstracts to the Annual Meeting. For clinical trials that began accrual on or after April 29, 2004, ASCO's Policy places some restrictions on the financial relationships of principal investigators (J Clin Oncol. 2006 Jan 20;24[3]:521). If a principal investigator holds any restricted relationships, his or her abstract will be ineligible for placement in the 2010 Annual Meeting unless the ASCO Ethics Committee grants an exception. Among the circumstances that might justify an exception are that the principal investigator (1) is a widely acknowledged expert in a particular therapeutic area; (2) is the inventor of a unique technology or treatment being evaluated in the clinical trial; or (3) is involved in international clinical oncology research and has acted consistently with recognized international standards of ethics in the conduct of clinical research. NIH-sponsored trials are exempt from the Policy restrictions. Abstracts for which authors requested and have been granted an exception in accordance with ASCO's Policy are designated with a caret symbol (^) in the Annual Meeting Proceedings. For more information about the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy and the exceptions process, please visit www.asco.org/conflictofinterest.

High Response Rates and Encouraging Time-to-Event Data with Lenalidomide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Final Results of a Phase I/II Study.

High Response Rates and Encouraging Time-to-Event Data with Lenalidomide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Final Results of a Phase I/II Study.

The Effect of Bortezomib, Cyclophosphamide, and Filgrastim On Complete Remission Rates and CD34+ Stem Cell Collections in Multiple Myeloma.

Abstract Abstract 4349 Background The combination of lenalidomide (Len, Revlimid®), bortezomib (Bz, Velcade®), and dexamethasone (dex; RVD) has shown excellent efficacy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) patients, with overall response rates (ORR) of 69%, including 26% complete/near complete responses (CR/nCR), and manageable toxicities (Anderson et al. ASCO 2009). The phase I portion of the study (Richardson et al. IMW 2009) found the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of this combination in newly diagnosed MM patients to be Len 25 mg/day, Bz 1.3 mg/m2, and dex 20 mg. In all phase I patients, the ORR (PR or better) was 100%, including 31% CR, 9% nCR, and 75% ≥very good partial response (VGPR). Results reported here are for patients treated in the phase II portion of the study. Methods Patients were treated with Len 25 mg/day (days 1–14), Bz 1.3 mg/m2 (days 1, 4, 8, 11), and dex 20 mg (cycles 1–4) and 10 mg (cycles 5–8) on the day of and day after Bzfor up to eight 21-day cycles. Patients received prophylactic anticoagulants. Responses were assessed by modified EBMT and Uniform criteria to include nCR and VGPR. Patients with at least partial response (≥PR) could proceed to ASCT after ≥4 cycles; responding patients who did not go on to ASCT could continue therapy at their physician's discretion. Patients with ≥grade 2 peripheral neuropathy (PNY) by CTCAE v3 were excluded. Thirty five patients were enrolled in the phase II portion of this study and were evaluable for both efficacy and safety. Results Median age was 59 years (range 22-86), 54% were men, 34% / 54% / 11% were ISS Stage I / II / III, and 57% / 31% had IgG / IgA MM, respectively. Patients received a median of 8 cycles of Bz and dex and 11 cycles of Len; 11 (31%) patients remain on therapy. Among the 24 patients who have gone off therapy, 5 (21%) completed treatment per protocol, 8 (33%) proceeded to ASCT, 3 (13%) had progressive disease (all during cycle 14 or later), 1 (4%) withdrew due to toxicities, 1 (4%) received non-protocol therapy, and the remaining (n=6; 25%) withdrew consent or stopped treatment due to physician decision. All patients (100%) had a best confirmed pre-ASCT response of ≥PR, with 54% CR/nCR and 69% ≥VGPR (Table). Response rates in the 31 and 24 patients who completed 4 and 8 cycles, respectively, are shown in the Table. Among the 24 patients without CR at cycle 4, response improved between cycles 4 and 8 in 16 (67%) patients. Fifteen of the 35 (43%) patients were mobilized for ASCT, with a median stem cell yield of 4.4 × 106 (2.3–6.6 × 106) CD34+ cells/kg. After median follow-up of 19.3 months, median time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) have not been reached; the estimated 1-year TTP and PFS are 76% and the estimated OS is 100%. Treatment-emergent grade 3 and 4 adverse events that occurred in &gt;1 patient included lymphopenia (n=7; 20%), hypokalemia (n=3; 9%), and fatigue and neutropenia (n=2; 6% each). Sensory PNY of any grade occurred in 27 (77%) patients, which was grade 1 (n=18; 67%) and grade 2 (n=8; 30%) in the majority of patients; only one patient had grade 3 sensory PNY. Neuropathic pain and motor PNY were reported in 10 (29%; all grade 1 and 2) and 6 (17%; 1 grade 3) patients, respectively, with no grade 3 PNY seen. Importantly, PNY was reversible with dose reduction, supportive care, and/or completion of therapy. Thrombosis/thromboembolism was reported in just 2 (6%) patients. No treatment-related mortality was seen. Conclusion These phase II results suggest that RVD is a highly effective combination, with a pre-ASCT ORR of 100% and high rates of CR/nCR, and encouraging time-to-event analyses to date. RVD was well tolerated, with limited rates of grade 3 PNY and DVT/PE despite prolonged use of Bz and Len. Data from patients treated at the MTD in phase I and the impact of adverse risk factors (including advanced stage and high-risk cytogenetics) on outcome, as well as following ASCT, will be reported at the meeting. Based upon these promising results, phase II/III studies of RVD and RVD-based combinations are either planned or ongoing. Disclosures: Mark: Celgene: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Skerrett:Angioblast Systems, Inc.: Consultancy, Equity Ownership; Mesoblast Ltd: Consultancy, Equity Ownership; Council of Human Blood and Transfusion Services for NYS DOH: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Schuster:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Genzyme: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Speakers Bureau. Shore:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Zafar:Celgene Corp: Speakers Bureau; Millenium: Speakers Bureau. Niesvizky:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Proteolix: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Improved Progression-Free Survival (PFS) of Alemtuzumab (Campath®, MabCampath®) Plus Fludarabine (Fludara®) Versus Fludarabine Alone as Second-Line Treatment of Patients with B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Preliminary Results From a Phase III Randomized Trial.

Improved Progression-Free Survival (PFS) of Alemtuzumab (Campath®, MabCampath®) Plus Fludarabine (Fludara®) Versus Fludarabine Alone as Second-Line Treatment of Patients with B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Preliminary Results From a Phase III Randomized Trial.

A phase II study of capecitabine, irinotecan, and bevacizumab (XELIRI-A) in patients (pts) with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)

e15019 Background: Capecitabine (XEL), irinotecan (IRI) and bevacizumab (A) are all active agents in the treatment of mCRC. However, combining these agents has proven to be problematic due to overlapping toxicities. Optimal dosing strategies for this combination remain unclear. This study prospectively evaluated toxicity and efficacy of the XELIRI-A combination with dose modification. Methods: This was a single-institution, open-label phase II clinical trial. Eligible pts include those with previously untreated metastatic CRC, adequate organ function and ECOG performance status 0–2. IRI (200 mg / m2) and A (7.5 mg / kg) were given on day 1, and XEL (1000 mg / m2 p.o. BID) was given on days 1–14 of every 21-day cycle. The dose of XEL was reduced to 750 mg / m2 BID for pts age ≥ 65. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included response rate, time to progression, overall survival and toxicity. Results: 50 pts (ECOG PS 0:1 = 27:23; male:female= 34:16) were enrolled over 19 months. Median age was 58 (range: 35–72). 7 pts had prior adjuvant chemotherapy. A total of 360 cycles were administered, with a median of 6 (range: 1–16). To date, 20 confirmed PR, 3 unconfirmed PR, and 20 SD by RECIST criteria were observed (ORR= 40%, disease control rate 86%). The median PFS was 11.1 months (95% CI: 9.2 months - not reached), and the 1-year progression-free rate was 49%. 7 pts have gone on to have metastatectomy. The most frequently reported related grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (6), hand-foot syndrome (6), and diarrhea (5). One death was seen on study, and 1 pt had treatment-emergent grade 3 hypertension. Conclusions: XELIRI-A at doses studied appears to be well- tolerated. Results are favorable compared to those from previous studies. XELIRI-A at reduced doses is safe and effective as first-line treatment for mCRC. [Table: see text]

Phase II Study of Single Agent Clofarabine in Previously Untreated Older Adult Patients with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Unlikely to Benefit from Standard Induction Chemotherapy

Background: Older patients with AML have inferior treatment outcomes including high treatment related mortality rates, lower CR rates and short remission duration due to increase in both patient- and disease-related adverse risk factors. AML patients with unfavorable prognostic factors such as advanced age, poor performance status (PS), presence of an antecedent hematologic disorder (AHD), or an unfavorable risk karyotype have inadequate treatment outcomes with cytarabine and an anthracycline (“7+3”) induction therapy.Methods: This was a single arm, Phase II, open-label, 2-stage study with a planned enrollment of 109 patients. Eligible patients included adults with untreated AML who were ≥60 years old with at least one adverse prognostic factor: age ≥70 years, AHD, PS=2, and/or intermediate/unfavorable risk karyotype. Clofarabine (CLO) was given on days 1–5 as a 1-hr IV infusion at dosages of 30 mg/m2 during induction and 20 mg/m2 during re-induction/consolidation. Patients could receive a maximum of 6 cycles. The primary endpoint was the overall remission rate (ORR = CR + CRp), confirmed by an Independent Response Review Panel (IRRP).Results: 112 patients with AML confirmed by independent review enrolled between Oct 2006-Nov 2007 comprised the full analysis set. Median age was 71 years and 48% were classified as M1 or M2 by FAB classification. The % of patients with each baseline adverse prognostic factor was as follows: 62% with age ≥70 years, 36% with AHD, 96% with intermediate/unfavorable risk karyotype (55% unfavorable, 41% intermediate and 4% unreported); 22% with PS 2, and 78% with 2 or more of these risk factors. As of database lock (27 June 2008), 11 patients were still receiving study drug. Seven (6%) patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. The median number of cycles was 2. 66 patients initiated a second cycle of clofarabine (38 as re-induction; 28 as consolidation). The median time between cycles 1 and 2 was 41 days. The IRRP confirmed ORR was 46 % (51/112), including 42 (38%) CR and 9 (8%) CRp. The ORR was 42% in patients with unfavorable cytogenetics, 50% with AHD, 32% with ECOG PS 2, and 39% with age 70 years. ORR for patients with 1, 2 or 3 risk factors was 48%, 52% and 36%, respectively. ORR among patients with del 5, del 7 and complex karyotype (≥ 3 abnormalities) was 21% (3/14, 3 CR), 33% (6/18, 2 CR, 4 CRp) and 32% (8/25, 5 CR, 3 CRp) respectively. Median time to peripheral blood blast clearance was 5 days. The median duration of follow-up was 16.6 weeks. The median duration of remission has not yet been reached (95% CI, 33 weeks to not yet evaluable). Thirty day all-cause mortality was 9.8%. Drug-related adverse events occurring in >20% patients were nausea (62%), febrile neutropenia (39%), vomiting (38%), diarrhea (33%) and rash (30%). Most treatment-related events were Grades 1–2. Febrile neutropenia was reported in 63% patients (regardless of causality). Treatment-emergent Grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were reported in 46% and 67% patients, respectively. Median time to ANC recovery for patients who achieved CR/CRp and platelet recovery for patients with CR was 30 and 26 days, respectively. Grade 3 or higher elevations of bilirubin occurred 12 patients (11%), AST 26 (23%), ALT 21 (19%), creatinine 7 (6%)Summary/conclusions: These data indicate single-agent CLO is active and well-tolerated in treatment-naïve, older AML patients with 1 or more adverse prognostic factors, especially with unfavorable risk karyotype, age ≥70 years or AHD. The safety data are consistent with previously reported studies of CLO in older patients. The preliminary DOR and 30 day mortality data are encouraging. Patients remain in long term follow- up and updated data will be presented at the meeting.

Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous (SC) Omacetaxine Mepesuccinate in Imatinib(IM)-Resistant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Patients (pts) with the T315I Mutation – Results of An Ongoing Multicenter Phase II Study.

Background: Omacetaxine (homoharringtonine, HHT) shows clinical activity against Ph+ CML, with a mechanism of action independent of tyrosine kinase inhibition. Currently available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have not demonstrated activity in CML pts harboring the T315I BCR-ABL mutation.Study Goals: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of omacetaxine in pts with IM-resistant T315I+ Ph+ CML.Methods: Eligible pts include adult CML with confirmed T315I BCR-ABL mutation following imatinib failure after informed consent. Presence of T315I mutation is confirmed at one of 2 central reference labs. Induction schedule consists of 1.25 mg/m2 omacetaxine SC twice daily for 14 days every 28 days until complete hematologic response (CHR) or hematologic improvement (HI). Maintenance schedule may start after at least one induction cycle and after initial hematologic response. Maintenance treatment consists of 1.25 mg/m2 OMA SC twice daily for 7 days every 28 days, for up to 24 months.Study Results: To date, 50 pts have been enrolled, all having failed prior imatinib therapy, and 82% having failed 2 or more prior TKIs. Enrollment includes 26 pts in chronic phase (CP), 13 in accelerated phase (AP) and 11 in myeloid blast phase (BP). Median age: 58 yrs (19–84), 70% male. Mean baseline WBC values (/μl) were 11.51 (range 1.9–23.76) in CP, 18.88 (range 3.6– 78.2) in AP and 16.58 (range 2.4–51.5) in BP patients. Median disease duration is 58 months (range 5–285).Efficacy: Data are available for 30 pts: 15 CP, 10 AP and 6 BP pts. In CP pts, CHR has been achieved in 80% (12/15) with a median duration of response of 8 months (range 2.7 to 13.5+). Of these 12 pts achieving CHR, 11 pts continue on study with the remaining patient achieving complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) and being removed from treatment to receive allograft transplantation. The median time to hematologic response was 1.2 months (range 0.6 to 2.5). Overall cytogenetic response in CP pts is 20% (3/15) with 13% (2/15) achieving CCyR and 1 pt achieving a minimal cytogenetic reponse. Median duration of cytogenetic response is 9.1 months (range 7.1 to 9.2+) with one pt continuing in CCyR and the second patient receiving allograft as described above. In AP pts, overall hematologic response is 60% (6/10) with 5 of these patients remaining active in treatment. Two pts have achieved CHR, 3 returned to chronic phase and 1 showed HI. Median duration of response was 2.2 months (range 1 to 4.4+). Overall cytogenetic response rate in AP patients is 21% (3/14), with 2 pts achieving major cytogenetic response and 1 pt achieving minimal response. In BP patients, overall hematologic response rate is 33% (2/6) with 1 pt achieving CHR and 1 HI. Duration of response was 3.7 and 3.9 months respectively. The T315I mutated clone has been decreased below the limit of detection in 60% of evaluable patients.Safety: Data are available for 32 pts enrolled in all disease phases. The primary toxicity being myelosuppression which is reversible and managed by adjusting the number of dosing days received per cycle. Incidence of treatment emergent grade 3/4 events includes: thrombocytopenia 44%, neutropenia 34%, anemia 28%, febrile neutropenia 16%, and pancytopenia 9.4%. Injection site reactions have been mild with no grade 3–4 events reported. Four pts have died (3 BP, 1 AP) during the study period, all due to disease progression.Conclusions: Omacetaxine therapy in T315I mutated BCRABL+ IM-resistant CML is well tolerated and is producing durable CHRs and cytogenetic responses in these patients.