Treatment-emergent Peripheral Neuropathy Research Articles

Initial Clinical Results and Immune Correlates of a Phase 2 Study of Daratumumab, Bortezomib, Dexamethasone Followed By a Proteasome Inhibitor in-Class Transition ( iCT) to Daratumumab, Ixazomib, Dexamethasone in Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Background: The regimen of daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (DVd) was approved in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients (pts) with >1 line of therapy based on the pivotal phase 3 CASTOR study. Notably in CASTOR, bortezomib was administered for a fixed duration of 8 cycles, and both the parenteral administration route and treatment-related peripheral neuropathy (PN) may limit continuous bortezomib exposure in clinical practice. As an alternative, we conducted a phase 2 study of DVd, followed by daratumumab, ixazomib, dexamethasone (DId) utilizing a proteasome inhibitor (PI) in-class transition ( iCT) with the hypothesis that oral ixazomib may provide a more tolerable and convenient way to deliver continuous PI- and anti-CD38-based therapy to improve efficacy (NCT03763162). Methods: This phase 2 single-center study enrolled RRMM pts with 1-3 lines of prior therapy with disease progression on or following the last line of therapy. Key exclusion criteria included prior ixazomib exposure, refractoriness to anti-CD38 therapy, and refractoriness to bortezomib or carfilzomib therapy at last exposure. Enrolled pts received DVd for 3 cycles on a 21-day (D) cycle with daratumumab on D1, D8, and D15 and subcutaneous (SC) bortezomib 1.3 mg/m 2 on D1, D4, D8, and D11. Starting cycle (C) 4, pts transitioned to DId on a 28-day cycle, with daratumumab on D1 and D15 for C3-C7 and on D1 starting C8 and oral ixazomib 4 mg on D1, D8 and D15. Daratumumab was initially administered intravenously (16 mg/kg) but later changed to SC injection (1800 mg) with a protocol amendment. Bone marrow (BM) aspirates were performed pre-treatment, post-C3, post-C6 (optional), and at progression to evaluate immune correlates of therapeutic response and resistance using 4 16-color multiparameter flow cytometry panels (2 T-cell, 1 NK/myeloid, and 1 B-cell). The primary endpoint of the study was progression free survival (PFS) with planned enrollment of 40 pts. Results: As of 15 May 2023, 36 pts have enrolled with a median of 1 prior line of therapy. Median age was 66, 67% were male, 28% were Black, 97% were lenalidomide-refractory, and 42% had high-risk cytogenetics (Cg; del 17p, t(4;14), t(14;16), and/or +1q21 gain/amplification). Overall response rate was 83%, ≥very good partial response (VGPR) rate was 53%, and ≥complete response rate was 19%. At a median follow-up of 24.8 months, median PFS was 21.1 months and median response duration was 26.2 months. Median PFS among pts with high-risk Cg, 1 line of prior therapy, and 2-3 lines of prior therapy was 21.1 months, 22.8 months, and 14.3 months, respectively. The most common treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of any grade were diarrhea (69%), thrombocytopenia (69%), fatigue (67%), and lymphopenia (67%). The most common ≥grade 3 TEAEs were lymphopenia (42%), thrombocytopenia (42%), and hypertension (31%). Treatment emergent PN occurred in 61% pts (11% ≥ grade 3). The most common reason for treatment discontinuation was disease progression (42%), and 16 (44%) pts remain on study with ongoing responses. Efficacy and safety stopping rules for the study have not been met. Multiparameter flow cytometry immune correlates from BM aspirates demonstrated significantly lower Ki67 + cell frequency and significantly higher PD-1 + cell frequency within the CD8 + T-cell population at baseline in pts with no response versus those with optimal responses (≥VGPR). Among pts with short PFS (<12 months), CD4 +/CD8 + ratio and CD4 + non-T-reg naïve T-cells were significantly higher post-C3 and post-C6 compared to pts with longer PFS (>12 months). Among initial responders who later progressed on therapy, T-regulatory cells were significant increased at progression compared to pre-C4, and NK cell CD16 expression was significantly reduced at progression compared to baseline. Finally, distinct patterns of CD4 + T effector memory (EM) cell subsets were observed with significantly decreased EM1 and increased EM3 subsets at progression compared to baseline. Conclusion: Treatment with DVd followed by DId with a PI iCT from bortezomib to ixazomib is a feasible approach for continuous PI and anti-CD38 therapy, leading to durable responses in RRMM pts, among whom nearly all (97%) were lenalidomide refractory. Immune correlates revealed distinct patterns of T-cell and NK-cell phenotypes when profiled serially in responding and non-responding pts. Additional correlative analyses are ongoing.

Initial Results of a Phase 1 Study of Daratumumab, Ixazomib, and Dexamethasone in Newly Diagnosed and Previously Treated AL Amyloidosis

Background: Systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare disease that is characterized by the tissue deposition of misfolded protein aggregates, leading to progressive organ dysfunction and significant morbidity and mortality. Novel therapeutic combinations with improved safety, tolerability, and efficacy profiles remain a paramount need. We herein report initial results of a phase 1 investigator-initiated study evaluating the safety and preliminary efficacy of the novel combination of the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAb) daratumumab, the oral proteasome inhibitor ixazomib, and dexamethasone (DId) in AL amyloidosis (NCT03283917). Methods: This phase 1, single center, open-label study enrolled AL amyloidosis patients (pts) who were either treatment naïve or previously treated with evidence of clonal relapse or with refractory disease defined as less than a hematologic very good partial response (VGPR) to prior therapy. Key exclusion criteria included NT-proBNP ≥8500 ng/L, clinically overt myeloma (hypercalcemia and/or bone lesions), and previous ixazomib or anti-CD38 mAb therapy. Treatment was administered on a 28-day cycle for up to 12 cycles with daratumumab weekly x 8 weeks, then every other week x 16 weeks, and then every 4 weeks thereafter. Daratumumab was initially administered intravenously (16 mg/kg) but later changed to subcutaneous injection (1800 mg) with a protocol amendment. Ixazomib was administered orally 4 mg on days 1, 8, and 15, and dexamethasone administered 20 mg weekly for cycle 1 and increased to 40 mg weekly for cycle 2 and beyond depending on patient tolerance. The primary study endpoint is to confirm the safety and tolerability of DId in AL amyloidosis. Key secondary endpoints include hematologic response rate and organ (cardiac and renal) response rates. Planned enrollment is 20 pts with toxicity monitoring in cohorts of 5 pts. Results: A total of 18 pts have been dosed to-date including 13 treatment-naïve pts and 5 previously treated pts with a median of 1 prior line of therapy. Baseline characteristics are summarized in the Table. Median age was 66 (range 39-75), 8 (44%) pts were female, and 3 (17%) pts were Black. Median baseline difference between the involved and uninvolved free light chain (dFLC) was 194 mg/L (range 71-2787), and 6 of 17 (35%) pts with available FISH testing had t(11;14). Median number of organs involved was 2 (range 1-4), including 9 (50%) pts with cardiac involvement and 11 (61%) pts with renal involvement. Overall hematologic response rate (≥PR) on treatment was 100%, ≥VGPR rate 72%, and complete response (CR) rate 11%. Cardiac response rate was 43% among 7 response evaluable pts (baseline NT-proBNP ≥650 ng/L), and renal response rate was 36% among 11 pts. Among 5 previously treated pts, there were 4 hematologic VGPRs and 1 hematologic CR. The median number of DId treatment cycles was 8.5, with 7 (39%) pts completing all 12 treatment cycles, and treatment is ongoing in 3 (17%) pts. Intent to proceed with high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation was the most common reason for early treatment discontinuation (4 pts, 22%). The most common treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of any grade regardless of attribution were anemia (56%), thrombocytopenia (56%), dyspnea (56%), fatigue (56%), hypoalbuminemia (56%), and nausea (56%). The most common grade 3 or 4 TEAEs (≥20%) were lymphopenia (33%), lung infection (22%), and thrombocytopenia (22%). Treatment emergent peripheral neuropathy (PN) was 28% (all grade 1 and 2), among whom 4 of 5 pts had baseline amyloid PN, other PN, and/or prior bortezomib exposure. There were 3 deaths on study, all unrelated to treatment (1 related to post-operative complications from small bowel obstruction due to congenital Meckel's diverticulum, 1 related to progressive hepatic amyloidosis, and 1 related to pulmonary embolus in setting of COVID-19 infection). Conclusion: Treatment with DId in both newly diagnosed and previously treated AL amyloidosis pts is safe at standard doses of daratumumab and ixazomib with a predictable and manageable AE profile compatible with the expected toxicities of the individual study drugs. Preliminary efficacy is seen with deep (≥VGPR) hematologic responses attained in the majority of pts. These results support the use of DId as a therapeutic option in AL amyloidosis with longer follow-up needed to assess the depth and durability of hematologic and organ responses. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

First-line brentuximab vedotin plus chemotherapy to improve overall survival in patients with stage III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma: An updated analysis of ECHELON-1.

7503 Background: To date, an overall survival (OS) benefit from upfront treatment for new treatment combinations over existing approaches has rarely been shown in first-line classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). With the introduction of newer active therapies for relapsed/refractory disease, demonstration of improved OS with first-line therapy has been challenging. In ECHELON-1 (NCT01712490), 5-year follow-up analyses supported the long-term progression-free survival (PFS) benefit with first-line brentuximab vedotin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (A+AVD) vs doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) in patients (pts) with stage III/IV cHL, independent of interim positron emission tomography status. A+AVD had a manageable long-term safety profile, with numerically fewer second malignancies and a greater number of pregnancies reported vs ABVD (Connors et al, NEJM 2018; Straus et al, Lancet Haematol 2021). We report a prespecified OS analysis after approximately 6 years’ follow-up (cut-off, June 1, 2021). Methods: Pts were randomized 1:1 to receive up to 6 cycles of A+AVD (n = 664) or ABVD (n = 670) on day 1 and 15 every 28 days. OS was the key secondary endpoint and was an event-driven, pre-specified, alpha-controlled analysis in the intention to treat population. Results: At a median follow-up of 73 months, 39 and 64 OS events occurred in A+AVD and ABVD arms, respectively: OS significantly favored A+AVD vs ABVD (HR 0.590; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.396–0.879; p = 0.009). Estimated 6-year OS rates (95% CI) were 93.9% (91.6–95.5) vs 89.4% (86.6–91.7) with A+AVD vs ABVD, respectively. There was a consistent OS benefit for A+AVD vs ABVD across prespecified subgroups. The 6-year PFS estimate was 82.3% (79.1–85.0) vs 74.5% (70.8–77.7) with A+AVD vs ABVD, respectively (HR 0.678 [95% CI 0.532–0.863]). Overall, A+AVD had a comparable long-term safety profile to ABVD. Treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy continued to resolve or improve in both arms, with 86% (379/443) and 87% (249/286) of cases in the A+AVD and ABVD arms either completely resolving (72% vs 79%) or improving (14% vs 8%) by last follow-up. Fewer second malignancies were reported in the A+AVD vs ABVD arm (23 vs 32). More female patients reported pregnancy (49 vs 28) or live births (42 vs 19 in females) in the A+AVD vs the ABVD arm; no stillbirths were reported. No new safety signals were identified. Conclusions: A+AVD treatment resulted in a statistically significant 41% reduction in the risk of death vs ABVD, with a manageable safety profile consistent with prior reports. These outcomes confirm A+AVD as a preferred option for pts with previously untreated stage III/IV cHL. Clinical trial information: NCT01712490.

Updated safety and efficacy data from an open-label, phase 1/2 study of frontline brentuximab vedotin plus doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (A+AVD) in pediatric patients with advanced-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).

10000 Background: A+AVD is approved for treatment of adult patients with previously untreated Stage III or IV cHL. Here we present updated results from a phase 1/2 open-label study of frontline A+AVD in treatment-naïve pediatric patients with advanced stage cHL. Methods: Patients aged 5 to < 18 years with CD30+, stage III or IV, newly diagnosed cHL received A+AVD on days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle for up to 6 cycles. In phase 1, eight patients were treated with 48 mg/m2 of brentuximab vedotin combined with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD). Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was evaluated from day 1 of cycle 1 to day 56. In phase 2, a further 51 patients were treated with the same regimen. Results presented here refer to phases 1 and 2 combined. Progression-free survival (PFS) was defined as the time from first dose to disease progression; event-free survival (EFS) was defined as the time from first dose to treatment failure, events included disease progression, treatment withdrawal or death. Data cutoff was September 24 2021, when all patients had been on study for at least 2 years. Results: In phase 1, no DLT occurred in the 6 DLT-evaluable patients. The maximum tolerated dose of brentuximab vedotin was not reached and 48 mg/m2 was determined to be the recommended dose. All 59 patients in phase 1 and 2 completed 6 cycles of A+AVD and all experienced ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE). The most common any-grade TEAEs were vomiting (85%), nausea (75%), and neutropenia (58%). In total, 14/59 patients (24%) developed treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy (PN); 10 patients had PN resolved by end of treatment (EOT); by last contact, 13 patients had resolved PN and one patient had grade 1 paraesthesia. No patients died on study. The PET-negative rate (Deauville 1, 2, or 3) after cycle 2 was 90%. Objective response rate ([ORR], defined as complete response [CR] + partial response [PR] per independent review facility [IRF] at EOT) was 88%, and 76% of patients achieved a CR. Median duration of response and duration of CR were not estimable. Median PFS and EFS had not been reached, suggesting encouraging efficacy of the combination in this pediatric patient population. Additional PFS, EFS and overall survival data will be presented during the meeting. Conclusions: Brentuximab vedotin given at 48 mg/m2 every two weeks in combination with AVD had an acceptable safety profile and was associated with an efficacy benefit in CD30+, treatment-naïve pediatric patients with advanced cHL, supporting A+AVD as a frontline treatment option for this patient population. Clinical trial information: NCT02979522.

HL-147: Brentuximab Vedotin with Chemotherapy for Patients with Previously Untreated Stage III/IV Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: 5-Year Update of the ECHELON-1 Study

<h3>Objective</h3> Historically, nearly all relapses in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) occur within the first 5 years of treatment (Radford et al., BMJ 1997;314:346). In ECHELON-1, brentuximab vedotin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (A+AVD) significantly improved modified progression-free survival (PFS) versus doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) in patients with stage III/IV cHL (Connors <i>et al.,</i> NEJM 2018;378:331). We report updated efficacy and safety results; median follow-up was 60.9 months. <h3>Design</h3> This phase 3, open-label study (NCT01712490) randomized patients with previously untreated stage III/IV cHL to receive 6 cycles of A+AVD or ABVD. Patients underwent an interim positron emission tomography scan after cycle 2 (PET2). An exploratory analysis of PFS per investigator was conducted. <h3>Results</h3> There were 664 and 670 patients randomized to receive A+AVD and ABVD, respectively. 64%, 62%, and 58% of patients had stage IV disease, extranodal involvement at diagnosis, and B symptoms, respectively. Five-year PFS was 82.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.0–85.0) with A+AVD and 75.3% (95% CI: 71.7–78.5) with ABVD. Overall, PFS favored A+AVD (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.681; 95% CI: 0.534–0.867; P=0.002). PFS benefits were observed regardless of PET2 status and International Prognostic Score. Estimated 5-year PFS with A+AVD <i>versus</i> ABVD was 84.9% <i>versus</i> 78.9% in PET2-negative patients (HR: 0.663; 95% CI: 0.502–0.876; P=0.004), and 60.6% <i>versus</i> 45.9% in PET2-positive patients (HR: 0.702; 95% CI: 0.393–1.255; P=0.229). Treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy (PN) resolved or improved in 85% (n=375/443) and 86% (n=245/286) of the patients with PN on A+AVD and ABVD, respectively. Secondary malignancies occurred in 19 and 29 patients with A+AVD and ABVD, respectively. A total of 131 female patients or partners of male patients reported a pregnancy; both arms showed similar proportions of ongoing pregnancies or live births. <h3>Conclusions</h3> At 5 years, A+AVD still demonstrates clinically meaningful improvement in PFS versus ABVD, independent of PET2 status, with a manageable safety profile, including resolution or improvement of PN. The PFS benefit observed with A+AVD at this important milestone suggests that A+AVD is an attractive treatment option for all patients with previously untreated stage III/IV cHL. <h3>Funding</h3> Millennium Pharmaceuticals and Seagen

TCL-150: The ECHELON-2 Trial: 5-Year Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin and CHP (A+CHP) Versus CHOP in Frontline Treatment of Patients with CD30-Positive Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

Objective Brentuximab vedotin (BV) plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (A+CHP) significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) versus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) in patients with systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (sALCL) or other CD30-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) in ECHELON-2 (Horwitz S et al., Lancet 2019). We report updated results; median follow-up was 47.6 months for PFS and 66.8 months for OS. Design This phase 3, double-blind study (NCT01777152) randomized patients aged ≥18 years with previously untreated CD30-positive PTCL (targeting 75% ± 5% with sALCL) to A+CHP or CHOP for 6 or 8 cycles. Primary endpoint of PFS was assessed per investigator in this updated analysis. Key secondary endpoints included OS and PFS in sALCL. BV or BV-containing regimens were permitted as subsequent/retreatment therapies. Results 452 patients were enrolled (226 patients in each arm); 316 (70%) patients had sALCL. Patients with advanced disease were included (stage III [27%] and stage IV [53%]; International Prognostic Index ≥2 [78%]). Data continues to favor A+CHP: HRs were 0.70 (95% CI: 0.53–0.91, P=0.0077) for PFS per investigator and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.53–0.99, P=0.0424) for OS. 5-year PFS was 51.4% (95% CI: 42.8–59.4) with A+CHP versus 43.0% (95% CI: 35.8–50.0) with CHOP; median PFS was 62.3 months (95% CI: 42.0–not evaluable) with A+CHP and 23.8 months (95% CI: 13.6–60.8) with CHOP. 5-year OS was 70.1% (95% CI: 63.3–75.9) and 61.0% (95% CI: 54.0–67.3) with A+CHP and CHOP, respectively. Median OS was not reached in either arm. PFS favored A+CHP (HR: 0.55 [95% CI: 0.39–0.79]) in sALCL. 29 (13%) and 54 (24%) patients with A+CHP and CHOP received subsequent BV, respectively. Treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy (PN), resolved/improved in 72% (n=84/117) and 78% (n=97/124) of patients with PN on A+CHP and CHOP, respectively; 98% and 97% of ongoing PN events were grade 1/2 with A+CHP and CHOP, respectively. Conclusions At this important 5-year milestone, A+CHP still provides clinically meaningful improvement in both PFS and OS versus CHOP, with a manageable safety profile, including continued resolution/improvement of PN. Funded by NIH/NCI Support Grant P30 CA008748.

Five-Year Survival Results: Frontline Brentuximab Vedotin in Combination with CHP in Patients with CD30-Expressing Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas

Five-Year Survival Results: Frontline Brentuximab Vedotin in Combination with CHP in Patients with CD30-Expressing Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas

The Echelon-2 Trial: 5-Year Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin and CHP (A+CHP) Versus CHOP in Frontline Treatment of Patients with CD30-Positive Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

The Echelon-2 Trial: 5-Year Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin and CHP (A+CHP) Versus CHOP in Frontline Treatment of Patients with CD30-Positive Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

Brentuximab Vedotin with Chemotherapy for Patients with Previously Untreated, Stage III/IV Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: 5-Year Update of the ECHELON-1 Study

Brentuximab Vedotin with Chemotherapy for Patients with Previously Untreated, Stage III/IV Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: 5-Year Update of the ECHELON-1 Study

Older Patients (pts) with Previously Untreated Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL): A Detailed Analysis from the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 Study

Older Patients (pts) with Previously Untreated Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL): A Detailed Analysis from the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 Study

Five-year outcomes for frontline brentuximab vedotin with CHP for CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphomas

AbstractThis phase 1 study evaluated frontline brentuximab vedotin in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (BV+CHP; 6 cycles, then up to 10 cycles of brentuximab vedotin monotherapy) in 26 patients with CD30+ peripheral T-cell lymphoma, including 19 with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. All patients (100%) achieved an objective response, with a complete remission (CR) rate of 92%; none received a consolidative stem cell transplant. After a median observation period of 59.6 months (range, 4.6-66.0) from first dose, neither the median progression-free survival (PFS) nor the median overall survival (OS) was reached. No progression or death was observed beyond 35 months. The estimated 5-year PFS and OS rates were 52% and 80%, respectively. Eighteen of 19 patients (95%) with treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy (PN) reported resolution or improvement of symptoms. Thirteen patients (50%) remained in remission at the end of the study, with PFS ranging from 37.8+ to 66.0+ months. Eight of these 13 patients received the maximum 16 cycles of study treatment. These final results demonstrate durable remissions in 50% of patients treated with frontline BV+CHP, suggesting a potentially curative treatment option for some patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01309789.

Phase 3 randomized trial of momelotinib (MMB) versus best available therapy (BAT) in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) previously treated with ruxolitinib (RUX).

7001 Background: MMB, an oral JAK inhibitor, has been shown in early trials to reduce spleen volume, improve disease associated symptoms (Sx) and improve RBC transfusion requirements in patients (pts) with MF. This study of previously RUX treated pts with MF tested the superiority of MMB vs BAT in splenic volume reduction, Sx amelioration, and transfusion requirement at 24 weeks. Methods: Eligibility included primary or post-ET/PV MF; DIPSS high risk, Int-2, or symptomatic Int-1; prior RUX ≥4 weeks who either required transfusions or dose reduction to &lt;20 mg BID with at least one of Gr ≥3 thrombocytopenia, anemia, or bleed; palpable spleen ≥5cm; and no Gr ≥2 peripheral neuropathy. Stratification was by transfusion dependency and baseline TSS (modified MPN-SAF Total Sx Score) &lt;18 or ≥18. Pts were randomized 2:1 to 24 weeks of open-label MMB 200 mg QD or BAT. Assessments included spleen volume by MRI, and patient-reported Sx using a daily eDiary for TSS. 1° endpoint was splenic response rate (SRR; ≥35% reduction in volume from baseline). 2°endpoints, evaluated sequentially, were rates of TSS response (TSS RR; ≥50% reduction from baseline), RBC transfusion, RBC transfusion independence (TI) and RBC transfusion dependence (TD). Results: 73 of 104 (70%) and 40 of 52 (77%) pts receiving MMB or BAT, respectively, completed the 24 week randomized treatment phase. BAT for 88% of pts included RUX, and 27% of pts were on RUX in combination with other drugs. Efficacy results are in Table. The most common Gr ≥3 adverse events in MMB pts were anemia (13%) and thrombocytopenia (7%), and in BAT pts, anemia (13%), thrombocytopenia (6%) and abdominal pain (6%); treatment emergent peripheral neuropathy occurred in 11 (11%) of MMB (1 Gr3) and in no BAT pts. Conclusions: In previously RUX-treated patients with MF, 24 weeks of MMB was not superior to BAT for SRR, but significantly better in improving disease related symptoms and transfusion independence. Clinical trial information: NCT02101268. [Table: see text]

Phase 3 trial of momelotinib (MMB) vs ruxolitinib (RUX) in JAK inhibitor (JAKi) naive patients with myelofibrosis (MF).

7000 Background: MMB, an oral JAKi, has been shown in early trials to reduce spleen volume, improve disease associated symptoms (Sx) and improve RBC transfusion (Tx) requirements in patients (pts) with MF. This study was designed to test non-inferiority of MMB vs RUX in splenic volume reduction and Sx amelioration, and superiority in Tx requirement, in JAKi naïve MF pts. Methods: Eligibility: MF, IPSS high risk, Int-2, or symptomatic Int-1; palpable spleen ≥5cm; platelets ≥ 50 K/μl, and no Gr ≥2 peripheral neuropathy (PN). Stratification by Tx dependency and platelets (&lt;100, 100-200 and &gt;200 K/μl). Pts were randomized 1:1 to 24 wks of MMB 200 mg qd + RUX placebo or RUX 20 mg bid (or modified per label) + MMB placebo, after which all pts could receive open label MMB. Assessments: spleen volume by MRI, and pt reported Sx using a daily eDiary of modified MPN-SAF Total Sx Score (TSS). Primary endpoint was splenic response rate (SRR; ≥35% reduction in volume from baseline) at 24 wks. Secondary endpoints, evaluated sequentially at 24 wks, were rates of TSS response (≥50% reduction from baseline), RBC Tx independence (TI), RBC Tx dependence (TD) and of RBC Tx . Results: 175 of 215 (81%) and 201 of 217 (93%) pts randomized to MMB and RUX, respectively, completed the 24 wk DB phase. Efficacy results are shown in Table. Most common Gr ≥3 AEs in the DB phase with MMB were thrombocytopenia (7%) and anemia (6%), and with RUX were anemia (23%), thrombocytopenia (5%) and neutropenia (5%). Gr ≥3 infections occurred in 7% of MMB and 3% of RUX pts. Treatment emergent PN occurred in 22 (10%) of MMB (all Gr ≤2) and 10 (5%) of RUX (9 Gr ≤2, 1 Gr 3) pts in DB phase, none discontinuing study drug for PN. Overall, AEs led to study drug D/C in 13% of MMB and 6% of RUX pts in DB phase. Conclusions: In pts with JAKi naive MF, 24 weeks of MMB is non-inferior to RUX for spleen response but not for symptom response. MMB treatment is associated with a reduced transfusion requirement. NCT01969838. [Table: see text]

Results of an Ongoing Phase 2 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin with Rchp As Frontline Therapy in Patients with High-Intermediate/High-Risk Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Results of an Ongoing Phase 2 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin with Rchp As Frontline Therapy in Patients with High-Intermediate/High-Risk Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Five-year survival and durability results of brentuximab vedotin in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma

AbstractPresented here are the 5-year end-of-study results from the pivotal phase 2 trial of brentuximab vedotin in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) after failed hematopoietic autologous stem cell transplantation. At 5 years, the overall patient population (N = 102) had an estimated overall survival (OS) rate of 41% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31-51) and progression-free survival (PFS) rate of 22% (95% CI: 13-31). Patients who achieved a complete response (CR) to brentuximab vedotin (N = 34) had estimated OS and PFS rates of 64% (95% CI: 48-80%) and 52% (95% CI: 34-69%), respectively. The median OS and PFS were not reached in CR patients, with 13 patients (38% of all CR patients) remaining in follow-up and in remission at study closure. Of the 13 patients, 4 received consolidative hematopoietic allogeneic stem cell transplant, and 9 (9% of all enrolled patients) remain in sustained CR without receiving any further anticancer therapy after treatment with brentuximab vedotin. Of the patients who experienced treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy, 88% experienced either resolution (73%) or improvement (14%) in symptoms. These 5-year follow-up data demonstrate that a subset of patients with R/R HL who obtained CR with single-agent brentuximab vedotin achieved long-term disease control and may potentially be cured. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00848926.

Updated Efficacy and Safety Data from the AETHERA Trial of Consolidation with Brentuximab Vedotin after Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) in Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients at High Risk of Relapse

Updated Efficacy and Safety Data from the AETHERA Trial of Consolidation with Brentuximab Vedotin after Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) in Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients at High Risk of Relapse

Exposure-Response Analysis to Assist Selection of Dose and Treatment Duration for Polatuzumab Vedotin As a Single Agent or in Combination with Rituximab for the Treatment of B-Cell Lymphoma

IntroductionPolatuzumab vedotin (PoV), an antibody-drug-conjugate containing the microtubule inhibitor monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), is in development for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma (BCL). In phase 1 and 2 studies assessing PoV alone or in combination with rituximab (RTX), PoV treatment until disease progression was associated with high discontinuation rates due to peripheral neuropathy (PN) at the dose of 2.4 mg/kg. Therefore, dose and schedule optimization, including justification of body weight-based dosing, dose capping, and selection of dose level and treatment durations, were evaluated to maximize efficacy and reduce the rate of treatment-emergent PN.MethodsPopulation pharmacokinetics (Pop-PK) for antibody-conjugated MMAE (acMMAE) and exposure-response (E-R) analyses were conducted. A Pop-PK model was developed including clinically relevant covariates recorded in phase 1 and 2 studies of PoV administered every 3 weeks (N=155; Table 1). A simulation was performed to compare acMMAE PK variability with body weight-based vs. fixed dosing. Exposure to acMMAE was also simulated in patients ≥101.9 kg (90th percentile of body weight) receiving a hypothetical capped PoV dose of 240 mg. E-R analyses were stratified by histology, with efficacy based on overall response (OR, complete or partial response per revised IWG criteria [Cheson et al. 2007]) and safety based on the incidence of grade ≥2 PN. Logistic regression and time-to-event analyses were conducted. E-R analyses were also performed to compare safety and efficacy through 8 cycles of treatment vs. treatment discontinuation for disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.ResultsPop-PK analysis for acMMAE identified body weight as a significant covariate for both clearance (CLinf) and central volume of distribution (Vc). Simulation suggested that body weight-based dosing (2.4 mg/kg) would result in much lower PK variability than fixed dosing (185.5 mg), with a trend towards slightly higher exposure for patients ≥101.9 kg (Figure 1). This trend of higher exposure was not observed if the PoV dose was capped to 240 mg for these patients.E-R analyses suggested that higher acMMAE exposure was associated with increased likelihood of OR for patients with indolent BCL (including follicular, marginal zone, and small lymphocytic lymphomas; Figure 2) or diffuse large BCL (DLBCL). When acMMAE exposure was translated to the PoV dose, the covariate-adjusted odds ratio (90% confidence interval [CI]) of OR for PoV 2.4 vs. 1.8 mg/kg was 1.73 (1.29-1.74) and 2.39 (1.43-6.13) for indolent BCL and DLBCL, respectively. The effect of adding RTX on PoV efficacy was not statistically significant. Grade ≥2 PN incidence increased with acMMAE exposure for both indolent BCL (Figure 2) and DLBCL. Furthermore, time-to-event analysis indicated that the rate of grade ≥2 PN increased with treatment duration.Based on safety and efficacy through 8 cycles of treatment, the incidence of grade ≥2 PN was decreased, while the higher OR probability for 2.4 mg/kg dose was maintained in both indolent BCL (Figure 2) and DLBCL patients. The time-to-event analysis suggested that treatment with ≤8 cycles of PoV resulted in a model-predicted incidence (90% CI) of grade ≥2 PN events of 28.9% (21.3-34.7%) and 35.1% (26.2-41.7%) for 1.8 and 2.4 mg/kg, respectively.ConclusionsBody weight-based dosing for all patients with capping the PoV dose at 240 mg for heavy patients (≥101.9 kg) provides lower PK variability for all patients than fixed dosing and may mitigate potential safety risks for heavy patients. When given alone or in combination with RTX, a PoV dose of 2.4 mg/kg is associated with a higher likelihood of achieving an OR compared with 1.8 mg/kg. Capping treatment to ≤8 cycles may mitigate treatment-emergent PN risk. Thus, selection of PoV dose and/or capping of treatment duration may offer an optimal benefit-risk profile. Current clinical studies are testing PoV 1.8 mg/kg limited to 6-8 cycles to further mitigate safety risk when given in combination with immunochemotherapy or novel small molecule pathway inhibitors. Future clinical testing at the 2.4 mg/kg dose level may also be warranted. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresLu:Genentech, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Off Label Use: Polatuzumab vedotin is an investigational agent and not approved in B-cell lymphoma. Jin:Genentech, Inc.: Employment. Gibiansky:Genentech, Inc.: Consultancy. Gillespie:Genentech, Inc.: Consultancy. Agarwal:Genentech, Inc.: Employment. Jones:Genentech, Inc.: Employment. Chu:Genentech, Inc.: Employment. Wenger:Genentech, Inc.: Employment. Hirata:Genentech, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Li:Genentech, Inc.: Employment. Girish:Genentech, Inc.: Employment.

Momelotinib Treatment-Associated Neuropathy: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Outcome in 100 Patients with Myelofibrosis

Background: Momelotinib (a JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor) induces both anemia and spleen response in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) (Leukemia 2013;27:1322). The favorable effect on anemia was a distinguishing feature for momelotinib, compared to other JAK inhibitors, but the drug was also associated with treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy (TE-PN). We examined the natural history and risk factors of momelotinib-associated peripheral neuropathy.Methods: The study patients constitute part of a larger phase-1/2 clinical trial (CCL09101; NCT00935987) using momelotinib for the treatment MF. Toxicity grading was according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.4.03. Momelotinib capsules (as opposed to the newer tablet formulation used in the currently ongoing phase-3 study) were used in the current study, which represents a sponsor-independent analysis.Results: 100 patients with MF (median age 66 years; 58% males) were treated at the Mayo Clinic between 11/20/09 and 11/10/10. DIPSS-plus (JCO. 2011;29:392) risk distribution was 63% high, 36% intermediate-2 and 1% intermediate-1. 75% of the patients harbored JAK2V617F and 50% abnormal karyotype. Previous treatment included other JAK inhibitors in 21 patients, thalidomide/lenalidomide/pomalidomide in 31 and hydroxyurea or other cytoreductive agents in 55. History of diabetes was documented in 7% of the patients at baseline and 14 (14%) of the patients had symptoms of PN before starting treatment with momelotinib, all of which were grade-1.Momelotinib was initiated at 100 mg/day in 3 patients, 150 mg/day in 21, 150 mg twice-daily in 20, 200 mg/day in 3, 300 mg/day in 47 and 400 mg/day in 6. The maximum momelotinib dose was 150 mg/day in 6 patients, 150 mg twice-daily in 20, 300 mg/day in 68 and 400 mg/day in 6. Treatment duration was <6 months in 12 patients, 6-12 months in 22, 12-24 months in 19 and >24 months in 47.Median follow-up after the institution of protocol drug therapy was 35 months (range 1-49). During this period, TE-PN was documented in 44 (44%) patients; of these, 42 were in patients without baseline neuropathy. TE-PN involved the feet only in 28 patients, hands only in one patient and both feet and hands in 15 patients. Median (range) for the time of onset of TE-PN was 32 weeks (1-132) and duration of TE-PN 11 months (0-40). All 42 newly-emergent PN were grade-1 sensory while the two patients with grade-1 baseline PN progressed to grade-2. Formal neurological evaluation, which was performed in 9 patients, mostly showed length-dependent sensory-motor large and small fiber neuropathy with axonal features.TE-PN resulted in drug discontinuation in 7 patients and reduction in drug dose in 28 patients. Improvement after drug dose reduction was documented in only one patient and in none of those with drug discontinuation. Progression to grade-2 PN was documented in 3 patients.TE- PN was significantly associated with clinical improvement (CI) with 54% incidence in responders vs 30% in non-responders (p=0.02); however, longer treatment duration was also associated with higher prevalence of TE-PN (p=0.03). In univariate analysis, patients with TE-PN lived longer than those without TE-PN (p=0.048); however, significance was lost during multivariable analysis that included either achievement of CI or treatment duration.Neither the initial (p=0.53) nor maximum (p=0.37) momelotinib dose was correlated with TE-PN, which was also not influenced by JAK2V617F (p>0.99), karyotype (p=0.26), history of diabetes (p=0.39) or previous treatment with JAK inhibitor therapy (p=0.7), thalidomide (p=0.24), lenalidomide (p=0.59), pomalidomide (p=0.63) or hydroxyurea (p=0.56). There were no correlations between TE-PN and age (p=0.37), sex (p=0.37), type of MF (p=0.98), DIPSS-plus score (p=0.07), baseline transfusion dependency (p=0.15), constitutional symptoms (p=0.83) or spleen size (p=0.53). TE-PN did not correlate with hematologic (p=0.14) or extramedullary toxicity other than PN (p=0.41) or lipase/amylase abnormalities (p=0.35).Conclusions: Momelotinib-associated neuropathy in MF might not be reversible in the majority of cases but also does not appear to be progressive. We were not able to identify risk factors for TE-PN, other than duration of treatment, which also explains its apparent association with response/survival. We are currently looking into possible correlations with serum thiamine levels. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Therapy-related peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma patients.

This review discusses the most common issues concerning multiple myeloma (MM)-related peripheral neuropathy (PN). This is an important MM complication, observed in up to 54% of newly diagnosed patients, caused by the disease itself or its treatment. Although its aetiology is largely unknown, a number of mechanisms are suspected. It is important to know the neurological status of a patient, as many new antimyeloma medicines can trigger or exacerbate any pre-existing neuropathy. Examples include thalidomide-induced and bortezomib-induced PN (TiPN and BiTN, respectively), which are key MM treatment options. TiPN is usually sensory and sensorimotor, whereas BiPN is typically sensory. The mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity in MM are well known; thalidomide seems to induce PN through its antiangiogenic properties, whereas bortezomib neurotoxicity is connected with disrupted calcium homeostasis. TiPN incidence ranges from 25% to 75%, and its prevalence and severity appears to be dose-dependent. BiPN incidence is almost 40% and is dose-related as well. Poor (25%) reversibility of TiPN prompted the recommendations for dose and exposure reduction, whereas BiPN cases are mostly reversible (64%). Peripheral sensory neuropathy is very rare in patients receiving bendamustine monotherapy. Because of this favourable toxicity profile, bendamustine may be considered a promising option for combination therapies in pre-existing PN in myeloma patients. Considering the lack of curative therapy for treatment-emergent PN, prevention is a key management strategy in MM patients. All patients should be evaluated for PN before the administration of a neurotoxic drug, and those under treatment should be closely monitored by a neurologist.

Bortezomib‐ and thalidomide‐induced peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma: clinical and molecular analyses of a phase 3 study

A subanalysis of the GIMEMA-MMY-3006 trial was performed to characterize treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy (PN) in patients randomized to thalidomide-dexamethasone (TD) or bortezomib-TD (VTD) before and after double autologous transplantation (ASCT) for multiple myeloma (MM). A total of 236 patients randomized to VTD and 238 to TD were stratified according to the emergence of grade ≥2 PN. Gene expression profiles (GEP) of CD138+ plasma cells were analyzed in 120 VTD-treated patients. The incidence of grade ≥2 PN was 35% in the VTD arm and 10% in the TD arm (P < 0.001). PN resolved in 88 and 95% of patients in VTD and TD groups, respectively. Rates of complete/near complete response, progression-free and overall survival were not adversely affected by emergence of grade ≥2 PN. Baseline characteristics were not risk factors for PN, while GEP analysis revealed the deregulated expression of genes implicated in cytoskeleton rearrangement, neurogenesis, and axonal guidance. In conclusion, in comparison with TD, incorporation of VTD into ASCT was associated with a higher incidence of PN which, however, was reversible in most of the patients and did not adversely affect their outcomes nor their ability to subsequently receive ASCT. GEP analysis suggests an interaction between myeloma genetic profiles and development of VTD-induced PN.