ALBERT

Description: Introduction The acquisition of ABL1 Kinase Domain (KD) mutations represent the most frequent resistance mechanism in CP-CML patients (pts) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Currently, the standard assay relies on a poorly sensitive technique, Sanger Sequencing (SS). Thus, the detection of these mutations using SS might be too late to trigger a timely treatment change. In a national phase III academic trial (PETALs, EudraCT 2013-004974-82), we evaluated prospectively the value of a more sensitive technique, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to detect KD ABL1 mutations in newly diagnosed CP-CML patients randomized to get nilotinib 600 mg/d for 6 years ± Pegylated-IFN-α2a (Peg-IFN) 45 μg/wk for 2 years in combination. Methods Newly diagnosed CP CML pts ≤65 years were randomized 1:1 to get NIL 300 mg BID alone (M0 to M48, arm A) vs Peg-IFN alone for 30 days (M-1→M0) 30 mg/wk as priming, prior to NIL 300 mg BID + Peg-IFN 30 μg/wk 2 weeks, upgraded to 45 μg/wk thereafter, for up to 2 y (M0 to M24, arm B) followed by NIL alone for 4 more years unless pts enter a treatment-free remission phase. In addition to KD mutational analysis performed by SS as per protocol, patients also had KD mutational analysis performed by NGS at M3, M6, M12 and 6-monthly thereafter until achievement of a stable MMR, regardless of response. NGS assay was performed as previously described (Kizilors et al. Lancet Haematol 2019). Results Two hundred pts were randomized (99 in A, 101 in B), of which 96 patients (51/99 in A, 45/101 in B, p=0.399) underwent a KD mutational analysis performed by NGS as part of this study. The remaining 104 patients are currently being screened and the full dataset will be presented. Among the 96 patients tested, there was no difference in the distribution between the 2 arms with respect to gender, age [median 45 years (18-66)] or risk factors distribution (p=0.862 and 0.328 for Sokal and ELTS respectively in patients tested at 3 months). The median follow-up of this cohort is 45.0 (33.2-58.7) months. By 12 months, 11 patients [8/51 (11.8%) in A, 3/45 (6.6%) in B] had developed a KD mutation. After only 3 months of TKI therapy, 3 patients were found mutated (Y253H 2 pts, T315I 1 pt), of whom 2 pts were only detected using NGS. At M6, a KD mutation was found in 8 pts [A: 7 patients, B: 1 pt, (p= 0.055), of which 6/8 were not detected by SS, due to either low level Variant Allele frequency (VAF, n=5) or low level BCR-ABL transcript levels (n=1). Y253H mutations were found in 4 pts, T315I in 2 pts and E255K in 1 pt. Consecutively to KD mutation identification, 6/8 patients lost their response and were withdrawn from study (1 pt with a Y253H detected at M3 progressed to advanced phase), while 1 pt lost MMR at last follow-up and another pt with a mutation sensitive to nilotinib achieved MMR. KD mutations were detected while pts were in optimal response at M6 [BCR-ABL

Description: The combination of 2GTKI+pegylated IFN-α (Peg-IFN) is an attractive approach for first-line treatment of CP CML, inducing high rates of deep molecular responses in phase II trials. Thus, we evaluated nilotinib (NIL) alone versus NIL+Peg-IFN in newly diagnosed CP-CML patients (pts) in a randomised phase III trial (PETALs, EudraCT 2013-004974-82). Newly diagnosed CP CML pts ≤65 y, without prior history of arterial occlusion were randomized 1:1 to get NIL 300 mg BID alone (M0 to M48, arm A) vs Peg-IFN alone for 30 days (M-1→M0) 30 μg/wk as priming, prior to NIL 300 mg BID + Peg-IFN 30 μg/wk 2 wks, upgraded to 45 μg/wk thereafter, for up to 2 y (M0 to M24, arm B) followed by NIL alone for 4 more years unless pts enter treatment-free remission (TFR). The primary endpoint is the rate of MR4.5 by 1 y. As a secondary endpoint, pts reaching MR4.5 ≥2 y are allowed to stop NIL and enter a TFR phase in both arms. The trigger for treatment resumption is loss of MMR. All molecular assessments are centralised, quantifications are expressed as BCR-ABL/ABL1 (IS) in % with ≥32,000 copies of ABL1 as control. Two hundred pts were randomized (99 in A, 101 in B), 130 M and 35 F in each arm, median age of 46 (18-66) y. Median follow-up is 43.8 (34.3-55.9) Mo. Results are analysed in intention-to-treat. Sokal and EUTOS LTS scores were H in 25% and 2.5%, Int. in 33% and 16.5% and L in 42% and 81% pts respectively equally balanced. Median age is 46 (18-66) y, 18 pts (9%) had ACAs, all pts have a "Major" BCR transcript. CHR was obtained in 9.6% of pts at M0 (in B) and 88% of pts in A and 90.4% of pts in B at M1. CCyR rates at M3 were 63% vs 75% in A and B (p=ns), and BCR-ABL1 ≤1% at M6 were 87% in A vs 93% in B (p=ns). By M12, the rates of MMR were 68.1% vs 70.1% (p=0.44), MR4 were 34% vs 47.5% (p=0.041), MR4.5 were 15.9% vs 21.5% (p=0.049), MR5 11.7% vs 23.71% (p=0.023), in A vs B respectively. By M36 the rates of MMR were 83% vs 86.6% (p=0.31), MR4 were 70.2% vs 71.13% (p=0.50), MR4.5 were 37.2% vs 49.5% (p=0.05), MR5 33% vs 42.3% (p=0.12), in A vs B respectively The overall cumulative incidence of MR4.5 is superior in B (54.6 [43.7-65.5]%) vs A (44 [31.5-54]%) close to significance (unilateral Fisher test, p=0.05, see Figure). Seven patients were mutated by Sanger in A (5 Y253, 1 E255K, 1 T315I) vs 2 in B (2 T315I). One pt (A) progressed toward AP and then myeloid BC with a Y253H mutation, is still alive in CMR on Ponatinib. Twenty nine (29%) pts were withdrawn from study in A (toxicity 9, cancer 3, resistance 14, investigator decision 2, lost for FU 1) vs 26 (26%) pts for B (toxicity 13, resistance 8, investigator decision 5), 1 pt died from cervix cancer (A). Median overall doses of NIL delivered by M36 were 600 mg/d in both arms (p=ns). The median overall dose of Peg-IFN delivered in B by M24 was 37.5 mg/wk. The overall rate of grade 3-4 hematologic toxicities was 22%; with 2% and 7% thrombocytopenia, 4% and 6% neutropenia, and 1% and 1% pancytopenia in A vs B respectively. Major grade 3-4 non-hematologic toxicities consisted in 9% of cardiac disorders in A (2 coronaropathies, 1 myocardial infarction, 2 thoracic pains, 2 atrial fibrillation, 1 bradycardia, 1 palpitations, 1 pericarditis) vs 8% in B (2 coronaropathies, 1 myocardial infarction, 3 atrial fibrillation, 1 palpitations, 1 pericarditis), 4% vascular disorders in A (1 thrombophlebitis + PE, 1 transient ischemic attack, 1 PAOD, 1 carotid stenosis) vs 3% in B (1 thrombophlebitis, 1 PAOD, 1 transient ischemic attack). Three % of gastro-intestinal disorders were observed in A (2 pancreatitis, 1 anal fissure) vs 6% in B (2 pancreatitis, 1 anal fissure, 1 abdominal pain, 2 cholecystectomies); 5% auto-immune disorders in B (1 recurrent pericarditis, 2 hemolytic anemia, 1 ITP, 1 thyroiditis); 5 and 8 pregnancies (2 pts + 3 partner Arm 1, 3 pts + 5 partner Arm B), despite recommended contraceptive methods. Secondary tumours were diagnosed in 4% (1 breast, 1 cervix, 1 thyroid, 1 neuroendocrine) in A vs 2% of pts (1 neuroendocrine and 1 testis) in B. Of note 8% psychiatric episodes were reported in B pts (2 unsuccessful suicide attempts), vs 2% in A. We observed 9% lipase elevations in A, 6% in B, 2% cholestatic episodes in A, 6% in B; 3% of transaminase elevations in A vs 2% in B. Infections were detected in 3% A vs 7% in B. The combination of NIL + Peg-IFN seems to provide somewhat higher MR4.5 rates by M36 in newly diagnosed CP CML pts without inducing significant higher toxicities than NIL alone. Whether this will translate in higher TFR rates is under evaluation. Final updated results at M36 will be presented Disclosures Nicolini: Sun Pharma Ltd: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Etienne:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Huguet:Servier: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria. Guerci-Bresler:Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Charbonnier:Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy. Legros:Novartis: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Honoraria. Coiteux:Pfizer: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Cony-Makhoul:BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy. Roy:Incyte Biosciences: Consultancy. Rousselot:Pfizer: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding. Quittet:Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Ame:Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Rea:Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria. Dulucq:Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Mahon:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. OffLabel Disclosure: Pegylated Interferon alpha 2 a is not licensed in this setting

Description: Abstract 694 Background: Superior rates of deeper molecular responses were achieved with nilotinib vs imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) in the Evaluating Nilotinib Efficacy and Safety in Clinical Trials—newly diagnosed patients (ENESTnd) trial. In addition, the 12-month (mo) analysis of the ENEST—complete molecular response (ENESTcmr) study demonstrated that switching to nilotinib after a minimum of 2 years on imatinib led to increased rates of major molecular response (MMR) and deeper molecular responses vs remaining on imatinib. Results from ENESTcmr are presented here with minimum 24 mo of patient follow-up. Methods: Patients with Ph+ CML-CP who had achieved complete cytogenetic responses but still had persistent BCR-ABL positivity by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) after ≥ 2 years on imatinib were eligible. Patients (n = 207) were randomized to switch to nilotinib 400 mg twice daily (BID; n = 104) or to continue on the same dose of imatinib (400 or 600 mg once daily [QD]; n = 103). Rates of MMR, MR4 (BCR-ABL ≤ 0.01% according to the International Scale [IS], corresponding to a 4-log reduction), MR4.5 (BCR-ABL ≤ 0.0032%IS, corresponding to 4.5-log reduction), and undetectable BCR-ABL via RQ-PCR with ≥ 4.5-log sensitivity were measured. Results: Among all randomized patients (intent-to-treat population), significantly more patients treated with nilotinib continued to achieve undetectable BCR-ABL by 24 mo (32.7% on nilotinib vs 16.5% on imatinib; P =.005; Table).The difference between the arms in achievement of this endpoint increased between 1 and 2 years (from 12.4% to 16.2%). The median time to MR4.5 and undetectable BCR-ABL was also significantly faster on nilotinib than on imatinib (P = .005 and .003, respectively). Cumulative rates of MR4.5 and undetectable BCR-ABL continued to be higher with nilotinib in patients without those responses at baseline, and the difference between arms appeared to increase over time. The safety profiles for nilotinib and imatinib were consistent with prior studies. By 24 mo, no patients in either arm progressed to accelerated phase/blast crisis. No patients on nilotinib died since the 12-mo analysis; 1 patient on imatinib died from metastatic prostate cancer in follow-up after discontinuation from the study. Conclusions: Switching to nilotinib led to significantly faster, deeper molecular responses in patients with minimal residual disease on long-term imatinib therapy. Since the 12-mo analysis, rates of deep molecular response (MR4.5 and undetectable BCR-ABL) have remained significantly higher in patients who did not have the response at baseline and were switched to nilotinib (vs those remaining on imatinib). In fact, the difference in favor of nilotinib increased between 1 and 2 years. These results suggest that switching to the more potent, selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor nilotinib is beneficial in patients with minimal residual disease after long-term imatinib therapy. Achievement of these deeper molecular responses (MR4.5 and undetectable BCR-ABL) after switching to nilotinib may enable a greater proportion of CML-CP patients to be eligible for future discontinuation studies. Cumulative rates of confirmed undetectable BCR-ABL by 24 mo will be presented as the confirmation assessments for several responders were not available at the time of this analysis. Disclosures: Hughes: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy; CSL: Research Funding. Lipton:Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Spector:Novarits: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy. Leber:Novartis: Advisory Board Other, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Schwarer:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Etienne:Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Branford:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ariad: Research Funding. Purkayastha:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp: Employment. Collins:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp: Employment. Szczudlo:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp: Employment. Cervantes:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi-Aventis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Teva Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Description: In the multinational IRIS study comparing imatinib with interferon plus cytarabine (IFN/Ara-C) in patients with newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia (CP CML), imatinib demonstrated significantly higher rates of complete cytogenetic responses (CCyRs) and improved progression-free survival (PFS). However, because of a high early crossover rate to imatinib, survival benefit was not assessable. Here, we report the result of a study comparing long-term outcome of patients included in 2 prospective randomized trials: 551 patients assigned to imatinib in the IRIS trial from 2000 to 2001 and 325 patients who received the combination IFN/Ara-C in the CML91 trial between 1991 and 1996 before imatinib was available. With a follow-up of 42 months for both groups of patients, estimated CCyR, survival free of transformation, and overall survival were significantly higher with imatinib compared with IFN/Ara-C (P 〈 .001, P = .004, and P 〈 .001, respectively). Improved overall survival was also confirmed within different Sokal prognostic risk groups. Of interest, among all patients who achieved major cytogenetic response or CCyR at 12 months, the survival rate was similar irrespective of their treatment. In conclusion, within the limitation of this historical comparison, there is a survival advantage from first-line therapy with imatinib over IFN/Ara-C.

Description: Background: Many patients (pts) with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) [particularly those with Low- or Int-1-risk] are susceptible to iron overload from ongoing blood transfusions and increased dietary iron absorption. Deferasirox (Exjade®) has shown efficacy in maintaining or reducing body iron (assessed by liver iron concentration [LIC] and serum ferritin [SF]) in MDS pts. More recently, the efficacy and safety of deferasirox in pts with various underlying anemias, including MDS, was evaluated in the large EPIC study. Data for MDS pts are presented here. Methods: The EPIC study was a 1-yr, openlabel, single-arm, multicenter trial. Pts with transfusion-dependent MDS and SF ≥1000 ng/ mL, or SF 20 transfusions or 100 mL/kg of blood and an R2 MRI-confirmed LIC 〉2 mg Fe/g dry weight (dw), received an initial deferasirox dose of 10–30 mg/kg/day. SF was assessed monthly and protocol-specified dose adjustments in steps of 5–10 mg/kg/day (range 0–40 mg/kg/day) were done every 3 mths based on SF trends and safety markers. Primary efficacy endpoint was the change in SF from baseline at 12 mths. Safety assessments included monitoring of adverse event (AE) and laboratory parameters. Results: 341 MDS pts (204 M, 137 F; mean age 67.9 yrs, range 11–89 yrs) with median baseline SF of 2730 (range 951–9465) ng/mL were enrolled. Mean transfusion duration was 3.6 yrs, and pts received a mean of 116.4 mL/kg of blood in the previous yr. Almost half (48.4%) of all pts had not received any prior chelation therapy; 40.0% had previously received deferoxamine (DFO), 4.1% deferiprone, 7.0% combination DFO/ deferiprone, and 0.3% other therapy. Overall, mean actual dose of deferasirox over 1 yr of treatment was 19.2±5.4 mg/kg/day. At 12 mths, there was a significant reduction in median SF from baseline (by LOCF: –253.0 ng/mL; P=0.0019). Median SF (range) ng/mL values at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 mths were 2729.5 (951–9465; n=336), 2358.0 (534–46569; n=263), 2209.5 (357–10066; n=230), 2076.0 (358–25839; n=197) and 1903.5 (141–10155; n=174), respectively. Overall, 48.7% of pts (n=166) discontinued therapy. Reasons for withdrawal included AEs [n=78, 23% (n=44, 13% for drug-related AEs)], consent withdrawal (n=33, 10%), unsatisfactory therapeutic effect (n=6, 2%), lost to follow-up (n=2, 33% above baseline (in normal range), 10.6% had two values above ULN, and 24.9% had both two consecutive values 〉33% and 〉ULN; 19 pts had dose decreases and 10 dose interruptions due to abnormal creatinine; there were no progressive increases. One patient (10xULN on two consecutive visits. Conclusions: In this large cohort of MDS pts with iron overload, deferasirox provided significant reduction in SF levels over 1-yr treatment with appropriate dose adjustments every 3 mths based on SF trends and safety markers. The AE profile in this study is consistent with previously reported deferasirox data in MDS pts. The discontinuation rate was higher in this subgroup. Investigations are ongoing to assess possible contributing factors including associated comorbidities, age of pts, and others.

Description: Abstract 1697 Background Abnormal and clonal hematopoiesis resulting in peripheral blood cytopenias, and risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are the main characteristics of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) which present a high diversity of somatically mutated genes. Recently, mutations targeting genes whose products participate to the early steps of RNA splicing (SF3B1, SRSF2, ZRSR2, and U2AF35) have been reported. Mutations in ASXL1, DNMT3, EZH2, IDH1/2 and TET2, suggest deregulation of the epigenetic control of transcription. Additional genes known to be mutated in MDS include RUNX1, TEL/ETV6, TP53 and NRAS The alteration of some of these genes may carry prognostic value. Next-generation sequencing analyses of AML and related disorders recently identified mutations in two chromosome X genes, BCOR and BCORL1, that code for related transcriptional co-repressors interacting with histone deacetylases and presenting specific properties. BCOR interacts with BCL6 and constitutional inactivating mutations have been described in the Oculo-Facial-Cardio-Dental syndrome. BCOR is also affected by mutations or translocations in retinoblastoma and sarcoma. BCORL1 has been implicated in chromosomal rearrangements in hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we have investigated BCOR and BCORL1 gene by Sanger sequencing in a cohort of 221 MDS samples. Methods The 221 MDS samples were collected at diagnosis in multicenter clinical trials in France between 1999 and 2011. The coding sequences of BCOR (ENST00000378444) and BCORL1 (ENST00000218147) were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Mutational analyses of ASXL1, CBL, DNMT3A, ETV6, EZH2 IDH1/2, JAK2, NRAS, RUNX1, SF3B1, SRSF2, TET2, TP53, U2AF35, and ZRSR2 were previously reported. Non tumoral material (buccal swab or CD3+ cells) was analyzed for the presence of the identified variations of BCOR or BCORL1 when available (n=9). The prognostic impact of BCOR mutations was evaluated in MDS patients with available follow-up information (n=203). Results BCOR and BCORL1 coding sequences were analyzed in the cohort of 221 MDS patients and we found mutations in 8.6% (n=19) and 2.3% (n=5) respectively. Alterations were distributed all over the coding regions. Strikingly, two patients presented concomitant inactivating mutations of BCOR and BCORL1. Among the 19 BCOR alterations, 9 were missense, 3 nonsense, 5 frameshift and 2 splice site mutations. No significant difference in age, sex, karyotype, blood counts or bone marrow blasts between BCORmut and BCORwt patients was observed. Mutations were found in patients of all IPSS risk-groups and WHO subtypes. Comparison of cytological bone marrow reports revealed a trend for a higher rate of dysgranulopoiesis in BCORmut patients (P=0.06). Because only truncating mutations (splice, frameshift and nonsense mutations) are unambiguously expected to affect BCOR function, statistical analyses were restricted to truncating BCOR mutations (n=10/221, 4.5%). Truncating BCOR mutations were frequent in RUNX1mut patients (19% versus 3% in RUNX1wt patients; P=0.027). They were by trend associated with SRSF2 and DNMT3A mutations (P=0.09) and were exclusive with IDH1/2, JAK2, NRAS, TP53, and ZRSR2 mutations. In univariate analysis, Overall Survival (OS) and AML transformation rate did not differ between patients with either missense or truncating BCOR mutations and BCORwt patients (Figure A&B). However, inferior OS (P=0.034) and higher AML transformation rate by trend (P=0.051) were observed for patients with truncating BCOR mutations (Figure C&D). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a truncating BCOR mutation was an independent unfavourable prognostic factor for OS (HR 3.3; 95%CI 1.4 – 8.1; P=.008). The low number of BCORL1 mutated patients precludes any statistical analyses but clinical follow-up was available for 4 out of 5 patients. Three patients died 7, 17 and 27 months after MDS diagnosis. The fourth patient received allogeneic bone marrow transplantation after AML transformation and is in complete remission 5 years after transplantation. Conclusion In summary, truncating mutations of BCOR were independently associated with a worse OS in MDS. These data support the idea that BCOR mutations appear as associated with RUNX1 and DNMT3A mutations as reported in AML. Moreover, and despite a relatively low mutation frequency in MDS, BCOR might be considered as a key gene in risk stratification. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Background Although azacitidine (AZA) improves survival over conventional treatments in higher risk MDS (Lancet Oncol, 2009), median overall survival (OS) with AZA is only about 2 years, the CR+PR rate about 30%, and further improvements are needed. Gene hypomethylation appears to be a major mechanism of action of AZA but, with the typical 7 days of administration every 28 days, reversal of gene hypomethylation is seen at the end of each cycle (Braiteh F, Clin Cancer Res 2008), suggesting that increasing the number of treatment days could improve AZA results. This trial tested the hypothesis that an AZA regimen with more days of drug administration (ie using the standard daily dose of 75 mg/m2, but during 5 days every 14 days ) could increase the response rate, and that this improvement could translate into better OS. Methods Patients (pts) aged 18-75 years with ECOG performance status (PS) of 0–2 and no major comorbidities preventing administration of an intensified regimen of AZA, with IPSS int-2 or high MDS, CMML with WBC 〈 13,000/mm3 and marrow blasts 〉 10% , and AML with 20-30% marrow blasts (ie EU label for AZA) who had received no prior treatment for their MDS/AML except ESAs could be included. Treatment consisted of AZA 75mg/m2/d for 5 days every 14 days for 4 cycles (AZA-14, cycles 1-4). Patients achieving CR or PR then received 4 cycles of AZA 75mg/m2/d during 5 days every 21 days (AZA-21, cycles 5 to 8) followed by classical cycles of AZA 75mg/m2/d for 7 days every 28 days, to be continued until progression/relapse or toxicity arose. This schedule corresponded to a 20% increase in the number of days of AZA during the first 8 weeks of treatment. Patients not obtaining CR or PR after the initial 4 cycles of AZA-14 received 4 additional cycles of AZA 14 (cycles 5 to 8). Patients not obtaining CR, PR or HI after 8 cycles of AZA-14 were taken off-study. The primary endpoint was response after 4 and 8 cycles (IWG 2006 criteria). We present here the 1st interim analysis of the trial based on the first 22 patients/26 inclusions. Median [IQR] are reported unless specified. Results One patient was excluded for consent withdrawal. 21 patients (M/F: 14/7, median age 66) were enrolled between 2011 and 2013, including 2 RCMD, 2 RAEB1, 10 RAEB2 and 5 AML (with 20 to 30% marrow blasts). Karyotype (IPSS) was favorable in 9 pts, intermediate in 4 patients and unfavorable in 8 pts. Median marrow blast was 13% (range 9.5-15), baseline platelet count was 71 G/l (37-204) including 33% with platelet

Description: Background: Although azacitidine (AZA) improves survival over conventional treatments in higher risk MDS (Lancet Oncol, 2009), median overall survival (OS) with AZA is only about 2 years, the CR+PR rate about 30%, and further improvements are needed. Gene hypomethylation appears to be a major mechanism of action of AZA but, with the typical 7 days of administration every 28 days, reversal of gene hypomethylation is seen at the end of each cycle (Braiteh F, Clin Cancer Res 2008), suggesting that increasing the number of treatment days could improve AZA results. This trial tested the hypothesis that an AZA regimen with more days of drug administration (ie using the standard daily dose of 75 mg/m2, but during 5 days every 14 days) could increase the response rate, and that this improvement could translate into better OS. Methods: Patients (pts) aged 18-75 years with ECOG performance status (PS) of 0-2 and no major comorbidities preventing administration of an intensified regimen of AZA, with IPSS int-2 or high MDS, CMML with WBC 〈 13,000/mm3 and marrow blasts 〉 10% , or AML with 20-30% marrow blasts (ie EU label for AZA) who had received no prior treatment for their MDS/AML except ESAs could be included. Treatment consisted of AZA 75mg/m2/d for 5 days every 14 days for 4 cycles (AZA-14, cycles 1-4). Patients achieving CR or PR then received 4 cycles of AZA 75mg/m2/d during 5 days every 21 days (AZA-21, cycles 5 to 8) followed by classical cycles of AZA 75mg/m2/d for 7 days every 28 days, to be continued until progression/relapse or toxicity arose. This schedule corresponded to a 30% increase in the number of days of AZA during the first 3 months of treatment. Patients not obtaining CR or PR after the initial 4 cycles of AZA-14 received 4 additional cycles of AZA 14 (cycles 5 to 8). Patients not obtaining CR, PR or HI after 8 cycles of AZA-14 were excluded from the trial. The primary endpoint was response after 4 and 8 cycles (IWG 2006 criteria). Median [IQR] are reported unless specified. Results: 27 patients were included, of whom 1 was excluded for consent withdrawal. 26 patients (M/F: 19/7, median age 66) enrolled between 2011 and 2013, were thus analyzed, including 1 ARSI, 2 RCMD, 3 RAEB1, 13 RAEB2, 2 CMML and 5 AML (with 20 to 30% marrow blasts). Karyotype (IPSS) was favorable in 11 pts, intermediate in 6 patients and unfavorable in 9 pts. Median marrow blast was 13.5% (IQR 9.7-18.0), baseline platelet count was 72.5 G/l (43.5-177.0) including 69% with platelet

Description: Background: Combination of Pegylated-Interferon alpha (Peg-IFNa) 2a and imatinib (IM) has been reported to significantly induce higher rates of molecular responses (including undetectable BCR-ABL transcript) over IM alone, as frontline therapy for CP-CML patients (pts) in a randomized phase 3 trial (SPIRIT, Preudhomme et al, NEJM 2010). Second generation TKIs such as dasatinib (DASISION, Kantarjian et al, NEJM 2010) enhance the speed and depth of molecular response (MR) in comparison to IM. Phase II trial using nilotinib and PegIFNa2a has recently reported high rates of deep molecular response (MR4.5) within 24 months (Nicolini FE et al, Lancet Haematology 2015). Aims: To determine the efficacy and safety of the combination of dasatinib and Peg-IFNa2b in CP-CML frontline. (EUDRACT Number: 2012-003389-42, Dasa-PegIFN trial). Methods: Newly diagnosed Ph+ CP-CML pts less than 65-year-old started dasatinib 100 mg/day. At 3 months, they were assigned to receive Peg-IFNa2b associated to dasatinib when platelets (plt) 〉 100 X 109/L, Neutrophils (ANC) 〉 1.5 X 109/L) and lymphocytes 〈 4.0 X 109/L counts were achieved. Otherwise, dasatinib was continued alone in the study according to the current international ELN guidelines. The maximum duration of the combination dasatinib and Peg-IFNa2b is 21 months. The primary endpoint is the cumulative rate of Molecular Response 4.5log (MR4.5 defined as BCR-ABL1/ABL1IS≤0.0032%) at 12 months. Molecular analyses were centralized and expressed according to the international scale (IS). Secondary endpoints included efficacy (cytogenetic and molecular responses at several time-points) and safety endpoints. Preliminary results are reported here. Results: 81 pts were enrolled between October 2013 and July 2014. All pts will have completed the 12 months follow-up time-point in August 2015. 79/81pts were included in the analysis (1 pt died of a CML-related haemorrhage before receiving dasatinib, 1 screening failure (masked Ph)). Median age was 48 (20-65) years. 54% of pts were male. Sokal scores were low, intermediate and high in 51%, 32% and 17% of pts respectively. After the first 3 months of therapy (M3), sixty-one patients (77%) started Peg-IFNa2b at the dose of 30 microg/week in association with dasatinib. For these pts after M3, reported hematologic adverse events (AE) were neutropenia (G3/4 n=11; G1/2 n=17), thrombocytopenia (G3/4 n=0; G1/2 n=7), anemia (G3/4 n=0; G1/2 n=7). Extra-hematologic AE were essentially of low grade (overall, G3/4 n=3; G1/2 n=113). According to NCI CTCAE V4.0, most frequent AE were infections (16%), general symptoms (15%), skin lesions (10%), hepato-biliary abnormalities (7.7%), nervous system/headache (7.7%) musculoskeletal pain (7%), psychiatric (7%), GI (6%) disorders. Eight serious AE (SAE) were reported after Peg-IFNa2b initiation: G4 neutropenia n=2, dysthyroitidis n=1, dyspnea n=1, pleural effusion n=1, lymphoid hyperplasia n=1, hemorrhoids n=1, rectal fistula (SUSAR) n=1. Efficacy was analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle (ITT), and considering missing data as no response to avoid inflated results. Overall at M3, 85% of pts had a BCR-ABL1/ABL1 ratio ≤10%. For eligible patients who received combined therapy (n=61), rates of MMR were 16%, 51%, 70%, and 70% (pending n=5) at M3, M6, M9 and M12, including MR4.5 rates 10%, 20%, 30% at M6, M9 and M12 respectively. Eighteen pts (22.7%) were not eligible to receive Peg-IFNa2b. Reasons, according to protocol criteria, were ANC

Description: Background: ATO is very effective in the treatment of APL and recent results have shown that ATRA+ATO combinations (without CT) were at least as effective as classical ATRA + anthracycline based chemotherapy (CT) while being less myelosuppressive (Lo Coco, NEJM 2014, Burnett, Lancet Oncol, in press). However, access to ATO remains limited for frontline treatment of APL in most countries, which must mainly rely on ATRA+CT combination. In those combinations, investigators have suggested that the amount of CT could be reduced and the incidence of relapses further diminished by introducing ATRA (Sanz) or ATO (Powell) during consolidation cycles. In a randomized trial (APL 2006 trial), we compared for consolidation treatment (after ATRA CT induction treatment) ATO, ATRA and the "classical" Ara C in standard risk APL (ie with baseline WBC 〈 10G/L). Methods: Between 2006 and 2013 newly diagnosed APL patients (pts) 〈 70 years with WBC 〈 10 G/L , after an induction treatment consisting of ATRA 45mg/m2/d until CR with Idarubicin (Ida) 12 mg/m2/dx3 and AraC 200mg/m2/dx7 started on day 3, were randomized for consolidation between AraC, ATO and ATRA. The AraC group ( standard group) received a first consolidation course with, Idarubicin (Ida) 12 mg/m2/dx3 and AraC 200mg/m2/dx7, a second consolidation with Ida 9 mg/m2/dx3 and AraC 1g/m2/12h x4d, and a maintenance during two years with intermittent ATRA 15d/ 3 months and continuous 6 MP + MTX,). The ATO and ATRA groups received the same treatment as the AraC group, but AraC was replaced respectively by ATO 0.15 mg/Kg/d d1 to 25 and ATRA 45 mg/m2/d d1 to 15 for both consolidation courses. We present here results of an analysis made at the reference date January 1st 2014 in the 398 pts aged 〈 70 years with WBC1 G/L after the first consolidation course was 24, 24 and 17 in the AraC, ATO and ATRA group, respectively (AraC vs ATO: p= 0.96; ATO vs ATRA: p1 G/L after the second consolidation course was 23, 19 and 13 days (AraC vs ATO: p= 0.02; ATO vs ATRA: p