ALBERT

Description: INTRODUCTION. Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare indolent B-cell malignancy, mainly characterized by peripheral cytopenias and splenomegaly. The current standard of treatment for HCL are Nucleoside Analogs (NA) cladribine and pentostatin, which produce remarkably high remission rates and durable responses. Aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy, short- and long-term toxicity of NA in HCL pts treated outside clinical trials. PATIENTS AND METHODS. We retrospectively analyzed 86 HCL patients (pts) treated with NA between 1996 and 2015 in two Hematologic Centers in Italy. The study was conducted in accordance to the Helsinki Declaration of 1964, as revised in 2000. Cladribine and pentostatin were administered according to standard schedules. Response criteria published by Jones et al. (Br J Haematol 2012) were retrospectively applied. Molecular assessment of BRAF-V600E mutation before and after NA therapy using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)-based allelic discrimination assay (sensitivity 0.1%) was performed in 10 pts. RESULTS. The median follow-up of pts (71 males and 15 females, median age 53 years) was 5.8 years (range 0.5-28). During the disease course, 86 pts were treated with NA (cladribine n=76, 88%; pentostatin n=10, 12%); 59 pts received NA front-line (cladribine in 56/59 pts, 95%). Among the other 27 pts, receiving NA as second or subsequent line of therapy, 25 had been previously treated with interferon. Median time from diagnosis to the first NA was 3.3 months (range 0-315). Hematological toxicity was observed in 53 of 77 evaluable pts (69%), and was not significantly different with cladribine (72%) or with pentostatin (37%) (p=0.1). Grade 3-4 neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 50 (65%), 7 (9%) and 7 (9%) pts respectively. Extra-hematological toxicity was reported in 48 of 79 evaluable pts (61%). The incidence of extra-hematological toxicity with cladribine (63%) and pentostatin (37%) was not statistically different (p=0.2). Grade 3-4 febrile neutropenia was observed in 24 pts (30%); 9 pts (11%) had grade 3-4 infections; 4 pts (5%) had grade 3-4 skin toxicity, 1 pt (1%) had grade 3 hepatic toxicity. Four of 86 pts (5%) developed a second malignancy (prostatic adenocarcinoma n=2, colon adenocarcinoma n=1, diffuse large B cell lymphoma n=1). The median time from NA to second malignancy was 58 months (range 49-111). Four of 86 pts (5%) developed a skin cancer (basal-cell carcinoma n=3, squamous cell carcinoma n=1), after a median time of 59 months (range 16-126). Response was assessed at a median time of 3 months after the end of therapy. Overall Response Rate (ORR) and Complete Remission (CR) Rate were respectively 93% and 63% in the entire cohort, and 98% and 72% in pts treated with NA front-line. The allelic burden of BRAF before and after therapy with NA was available in 10 cases; none of the pts in clinical CR after NA achieved a complete molecular response (Table 1). The median Progression-Free Survival (PFS) for pts treated with NA frontline was 6.5 years. There was a trend toward a longer PFS in pts receiving NA as first-line therapy as compared to those treated in second or subsequent lines (p=0.05). PFS curves according to type of NA and line of therapy are shown in Figure 1. The 5- and 10-year Overall Survival (OS) rates were 96% (95% CI: 85% - 99%) and 90% (95% CI 76%-96%) respectively. OS was similar in pts treated with cladribine orpentostatin (p=0.49). CONCLUSIONS. This study shows that: i) NA are associated with an acceptable toxicity, neutropenia and febrile neutropenia being the main complications of therapy; ii) timing of response assessment may account for a CR rate that is slightly lower than reported in the literature, confirming the importance of waiting at least 4 months for response evaluation as recommended by current guidelines; iii) the persistence of molecular disease also in pts achieving a clinical CR supports the implementation of consolidation strategies aimed at eradicating minimal residual disease to prolong disease-free survival. Table 1. BRAF allelic burden before and after therapy Patient Age (years) Sex Line of Therapy Allelic Burden (%) Clinical Response Pre- Post- 1 33 F 1 21,8 0,1 CR 2 36 M 2 5,4 0,4 CR 3 39 M 1 24,2 0,7 CR 4 54 M 1 10,8 0,3 PR 5 42 F 1 44 1,2 CR 6 53 F 1 7,9 0,2 NV 7 56 M 1 6,5 0,3 CR 8 54 M 1 12,2 0,2 CR 9 32 M 1 35,8 9,5 PR 10 38 M 2 54,4 12,2 PR Figure 1. Progression-free survival according to type of NA and line of therapy Figure 1. Progression-free survival according to type of NA and line of therapy Disclosures Arcaini: Gilead: Consultancy, Other: Advisory Board; Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Advisory Board; Roche: Consultancy, Other: Advisory Board.

Description: Splenic marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (SMZL) is a rare clinical and pathological entity recognized by the WHO classification. SMZL usually presents with isolated splenomegaly, bone marrow involvement, and leukemic picture. Nodal disease is generally rare at diagnosis. When lymphocytes with villous projections are found in peripheral blood, the disease is termed splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes (SLVL). High HCV-seroprevalence is frequently reported in SMZL. The disease commonly pursues an indolent course; however, about a third of pts follow a more aggressive course. SMZL is also heterogeneous with respect to the preferential usage of IgVH genes, as well as the percentage of mutation load. No previous studies correlated IgVH rearrangement features with the clinical characteristics of SMZL. The aim of the present study was to determine the tumor-related IgVH gene rearrangement and compare the gene usage and the mutation status with clinical features of 59 pts. Diagnosis was made according to the WHO classification and to the diagnostic criteria for SMZL (Matutes et al., Leukemia 2008). Paraffin sections from lesional tissues (14 spleens, and 59 bone marrow trephines) were available for all pts. Histology and blood smears were reviewed. Total RNA was extracted from PB (n=13) or BM (n=46) mononuclear cells. IgVH gene rearrangements were amplified using 6 family-specific VH leader primers coupled with a 3′ heavy chain joining (JH) primer or with a constant region of cμ chain primer. The sequence obtained from direct sequencing of the clonal PCR product was compared with germline in the IMGT database. Sixty VDJ rearrangements were amplified and 54 were functional. VH1 family was used in 19 rearrangements (32%), VH3 family in 33 (55%) and VH4 family in 8 (13%). The most frequent VH genes were VH1-02 (n=13), VH3-23 (n=15), VH3-30 (n=7) and VH4-34 (n=5) (67% of all sequences). VH was unmutated in 25%. DH segments were assignable in 56/60 rearrangements (all of the VH unmutated and 41/45 of VH mutated). The most frequent DH families were DH2 (n=9) and DH3 (n=21); the most frequent DH genes were DH3-03 (n=8), DH3-22 (n=6) and DH2-02 (n=6). Most rearrangements used JH4 family (n=21), JH5 (n=8), and JH6 (n=19), accounting for 80% of all rearrangements. JH4b (n=14), JH6b (n=10), and JH6c (n=8) were the most common JH genes. Median length of HCDR3 region was 17 aa (range 11–32). For antigen selection analysis P value was 〈 0.05 in 41% for CDRs and in 55% for FRs. No correlation was found among VH and DH families (p=0.1), among VH and JH families (p=0.09) and among DH and JH families (p=0.4). Forty-two % of pts were unmutated in VH1 family, 15% in VH3 family and 25% in VH4 family (p=0.09). Unmutated cases were 7% in VH3-23 group, 46% in VH1-02 group and 14% in VH3-30 group (p=0.03). For clinical correlations we considered only the 54 functional rearrangements. Villous lymphocytes 〉10% were detected in 53% of VH1 pts, in 57% of VH4 pts, and in 17% of VH3 pts (p=0.01). Villous lymphocytes 〉10% were detected in 21% of VH3-23 pts, in 50% of VH1-02 pts and in no VH3-30 pt (p=0.05). Liver involvement was present in 9% of VH3-23 pts, in no VH1-02 pt and in 50% of VH3-30 pts (p=0.009). HCV serology was positive in 7% of VH3-23 pts, 17% of VH1-02 pts and 50% of VH3-30 pts (p=0.04). Serum MC was detected in 50% of VH3-23 pts, in 9% of VH1-02 pts and in 17% of VH3-30 pts (p=0.06). BM was involved in 86% of VH3-23 pts, in 100% of VH1-02 pts and in 50% of VH3-30 pts (p=0.02). A sinusal localization was detected in 67% of VH3-23 pts, in 20% of VH1-02 and in 100% of VH3-30 (p=0.03). Unmutated status was significantly related to a higher percentage of BM infiltration (p=0.003). The proportion of intermediate and high risk patients according to the SMZL score (Arcaini et al. Blood 2006) was higher in the unmutated respect to the mutated group (69% vs 32%, p=0.05). After a median F-UP of 3 yrs, 10 pts died (7 of lymphoma, 3 of causes non related to lymphoma). The median OS was 12 yrs and the median PFS was 2 yrs. OS did not differ among VH families (p=0.9). Median PFS was 2 yrs for mutated pts and 1 yr for unmutated pts. We performed clustering of pts by applying a 2-means clustering algorithm, using as parameters nodal disease, villous lymphocytes 〉10%, HCV serology positive, BM involvement: in cluster 1 VH1 family pts accounted for 20%, VH3 family for 71%, VH4 family for 9%; in cluster 2 VH1 family pts accounted for 47%, VH3 family for 29% and VH4 family for 24% (p=0.01). In conclusion, VH rearrangement analysis in SMZL reveals a non-random preference for VH1-02, VH3-23 and VH3-30 genes, whose use differs according to distinctive clinical features at presentation.

Description: Abstract 2667 Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by bone marrow infiltration by lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma associated with a monoclonal component of IgM type in the serum. WM is often preceded by an IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (IgM-MGUS). The cumulative probability of progression of IgM-MGUS to WM or to other lymphoproliferative disorders is approximately 1.5% per year. Other mature B-cell neoplasms such as splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) and B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (B-CLPD) can carry an IgM monoclonal component and should therefore be considered in differential diagnosis with WM. In a study based on parallel sequencing of the whole genome of lymphoplasmacytic cells and paired normal tissue from WM patients, Treon et al (Blood. 2011;118:Abstract 300) have identified a highly recurrent somatic mutation with oncogenic activity in the myeloid differentiation primary response (MYD88) gene, leading to a change from leucine to proline at position 265 of the aminoacid sequence [MYD88 (L265P)]. Targeted Sanger resequencing showed MYD88 (L265P) in 90% of WM patients, but only in a minority of patients with IgM-MGUS or other mature B-cell neoplasms such as SMZL. We developed an allele-specific PCR for the MYD88 (L265P) mutation, and studied 58 patients with WM, 77 with IgM-MGUS, 84 with splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) and 52 with B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (B-CLPD). DNA was obtained from bone marrow cells (n=204) and peripheral blood (n=67). The aims of this study were: i) to assess the prevalence of the mutation in WM, IgM-MGUS, SMZL, and B-CLPD; ii) to analyze the relationship between MYD88 (L265P) mutation and clinical phenotype; iii) to evaluate the impact of the mutation on the risk of progression from IgM-MGUS WM or other lymphoproliferative disorders. The MYD88 (L265P) mutation was detected in 58/58 (100%) patients with WM, either asymptomatic (n=39) or symptomatic (n=18), and in 36/77 (47%) patients with IgM-MGUS. In addition, it was detected in 5/84 (6%) patients with SMZL and in 3/52 (6%) with B-CLPD; of these MYD88 (L265P)-positive subjects, 4 SMZL and 2 B-CLPD patients carried a serum IgM monoclonal component, while the remaining B-CLPD patient carried a double (IgM and IgG) monoclonal component. Compared with IgM-MGUS patients with wild-type MYD88, those carrying MYD88 (L265P) had significantly higher levels of IgM (P

Description: Abstract 2876 Background: HCV infection has been demonstrated to be involved in clonal B cell proliferation and in the subsequent development of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The regression of NHL after antiviral treatment is considered an indirect evidence of this pathogenetic relationship. Aim: to evaluate clinical course of patients affected by HCV infection (serology and HCV RNA positive) and low grade B-cell NHL (LG-NHL), not needing immediate treatment (absence of B symptoms, bulky disease or symptomatic tumor mass and lymphocyte doubling time less than 6 months) and treated upfront with antiviral therapy alone. Method: From 2006 to 2010, 13 patients, affected by LG- NHL at diagnosis have been treated with pegylated interferon (PegIFNa2a, 100–180 mcg weekly) and ribavirin (Rbv, 800–1200 mg daily) for a median treatment period of 6 months (6-18 months). Two patients are still in treatment. M/F ratio was 1.6 and median age was 59 years (range 51–73). The study included 9 marginal zone lymphomas (MZL: 2 splenic MZL, 7 extranodal non gastric MZL), 3 LG-NHL NOS and 1 lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (LPL). Cryoglobulin were present in five patients. 7 pts had genotype 2, 5 pts genotype 1b, one not assessed; HCV infection was detected before lymphoma diagnosis in 9 pts and at lymphoma onset in 4 pts. Only 2 patients have previously received other combinations of antiviral therapy. Virologic response was assessed monthly by HCV-RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hematologic response was evaluated according to International Working Group response criteria (Cheson et al. J Clin Oncol. 2007) at the end of antiviral therapy. Results: Eleven patients completed the planned treatment course. Sustained virologic response (SVR) was achieved in 9 patients (6 with genotype 2); viremia clearance was achieved in a median period of 2 months (1-6). Among patients that gained a SVR, 5 achieved a complete response (CR) (3 genotype 2, 1 1b, one not assessed), one (genotype 2) partial response (PR), and 3 (2 genotype 2 and one genotype 1b) presented stable disease (SD). The remaining patients obtained only a reduction of viremia: one presented a SD and one was in PR. The treatment was well tolerated without any WHO grade III-IV toxicity. Among patients that completed treatment program, more frequent toxicity was haematological (one patient developed a WHO grade 1 anemia and one patients developed WHO grade 1 anemia and grade 2 neutropenia). After a median follow up of 17 months from the end of therapy (range 3–44), considering the 9 patients in SVR, only 2 (1 CR and 1 PR) progressed, maintaining SVR and one lost SVR maintaining SD. Patients that obtained only a reduction of viremia, maintained their hematologic status. Conclusion: We described a high CR rate in patients that obtained SVR after antiviral therapy (55%); the relationship between hematologic and viral response during follow up is not always stringent. We confirm that antiviral therapy could be considered as frontline therapeutic option in cases of HCV-related LG-NHL not requiring immediately immunochemotherapy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Introduction: Follicular lymphoma grade 3 is recognized as a distinct entity in the World Health Organization classification of lymphoma. It is further classified into grade 3a and 3b depending on percentage of centroblasts. There is no consensus about its clinical course because some studies indicate an indolent behavior but others describe a more aggressive. Large systematic studies are missing in particular for 3b follicular lymphoma which is often considered as a separate entity. Methods: We performed a retrospective multicentric study on a group of 3b FL patients diagnosed in nine Italian FIL centers between November 2002 and January 2015. Planned inclusion criteria at enrollment were first line Rituximab containing regimen treatment and diagnostic samples availability for central pathologic review. Aim of the study was to determine clinical response, OS and PFS. Tumor response was based on the International Working Group response criteria. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier method. Results: We enrolled a total of 51 patients, 50 evaluable for response at the time of analysis; median age was 62 yrs (range 48-71), 29 (56%) in stage III-IV, 10 (20%) with B symptoms. First line treatment was R-CHOP in the majority of patients 47 (92%), R-Bendamustine and R-CVP in 2 (4%) respectively. Seven patients (14%) received Rituximab maintenance after first line, six (12%) underwent high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) as consolidation therapy and 5 (10%) were treated with local radiotherapy on residual disease. We observed CR in 48 patients (96%), PR in 1 (2%), PD in 1(2%). Ten patients relapsed or progressed after first line treatment and four of them died, three for progressive disease and one due to senile dementia while in CR. No relapses were recorded in pts receiving Rituximab maintenance but the advantage was not statistically significant and the number of patients receiving maintenance was low. With a median follow up of 63 months from diagnosis (IQR 33-82), 3-yrs PFS and OS rates were 82% and 93% (fig 1 and 2) with the evidence of a plateau in both survival curves after 5 years observation. Central pathologic review is ongoing. Conclusion: With the limit of a retrospective analysis our study confirms the clinical benefit of a combined modality treatment with Rituximab plus antracycline-containing chemotherapy in patients with 3b FL. Our results compare favorably with those previously reported in studies without Rituximab, that failed to show a plateau with 3-yrs PFS ranging between 22% and 52%. This results need to be confirmed with a longer follow up and after the planned pathologic review. Figure 1. Progression-Free Survival. Median Follow-up 62 months (IQR 33-82). Figure 1. Progression-Free Survival. Median Follow-up 62 months (IQR 33-82). Figure 2. Overall Survival. Median Follow-up 63 months. Figure 2. Overall Survival. Median Follow-up 63 months. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Background: The regression of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated lymphoma with antiviral treatment (AT) is the strongest argument in favour of an etiological link between lymphoma, especially marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), and HCV infection. In addition, the favourable impact of AT on overall survival of these patients has been reported (Arcaini 2014, Michot 2015). Although there is a clear association across the studies between the lymphoma regression and the clearance of HCV, the direct anti-lymphoma activity of interferon (IFN) cannot be ruled out. AT is undergoing a revolution: new antiviral drugs, including direct-acting antiviral (DAA) like sofosbuvir (SOF) cure more than 90% of infections. However, data on new IFN-free regimens in HCV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders are scanty and based on clinical reports (Rossotti 2015; Sultanik 2015; Carrier 2015). Patients and Methods: We analyzed virological and hematological response of 26 patients (pts) with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and HCV infection treated with an IFN-free AT. We included the 5 cases reported in literature (Rossotti 2015; Sultanik 2015; Carrier 2015) with updated follow up. Results: Histological, virological and hematological features are summarized in Table 1. Histology distribution was as follows: 12 splenic MZL, 6 extranodal MZL of MALT, 2 leukemic MZL, 2 nodal MZL, 2 CLL/SLL, 1 lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) and 1 low grade NHL NOS. Cryoglobulins were present in 13 (symptomatic cryoglobulinemia in 5). HCV genotype was 1 in 15 pts, 2 in 4 pts, 3 in 3 pts and 4 in 2 pts, NA in 2 pts. Three pts previously received chemotherapy and 4 underwent IFN-based therapy before. Twenty-four pts received a SOF-based regimens (SOF + simeprevir in 10, SOF + ribavirin in 5, SOF + daclatasvir in 8, SOF + ledipasvir in 1) and 2 pts other regimens (ombitasvir + paritaprevir + ritonavir + ribavirin and faldaprevir + deleobuvir + ribavirin). In one pt with renal MZL 4 rituximab (R) doses have been added to SOF + simeprevir. Median AT duration was 12 weeks (range: 6-24). At time of present analysis, virological response is available in 21 pts while hematological response has been assessed in 20 pts. A sustained virological response has been obtained in 20 pts; hematological response has been observed only in pts with HCV clearance: in particular 8 pts (all MZL) achieved a complete response and 4 (all MZL) a partial response (comprising one treated also with R) while 5 had stable disease (response by histology is summarized in Table 1). In 7 pts response duration is +1 mo (in 2 pts), +2 mo (in 1 pt), +6 mo (in 3 pts), and +22 mo (in 1 pt); 6 pts (60%) cleared cryoglobulins after AT. After a median follow-up of 6 mo (range: 1-28), 2 pts progressed: one pt shifted to DLBCL and one pt without virological response progressed and died of lymphoma; another pt with hematological CR died of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma 8 mo after AT. Complete data for all pts will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: Our study shows that a significant rate of hematological response can be achieved in HCV-associated MZL also with IFN-free AT. These data are a strong rationale for planning prospective trials with DAA in this setting. Table 1. Features of 26 pts with NHL associated with HCV infection treated with IFN-free regimen and lymphoma response by histology N % Age, median (range) 26 57 (40-78) M/F 11/15 42/58 - Marginal-zone lymphoma SplenicNodalExtranodal of MALTLeukemic MZL- CLL - Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma - Low-grade B-cell NHL NOS 22 12 2 6 2 2 1 1 84.7 46.2 7.7 23.1 7.7 7.7 3.8 3.8 Ann Arbor stage III-IV 19 73 B symptoms 4 15 ECOG 0 1 2 3 11 10 0 1 50 45 0 5 BM involvement 14 54 Extranodal disease 17 65 Splenic involvement 13 50 Liver involvement 5 19 Nodal disease 15 58 Bulky disease 7 27 Leukemic disease 9 35 Elevated LDH 8/22 36 Elevated b2-microglobulin 8/10 80 Albumin

Description: Background: Histologic transformation (HT) refers to a biologic event leading to the development of a high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma, mostly diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), in patients (pts) with an underlying follicular lymphoma (FL), whose recently reported risk is 2% to 3% per year. The prognosis of t-FL has been considered historically very poor, but several studies in the Rituximab (RTX) era suggest that survival may be more favorable than previously recognized. The treatment approach for t-FL is often individualized and pts are generally excluded from clinical trials, so there is a paucity of objective data on the optimal management of t-FL, which still represents an unmet need. The aim of our survey conducted in a large number of pts with histologically confirmed t-FL observed in 9 FIL Centers was to analyze the clinical factors and the different treatment strategies which can predict post-transformation outcome. Methods: One hundred seventy-seven t-FL were retrospectively selected from Institutional datasets; the inclusion time frame was from 2002 to 2014. All Histologic Transformations (HT) were biopsy confirmed. Response assessment was made as recommended by International Workshop criteria. Survival analysis were performed with Kaplan-Meier method and compared by Log-Rank test. Results: T-FL occurred at initial diagnosis (Group 1) in 93 cases (53%): 52 were DLBCL (29%) evolving from a prior FL, 31 (17%) composite lymphoma and 10 (6%) discordant lymphoma. HT occurred after a previous FL diagnosis (Group 2) in 84 pts (47%): 15 pts (8%) were treatment-naïve at HT (Group 2A), 38 pts (21%) transformed at first relapse or progression (Group 2B) and 31 (18%) experienced late HT (Group 2C). Median age at HT was 60 years (range: 20-83). No differences were found between Group 1 and 2 and between Group 2A, 2B and 2C in term of clinical features (age, disease stage, B-symptoms). Group 1 received CHOP/CHOP-like regimens in 75% of pts. RTX was used with chemotherapy (CT) in 92% of pts and in 22% as maintenance. Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) was delivered as consolidation in 14%. Group 2 received CHOP/CHOP-like regimens in 39% of pts, platinum-containing regimens in 14%, high dose sequential therapy in 32%. RTX was added to CT in 71% of cases; 12% received RTX maintenance and 23% ASCT consolidation. CHOP as CT and RTX maintenance were used more often in Group 1 pts. Overall Response Rate (ORR) for Group 1 was 94%, with 77 pts (83%) achieving Complete Response (CR) and 10 (11%) Partial Response (PR).With a median follow-up of 43 months, 5-yr Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were 60% and 83%, respectively. ORR for Group 2 was 57%, with 43 pts (51%) obtaining CR and 5 (6%) PR; focusing on the subgroups 2A, 2B, 2C ORR was 80%, 63% and 39%, respectively (p 0.017). The 5-yr OS was 52%, statistically inferior to Group 1 (p

Description: Background: Marginal zone Lymphomas (MZL) are indolent B cell non hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) and include splenic, nodal and extranodal subtypes (SMZL, NMZL, ENMZL). When therapy is needed in symptomatic patients, standard treatment usually requires systemic immunochemotherapy (ICT). Although the outcome of MZL is generally measured in decades a high heterogeneity of clinical behaviour exists that warrants the identification of accurate prognostic features to better estimate the risk of relapse, progression or death in the individual patient. Recently the analysis of progression free survival (PFS) was used to identify clinically useful endpoints in B-cell NHLs, with PFS at 24 (PFS24) months identified to stratify overall survival (OS) in follicular NHL. Here we examined the ability of PFS24 to predict subsequent OS in a large, multinational MZL cohort as part of the NF10 observational multicentric international study promoted by Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL). Methods: The NF10 Project was started in 2010 as a prospective registry specifically conceived to investigate the prognosis of Indolent Non-Follicular B-Cell Lymphomas (INFL). The registration of clinical, laboratory data, treatment and outcome details of consecutive adult patients with newly diagnosed INFL was available at a dedicated website. All patients with a histologic confirmed diagnosis of INFL also including MZL were eligible with no exclusion criteria. Patients were followed based on local institution guidelines, and PFS was defined as time from the date of pathologic diagnosis to progression, re-treatment, or death due to any cause. PFS24 was calculated only for patients requiring immediate therapy and was defined as being alive and progression-free 24 months from diagnosis. Subsequent OS was defined as time from achieving PFS24 or time from progression in patients failing to achieve PFS24 (progression within 24 months of diagnosis). Results: Between July 2010 and July 2018, 1.253 INFL cases have been registered by 65 centres in Europe and South America. MZLs were 677 (54%): 283 ENMZL (43%), 221 SMZL (32%), 69 NMZL (10%); 104 cases were classified as disseminated MZL (Diss-MZL 15%) due to the lack of a clear pattern of organ involvement. Median age was 66 years (range 27-93); Ann Arbor stage was III-IV in 79%; 14% had B symptoms, 6% had ECOG performance status (PS) 〉1, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and β2-microglobulin were above upper normal limit (UNL) in 26% and 56% of cases respectively. Bone marrow involvement was present in 67%, positive HCV and HBV serology was found in 8% and 18% of cases respectively. For the current study we identified 400 patients with MZL for whom immediate therapy was planned right after lymphoma diagnosis. Patients with immediate therapy were 59% of all MZL. Rituximab (R) combined with chemotherapy was used in 332 (82%): R plus bendamustine (RB) in 142 (36%), R plus alkylating agents (R-alk) in 101 cases (25%) (mostly ENMZL), R plus CHOP in 50 (12%) (mainly NMZL and DissMZL); R monotherapy was used in 36 (9%). The median follow-up was 38 months (range 1-83). For treated pts 3y-PFS was 79% and 3y-OS was 90%; progressive disease was the cause of death in 47% of all cases. The percentage of patients who failed to achieve PFS24 was 20% with a lower frequency in the subtypes NMZL and ENMZL (13%) compared to the group of SMZL and DissMZL (24%, p=0.015). Three-year OS for patients with progression within the first 24 months was 46% (95%CI 28-63%) with a HR of 28.3 (95%CI 10.6 - 75.6) when compared with patients without early relapse (96%, 95%CI 91-98%). When PFS24 was adjusted by IPI in all cases and by HPLL (Montalbán et al, BJH 2012) in SMZL, the PFS24 retained its prognostic role (p

Description: Bakground. The association of light chain (AL) amyloidosis with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia is well established. However, both localized and systemic AL amyloidosis have been also reported in other types of lymphoma, but a detailed description of these cases is still lacking. Methods. We systematically searched the database of 1,415 newly diagnosed consecutive patients (pts) with AL amyloidosis of the Pavia Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center for pts with non-lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and AL amyloidosis, and identified 34 pts diagnosed between 2004 and 2018. Results. Seventeen pts (50%) had a diagnosis of marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), mainly extranodal MZL (EMZL). Median age at the time of lymphoma diagnosis was 65 years (45-81) and 23 pts (68%) were males. An autoimmune disease was documented in 8 pts (24%), with Sjögren Syndrome as the commonest type. Clinical characteristics of pts according to type of lymphoma (MZL vs non-MZL) and type of AL (systemic vs localized) are presented in Tables 1 and 2. The amyloid deposits were characterized as AL-type by immunoelectron microscopy or mass spectrometry in all cases. Twelve pts (35%) had a concomitant diagnosis of AL (within 12 months before or after the diagnosis of lymphoma). In 2 cases the diagnosis of lymphoma occurred after 16 and 45 months from diagnosis of AL, respectively. In 20 pts (10 MZLs), the lymphoma was diagnosed a median time of 58.6 months (range: 13.6-320.8 months) before AL diagnosis: all but 1 of these cases were treated for the underlying lymphoma and 16 of them had a complete remission at the time of AL diagnosis. Twenty-nine pts (85%) had positive serum and/or urine immunofixation and/or an abnormal free light chains ratio (FLCR), while 5 pts had no detectable monoclonal component (MC) and normal FLCR: these pts developed only localized AL amyloidosis. Localized AL was documented in 10 pts (29%), 7 of them had a MZL. Involved organs were represented by MALT sites (6 nodular pulmonary, 1 tracheobronchial, 2 skin, 1 bladder). Eleven pts with systemic AL amyloidosis died for progression of amyloidosis and 1 because of gastric cancer, while no patient with localized AL died during follow-up. The median overall survival (OS) from the diagnosis of AL amyloidosis was 42.5 months (Fig.1). Conclusions. In our series collected in a referral center, MZL is the most common non-lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma that associates with AL amyloidosis. Hematologists should be aware that MZL is associated not only with localized light chain deposition at the lymphoma site, but also with systemic AL amyloidosis. Systemic AL amyloidosis could be itself an indication to start a specific treatment for the lymphoproliferative disease, even in otherwise asymptomatic lymphomas. The presence of a MC and elevated FLC are clues for systemic AL amyloidosis. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Merlini: Prothena: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Ionis: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Akcea: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy. Palladini:Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Other: Travel support; Prothena: Honoraria.

Description: Introduction Limited stage follicular lymphoma (FL) is usually managed with involved field radiotherapy (IFRT), although different approaches are currently carried out, ranging from watch and wait to combined treatment. RT on involved lymph nodes allows eradication of the disease only in 40-50% of patients. Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb), widely used in advanced stage FL, are likely to be effective in reducing the relapse risk, although no scientific evidence of their role has been provided. The aim of this multicenter phase II prospective study was to evaluate the role of MRD in identifying patients unlikely to be cured by RT, for whom an immunotherapy-based consolidation could improve outcome. Methods 110 patients with stage I/II FL were enrolled. IFRT was administered to all patients at a dose of 24 Gy. Peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples were centralized to the Italian FIL (Federazione Italiani Linfomi) MRD Network of EuroMRD-certified laboratories: the presence of a BCL2/IGH rearrangement was investigated at baseline in all patients by nested PCR (NEST) and RQ-PCR (RQ), the latter according to the EuroMRD guidelines. In patients BCL2/IGH+ at baseline by both NEST and RQ in BM and/or PB, MRD was analyzed in both tissues after IFRT and every 6 months over a three-year follow-up period. Patients with positive MRD by both NEST and RQ in BM and/or PB after IFRT or who became positive during the follow-up were treated with 8 weekly doses of the anti-CD20 MoAb ofatumumab. The primary objective of the study was to define the efficacy of immunotherapy in obtaining the disappearance of BCL2/IGH rearranged cells. Results Preliminary data are available for 107 patients, 57 males, 50 females. Median age was 55 years (29-83). 17% had G1 FL, 32% G2, 40% G3A, 11% NOS. The FLIPI score was 0 in 59% of patients, 1 in 35%, 2 in 6%. 69% of patients had inguinal site involvement. Despite a negative BM biopsy, at baseline 30% of patients (n=32) had a BCL2/IGH rearrangement (30 MBR, 1 MBR and mcr, 1 mcr) in the BM and/or PB; the concordance between compartments was 90%, with 10% of negative PB showing a positive BM. No significant differences were observed in relapse probability between patients with or without a molecular marker. All patients were submitted to IFRT and all obtained a clinical response, which was complete in 79 of the 101 evaluated patients (78%) and partial in 22 (22%). MRD evaluation after treatment revealed the persistence of BCL2/IGH rearranged cells in the PB and/or BM in 60% of patients. According to the design of the protocol, MRD-positive patients, either after IFRT (n=18) or in case of conversion to a positive signal during the follow-up (n=7), received 8 weekly administration of ofatumumab. A conversion to MRD negativity, evaluated in 23 treated patients, was obtained in 20 (87% - CI 65.1-97.1). This result was significantly superior to the expected 50%. One death occurred after IFRT, due to ischemic stroke. Adverse events likely correlated to ofatumumab occurred in 7/25 treated patients, consisting of infusion reactions in 5, leading to a permanent interruption of immunotherapy in 3. After a median follow-up of 18 months, all patients who achieved a MRD negativity with ofatumumab underwent a regular molecular follow-up and are still MRD-negative. Overall, clinical relapse or progression were observed in 17 patients: 13 (18%) among the 73 "no marker" patients; 2 relapses (16%) were observed among the 12 MRD-negative patients after IFRT and 2 relapses were observed among the 23 patients treated with the anti-CD20 MoAb (8.7%), 1 having achieved a MRD negativity and 1 not. No significant differences in event-free survival have so far been observed between the three groups. Conclusions The MRD data of this phase II trial for early stage FL indicate that RT alone is often insufficient to eradicate the disease, being capable of inducing a negative MRD only in 40% of evaluable cases, with a long-lasting effect only in half of them. The primary objective of this study - MRD negativity after immunotherapy - was achieved, obtaining the disappearance of BCL2/IGH rearranged cells in the majority of patients treated with ofatumumab. The strategy of an immunotherapy consolidation after IFRT in MRD-positive patients allowed to increase molecular responses. A longer follow-up and further studies on larger patient populations will allow to conclusively define the impact of this MRD-driven strategy also on clinical outcome. Disclosures Pulsoni: Roche: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Sandoz: Consultancy; Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Merk: Consultancy; Bristol Meyer Squibb: Speakers Bureau. Ferrero:Servier: Speakers Bureau; EUSA Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Luminari:ROCHE: Other: Role as Advisor ; CELGENE: Other: Role as Advisor & Travel Grant; TAKEDA: Other: Travel Grant; GILEAD: Other: Lecturer . Liberati:Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Clinical trial support; Celgene: Honoraria, Other: Clinical trial support; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Consultancy; Janssen: Honoraria; Servier: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AbbVie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Clinical trial support; Roche: Other: Clinical trial support; Novartis: Other: Clinical trial support. Ferreri:Roche: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Kite: Consultancy. Nassi:Takeda: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy. Corradini:Roche: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; kite: Honoraria; KiowaKirin: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria; Servier: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria. Mannina:Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Arcaini:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; Bayer, Celgene, Gilead Sciences, Roche, Sandoz, Janssen-Cilag, VERASTEM: Consultancy; Celgene, Roche, Janssen-Cilag, Gilead: Other: Travel expenses. Galimberti:Roche: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Ladetto:AbbVie: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; ADC Therapeutics: Honoraria; Acerta: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; J&J: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Foà:Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celltrion: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celltrion: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. OffLabel Disclosure: The anti-CD20 MoAb Ofatumomab is employed to eradicate Minimal Residual Disease in early stage Follicular Lymphoma(FL). The drug is registered for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, not for FL.