ALBERT

Description: Glivec was the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment and its efficacy has been demonstrated in a large number of trials. Generic formulations have been used recently as a more cost effective treatment, but there are few studies that have prospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of these drugs.Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of generic imatinib in CP-CML in first line therapy. Methods: This is a multicenter, observational, cohort-type study. The prospective cohort consisted of patients who initiated treatment with generic imatinib between January 2015 and September 2017; whereas the retrospective cohort was treated with Glivec between January 2010 and December 2011. All patients started imatinib in CP, less than six months from diagnosis. Patients were managed according to European Leukemia Net (ELN) 2009 and 2013 recommendations. The definition of the responses followed the ELN 2013 criteria. Adverse events were assessed based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Version 4.0.3, 2010. Event-free survival (EFS) was measured from starting date of treatment until loss of complete hematologic response, loss of major cytogenetic response, progression to accelerated (AP) or blast crisis (BC) or death from any cause at any time during initial therapy or discontinuation of imatinib by any cause. Patients that switched from Glivec to generic where censored. Overall survival (OS) was measured from starting date of imatinib until to the date of death from any cause while on therapy or last seen. Progression-free survival (PFS) was measured from starting date of imatinib to transformation to AP or BC or deaths while on therapy. Survival curves were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Cox regression was used with Backward Wald Method. SPSS version 21.0 was used applying the chi-square and t-test, when adequate. All analysis considered p-value

Description: The treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was revolutionized by the introduction of imatinib mesylate (IM). However, approximately 20% of patients are non-responsive and interpatient variability in response to IM is still a phenomenon lacking explanation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in genes encoding proteins involved in IM pharmacokinetics are potentially involved in the causes of this variation. In this study, we investigated the association of SNPs in the genes encoding IM metabolizing enzymes CYP3A4 (rs35599367 and rs2740574) and CYP3A5 (rs776746) and efflux transporter proteins ABCB1 (rs3213619, rs1128503, rs2032582 and rs1045642), ABCG2 (rs2231142) and ABCC4 (rs9561765) with response to treatment and with IM plasma through levels and hair concentrations. The analyzed sample was constituted of 182 CML patients on IM treatment. DNA samples were genotyped for the nine SNPs using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Hair and plasma trough IM concentrations were measured through liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry methods. Clinical response was defined according to the European Leukemia Net guidelines. The number of responders to standard IM therapy was 104. A trend to a higher frequency of CYP3A4 *22 (rs35599367) allele carriers was observed among responders to IM (12.5 vs. 3.4% of non-responders, P = 0.087), although no significant differences in plasma or hair concentrations between genotypes were found. Pharmacogenetics may become a valuable approach to optimize therapy with IM in CML, but many factors still need to be clarified to make possible its application in clinical practice. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Introduction: There are few reports of standard of care and outcomes in Latin America. The HOLA study is a retrospective chart review of patients with B-cell malignancies in Latin America (LATAM). Methods: The objective of this registry is to describe patient characteristics, diagnostic and treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes in patients with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) from a mix of public and private sites in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, and Panama. We report 1975 patients with NHL diagnosed in the period from January 2006 to March 2016. Results: Median age according to NHL subtype was: Follicular Lymphoma (FL) 58, Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) 61, Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma (DBLCL) 58 and T cell lymphoma (TCL) 49 years. The cases were reviewed starting first with patients diagnosed in 2006 onwards, lost files might bias the following distribution. (Graphic1). Immunohistochemistry tests performed for each subtype are presented. For FL valuable markers to make differential diagnosis like CD5, CD23 and CD10 are not always tested. In MCL, CD5, Cyclin D1 and Ki67 were not performed for all patients. For DLBCL markers such as CD10, Bcl6 and MUM1 were performed in 36%, 25% and 17% respectively. Cytogenetic exams are not part of the regular screening of NHL in (LATAM), performed on 6% of all lymphomas. Advances stages are frequently seen for all types of lymphoma, Ann Arbor IV 27%, 54%, 27% and 29% for FL, MCL, DLBCL and TCL respectively. Most frequent extranodal involvement site for FL and MCL was bone marrow (25.4% and 41.3% respectively) and skin for DBLCL and TCL (14% and 13%). R-CHOP is the most frequently used regimen for all types of lymphoma, except for T cell lymphoma (FL 42%, MCL 45%, DLBCL 66%, TCL 7%) Hyper CVAD is more used on MCL (11%) and TCL (14%). There was a 15% use of CHOP reported for each B cell Lymphoma. Radiotherapy consolidation is most used for DLBCL and TCL (30 and 27% respectively). Transplant was more frequent for MCL, 15% vs less than 10% for the others. Higher relapse rate was seen for MCL (49%) and TCL (44%) versus 31% and 32 % for FL and DLBCL. For relapsed NHL treatment no standard of care can be highlighted (Table 2). Conclusions: The HOLA registry is a LATAM collaborative effort to show incidences of NHL subtypes, diagnosis methodologies and treatment options in the region. HOLA registry found a higher incidence of DLBCL among other LNH subtypes than reported in other regions of the world. NHL diagnosis is a regional gap, underutilization of IH markers might be related to lack of hematopathologists or low availability of specific markers. IH markers to differentiate subtypes of DLBCL are not routinely used in LATAM. Low Cytogenetic testing of NHL in LATAM. Most common first line regimen for B cell NHL was R-CHOP. There was still 15% use of CHOP without R. This might be related to low access. Second and third line treatments were heterogeneous reflecting different available options in LATAM, but no standard of care. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Pavlovsky: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria. Agreda Vásquez:Roche: Consultancy. Enrico:Bristol Myers squib: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Patents & Royalties. Armenta San-Sebastian:Janssen: Speakers Bureau. Ovilla:Janssen: Consultancy. Santos:Janssen: Employment. De La Mora Estrada:Janssen: Employment, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Description: In the last two decades, we have seen a radical change in the therapy and prognosis of Multiple Myeloma (MM). Recent research on the role of the bone marrow microenvironment as integrant part of the biology of MM and the possible therapeutic interference at this level are leading to control and regression of the malignant plasma cell clone with a recognized clinical impact. Thalidomide, an old drug thought to interfere on the bone marrow microenvironment, is active not only for the treatment of refractory patients but also, as was recently shown, for induction and/or remission maintenance therapy. Most of the side effects (somnolence, constipation, fatigue, tremor, bradycardia, edema, and neuropathy) can be managed by reducing the dose and most patients need a dose reduction. The appropriate dose of thalidomide in myeloma is unknown. We treated thirty-five patients with MM with low-dose thalidomide (200mg or less). Twenty four patients were on maintenance therapy (13 after bone marrow transplantation, and 11 after chemotherapy with VCAP/VMCP); 5 patients were treated after relapse, 4 with refractory disease and 2 for remission induction as a first line therapy. Patients were treated at the Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Service of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, from march/2001 to December/2003. The response as measured by hemoglobin level, immunoglobulin (M component) or urinary light chain concentration and bone marrow examination was evaluated before, 3, 6, and 12 months after the beginning of thalidomide. Results: All patients are alive and well. Fifty one percent are on 100mg schedule; of the patients on maintenance therapy 90% are on complete remission or on a sustained plateau. A Wilcoxon ranks test for the immunoglobulin level before and after 6 months for the entire group showed p=0.001 (25–75%). Conclusion: Low dose thalidomide is tolerable and effective.

Description: Introduction: The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has changed the natural history of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), promoting molecular remission in a high number of patients. In 40-60% of the patients that reach deep molecular responses (RM4.5 or more) and are using imatinib mesylate for 24 months or longer, a molecular response can be maintained after the cessation of the drug. Besides improving life quality in those patients, to withdraw the medication could have a great economic impact in the health system, what is extremely important in third world countries. Objective: To estimate the economic impact of stopping imatinib mesylate in CML chronic phase patients, receiving treatment for at least 36 months and presenting deep molecular response, determinate by BCR-ABL transcripts with quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR), in the last 24 months. Patients and methods: A single center observational retrospective study, including all patients diagnosed with chronic phase CML, confirmed by cytogenetic or molecular exams receiving treatment at a tertiary hospital in Brazil. All patients received imatinib mesylate either in first or second line therapy. Patients presenting deep molecular response for at least 24 months, under imatinib mesylate for 36 months or more were considered eligible for discontinuation the drug. The annual coast with the treatment was estimated considering the coasts of the medication and the QRT-PCR molecular exams in the Brazilian public health system. Results: In this study, 169 patients date were analyzed, the median follow up time is 5 years (range 1-13 years), 26 (15%) of those patients are eligible for stopping imatinib mesylate according to the criteria previously mentioned. Considering the requirement of QRT-PCR exams every month in the first year of discotinuating the drug, these patients would coast proximally 1.550,00 dollars/ patients year for the public health system. This coast could be reduced to 800,00 and 520 dollars/patients year, after the second and third year of the medication withdraw, when monitoring molecular response can be done every 2 and 3 months respectively. The patients receiving imatinib mesylate, and having QTR-PCR exams every six months, in the other hand, would coast the Brazilian public health system over 31.000, 00dollars /patients year. Stopping imatinib mesylate could reduce CML chronic phase treatment coasts in up to 95%. Discussion: Discontinuating imatinib mesylate is something that must be done only in clinical trial. The economic impact projection shown in this study observed the eligibility criteria described in the literature. If stopping imatinib mesylate proves to be a safe option, studies promoting it should be done in Brazil and other third world countries, as a manner of saving resources in the health system. Furthermore, the impact in life quality free of adverse effects and the possibility of gestation in young woman is not to be ignored. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Abstract 2300 Introduction: Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) treatment for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) was first introduced in Brazil in 2003, initially used as second line therapy for patients resistant or intolerant to interferon. In 2004 imatinib was adopted as front-line therapy for chronic phase (CP) and clinical experience improving since then. Close monitoring of responses achievement at scheduled time has proven to provide good predictive value for progression and event-free survival. Failure and sub-optimal responses correspond to indications for dose change or therapy switching and the identification of patients at greater risk for such events has a vital role. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of temporary imatinib therapy discontinuation on achievement of Major Cytogenetic Response (MCyR) and event-free survival (EFS). Materials and Methods: During the period of 1990 to 2010 a total of 185 patients from 7 CML treatment centers from Rio Grande do Sul, south Brazil, with a confirmed diagnosis of CML (Philadelphia chromosome positive [Ph+]) at CP under imatinib treatment were retrospectively analyzed. A major cytogenetic response was considered complete plus partial cytogenetic responses (Ph+ less than 35%). At least 20 metaphases were analyzed for a cytogenetic response to be evaluable. Temporary treatment discontinuation (TTD) corresponds to 20 days or more off-medication for any reason during the follow-up. Were included patients in imatinib second-line and first-line therapy. Early-imatinib treatment was considered when imatinib started before 12 months from diagnosis and late-imatinib treatment when more then 12 months lapse. EFS was measured from the start of imatinib to the date of any the following events while on therapy: death of any cause, therapy failure, any response loss, disease progression, definitive treatment discontinuation or therapy change. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier analysis (to estimate event-free survival [EFS]) were performed using SPSS software. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 48 years (range, 4–85 years) median of follow-up was 47 months (range, 7–113 months) and 55% of male sex. Preferential previous treatment was interferon in 70% of the patients and 71% were early-imatinib treatment. TTD was observed in 63/185 patients (34%) and was related to toxicities in 35/63 patients (55%), including hematological and non-hematological. Nonadherence was attributed to the remaining TTD, 28/63 patients (44%). Late-imatinib patients had significant more TTD (62%) than early-imatinib patients (26,2% [p

Description: Sustained deep molecular response (MR4.5) after imatinib treatment defines a subgroup of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with better outcome and that probably would be able to stop treatment in the future, according to results of clinical TKI discontinuation trials. Most of these trials showed that patients with a long-term imatinib treatment and low Sokal risk have a higher probability of maintain a deep molecular remission after stopping treatment. OBJECTIVES The main objective is to review the molecular responses, overall survival and event free survival of CP CML patients that have been treated with imatinib in 14 hematology centers in South Brazil. Using our data basis we also would like to see how many of them present long-term imatinib treatment, sustained deep molecular remission and correlate these findings with the Sokal risk groups. These data would allow us to predict patient profile that could be able to discontinue the treatment in the future in a prospective clinical trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study in a cohort of pts with chronic myeloid leukemia chronic phase (CP) that have been treated in 14 hematology centers in South Brazil. All pts received imatinib 400mg as first or second-line therapy. Patient evaluation and response criteria followed the ELN recommendations. MR(4.5) was defined as ≥ 4.5 log reduction of BCR-ABL on the international scale (IS) and determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. All tests were performed at a central standardized according to ELN. Event-free-survival (EFS) was measured from the start of imatinib to the date of any of the following events while on therapy: death from any cause, loss of complete hematologic response, loss of complete cytogenetic response, discontinuation of therapy for toxicity or lack of efficacy, or progression to accelerated phase or blastic phase. Overall survival (OS) was measured from the start of imatinib until death of any cause or to the date patient was last known to be alive. RESULTS Data from 474 patients was analyzed. After a median observation time of 46 months, 5-year overall survival (OS) was 86%, 5-year event-free-survival was 53%. Of the 474 patients, 258 had adequate PCR evaluations during treatment. 118 of 258 (45,7%) patients achieved MR(4.5) and 69 of 258 (27%) had sustained response for at least two years after a minimum time of treatment of 3 years. The cumulative incidence of MR(4.5) after 9 years was 76% (median, 3 years). In the group that achieved MR(4.5), there was only 1 (0,8%) death and 1 (1,1%) progression compared to 8 deaths (5,7%) and 8 progressions (7,5%) in the group without MR(4.5); these differences were significant with p=0,03 and 0,02 respectively. In the subgroup of 69 patients that had had been treated with imatinib for 3 year or more and sustained deep response (RM4,5) for at least two years, 21 pts had low Sokal risk, 7 pts intermediate Sokal risk and only 4 pts a high Sokal risk. Unfortunately, in 37 pts the Sokal risk could not be accessed due to missing information. CONCLUSION In our series MR(4.5) is reached in the majority of patients with long-term imatinib treatment. MR(4.5) is a predictor of outcome with only one disease progression and one death due to CML in this group of patients. Unfortunatly PCR are not available for all patients in our clinical practice, but this situation are improving. Regarding the 69 patients with TKI discontinuation trial criteria, we find out that 21 patients fulfill such criteria. In the future, according to the results of current stop trials it could be possible include this selected group of CP CML patients in a prospective clinical trial. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Background Monitoring response to TKI therapy is one of the key management strategies of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Early molecular response to first-line TKI therapy is emerging as an effective prognostic factor indicator of long-term durable response and survival. Objectives We conducted a study to evaluate the importance of the early molecular response (EMR) at 3, 6 and 12 months (mo), and 3-year event free survival (EFS). Methods This is a retrospective study in a cohort of pts with chronic myeloid leukemia chronic phase (CP) enrolled in 14 Hematology centers in South Brazil. All pts received imatinib 400mg as first or second-line therapy. Patient evaluation and response criteria followed the ELN recommendations. EFS was measured from the start of imatinib to the date of any of the following events while on therapy: death from any cause, loss of complete hematologic response, loss of complete cytogenetic response, discontinuation of therapy for toxicity or lack of efficacy, or progression to accelerated phase or blastic phase. Results We analyzed data from 517 pts with CML-CP diagnosed since 1990. After a median observation time of 46 months, 5-year overall survival (OS) was 86% and 5-year event-free-survival was 53%. At 3 mo, EFS was 72,5% for 46 pts with BCR-ABLIS ≤10% compared to 58% for 14 pts with BCR-ABLIS 〉10% (p1% (p0,1% (p

Description: Introduction: Imatinibe, a target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, have revolutionized CP-CML treatment. Considering that it is being discussed imatinibe treatment interruption in patients with MR ≥ 4.5 lasting two years or more, we believe to be important to establish predictors of major molecular response (MMR) loss. Fluctuations in BCR-ABL transcripts are being advocated to be able to predict MMR loss, although the real impact of small fluctuations among patients with in MR ≥ 4.5 is uncertain. Objective: Correlate BCR-ABL fluctuations and MMR loss in patients considered to be in MR ≥ 4.5, as well as to recognize possible factors associated with these small fluctuations. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis in CP-CML patients receiving imatinibe (as first or second treatment line) that achieved MR ≥ 4.5 (defined as a 4.5 log reduction on an international scale) and surveyed for BCR-ABL fluctuations. We considered a fluctuation to be a rise of at least 0.5 log of BCR-ABL transcripts. Treatment interruptions were considered only when imatinibe was not taken for 15 or more consecutive days. The presence of comorbities was evaluated by applying the Charlson Index. Results: Fifty-eight patients were evaluated between with a median follow-up 7 years. Fifty-five percent were men and 28 were women, with a median age of 46 (18 - 93) years-old, most of the patients were older than 60 yo (75,9%). Among 32 patients evaluated by the Sokal risk score 97,5% were estimated to be low or intermediate. Twenty six patients presented at least one fluctuation. Regarding the number of fluctuations per patient, 18 presented only 1 fluctuation, 5 presented 2 fluctuations and 3 patients presented 3 fluctuations. Among those patients with at least one fluctuation 3 (11%) presented MMR loss, while there was none among patients without documented fluctuations (p=0,15). Among these three patients considered to have MMR loss, two presented fluctuations that reached MR 3.0, while the other patient presented a history of long treatment suspension. More patients that interrupted treatment presented BCR-ABL fluctuations, although this difference was not statically significant (78% vs 50% p=0,11). Conclusion: Small fluctuations among patients with MR ≥ 4.5 didn't seem to correlate with MMR loss, however we do believe that our population is underpowered to rule out this difference. We considered that it very interesting that patients which reached MR 3.0 presented MMR loss (considering that the other patient had to abandon treatment during pregnancy). Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Introduction: Myelofibrosis (MF) is a rare and progressive myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), with increased risk of death due to disease complications and progression. The only curative therapy, bone marrow transplantation, is rarely feasible due to patients' age and comorbidities. Genetic study for prognostication and JAK inhibitors drugs are not available for all patients. Thus, patients with MF, especially those with poor prognosis (int-2 and high-risk IPSS), present decreased quality of life and survival. In Brazil, there is a lack of information regarding the epidemiology and management of the disease. Aims and methods: An expert panel was conducted in June 2019 with seven hematologists from different centers to identify limitations to MF care in Brazil and address pertinent recommendations. The experts received the questions in advance, conducted a literature review, and then discussed results and proposals for MF management in Brazil. Results: Diagnosis of MF, including hematologic, morphologic, and molecular findings, is challenging. In Brazil, patients are often diagnosed in advanced phases of MF what may suggest a late referral for specialized centers. The specialists concluded that awareness about the clinical findings of MF requires attention. An effort also needs to be made regarding morphological diagnosis according to the WHO revised criteria for MPN differential diagnosis. Although the mutational profile is essential for diagnosis and risk stratification, in Brazil, most of the centers have no access to driver mutations tests. The risk stratification relies on clinical scores such as IPSS or DIPSS, which leads to a lower identification of patients with a higher risk of disease that should be considered for transplantation. Regarding the quality of life, there is a sense of low perception about symptomatic severity of patients and physicians. Symptomatic scores, not yet available in Portuguese, are not applied routinely: patients have difficulties in understanding the questions without supervision. Finally, even though the Brazilian public healthcare system is based on the principles of universal coverage, the integrality of care and equity, most patients have limited access to drugs that improve symptoms and survival, like the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. Availability of medications is greater in the private system. However, there is a mandatory list of drugs approved by the insurance companies and updated every two years. Thus, new drugs are not readily available even in this setting. Of note, the majority of the Brazilian population is covered by the public system, while the private system covers 24% of the entire population. Therefore, disparities in health care between public and private systems can affect MF assistance. Based on these findings, the expert panel made the following suggestions: 1) A Brazilian registry, with a representative coverage of the national territory, to better understand the MF patient journey. 2) In order to improve diagnosis, investment in hematopathologist training and molecular testing for JAK2, CALR, and MLP mutations should be encouraged. 3) New prognostic classifications, such as MIPSS70+ version 2.0, that combine genetic and clinical variables, reinforce the need for adopting molecular tests as routine risk assessment. 4) Urgent need to develop a specific instrument to assess the impact of symptoms on the quality of life. Therefore, translation and validation of MPN-SAF TSS have been recently accomplished and will be used by MF reference centers when published. 5) Lack of equity in access to treatment options between public and private system was a consensus among experts. Measures that could address this issue include the establishment of MPN reference centers according to geographic distribution and centralization of the drugs purchasing system. A recently elaborated guideline endorsed by the Brazilian Society of Hematology is being used to circumvent the lack of a national protocol. In conclusion, the identification of limiting factors for MF management leads us to propose recommendations for the Brazilian healthcare system in an attempt to improve patient care. Urgent actions should be taken to improve the unmet needs for these patients, especially in the public system where diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches deserve special attention. Disclosures Solza: Novartis: Honoraria. Apa:Novartis: Honoraria. Magalhaes:Novartis: Honoraria. Delamain:Novartis: Honoraria. Tavares:Novartis: Honoraria. Figueiredo-Pontes:Novartis: Honoraria.