ALBERT

Description: Key Points Simultaneous inhibition of Cdk9 and PI3K in human AML cells liberates Bak from both Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, inducing Bak-dependent apoptosis. Dual inhibitors of Cdk9 and PI3K, such as PIK-75, have broad activity against malignant cells including human AML cells.

Description: Despite a high rate of complete remission after treatment with conventional genotoxic agents, the overall survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is poor due to frequent relapses caused by the chemoresistance of rare leukemic stem cells (LSCs, also called Scid-Leukemia Initiating Cells). This unfavorable situation leads to a strong need to characterize those cells in order to target them with new specific therapies. Using a robust immunodeficient mouse model (NOD/LtSz-scid IL2Rγchainnull or NSG), we have previously shown that these LSCs were rare and not restricted to the CD34+CD38- immature compartment. This phenotypical heterogeneity of LSCs suggests that pharmacological targeting of LSC will not work if solely based on their cell surface markers. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the in vivo chemoresistance is required for the development of innovative targeted therapies. Aracytine (Ara-C, a pyrimidine analog), the most clinically used chemotherapeutic agents for AML patients, inhibits DNA synthesis and, therefore, targets and kills cycling AML cells in S phase of the cell cycle. Based on this mechanism of action, we hypothesized that Ara-C treatment will spare and enrich quiescent LSCs in vivo. We analyzed the response to Ara-C and residual disease in NSG mice engrafted with primary AML cells from 13 patients in two clinical centers (University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA and Purpan Hospital, Toulouse, France). A sub-lethal treatment of 60 mg/kg Ara-C given daily for five days induced a 5- to 50- fold reduction of peripheral blood blasts and total tumor burden in spleen and bone marrow in all patients tested. For 5 patients, we observed relapse within 4 to 6 weeks post-chemotherapy. Surprisingly, residual viable cells after Ara-C treatment showed no significant enrichment in quiescent cells and CD34+CD38- cells for the majority of primary samples tested (12 and 10 out of 13 total tested, respectively). Of note, the largest fraction (70-90%) of leukemic cells is in G0/G1 phase (including 0.5-20% in G0) in untreated engrafted mice. Moreover, we observed no significant changes in cell cycle profile of residual leukemic cells during the time course of the disease progression for 3 out of 4 patients. Finally, we assessed the frequency of LSCs in Ara-C-treated and control mice using transplantation and limiting dilution analysis in secondary recipients. Interestingly, we observed that Ara-C treatment did not increase the frequency of SL-ICs in residual cells, suggesting that blasts and LSC were equally sensitive to Ara-C in vivo. Our results show that sub-lethal regimen of Ara-C does not lead to enrichment of LSCs and induces cell death of both leukemic bulk and stem/progenitor cells independently of their cell cycle status probably through another in vivo mechanism such as apoptosis, autophagy or necroptosis. This study also suggests that further characterization of chemoresistant leukemic cells beyond phenotype and cell cycle status must rely on more functional properties in order to better elucidate the molecular basis of resistance in AML. Disclosures: Perry: MERCK: Employment. Carroll:Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: Research Funding. Sarry:AFFICHEM SA: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Description: Abstract 3996 Background: AZA significantly improves OS in higher-risk MDS (including RAEB-t/AML) compared to conventional treatments (AZA 001 trial, Lancet Onc, 2009), but prognostic factors of response and OS to AZA remain largely unknown. We designed a prognostic score for OS in a cohort of AZA treated higher-risk MDS in a patient-named compassionate program (French ATU), and validated it in patients from the AZA 001 trial. Methods: Between Sept 2004 and Jan 2009, prior to AZA approval in Europe, IPSS int-2/high risk MDS (including RAEB-t) not previously treated with intensive chemotherapy (IC), allo SCT, or a hypomethylating agent were included in a compassionate program (ATU), and received AZA (planned schedule 75 mg/m2/d ×7 d every 28 d for ≥4 cycles). Independent prognostic factors of OS were individualized in a Cox model. A prognostic score was then developed based on those factors. After validation of the score as a continuous variable, pts were grouped in three distinct risk categories. We subsequently tried to validate this score in the 175 higher risk MDS pts treated with AZA at the same schedule in AZA 001 trial (4 of the 179 pts randomized to AZA in that trial did not start AZA). Results: The ATU cohort included 282 pts with de novo (74%) or therapy related (t) (26%) higher-risk MDS (IPSS int-2 in 54% high in 43%, at least int-2 in 2%). ECOG PS ≥2, RBC transfusion dependence ≥4 units/8 weeks and circulating blasts were present in 21%, 46% and 46% of pts respectively (resp). Cytogenetic risk was good, int, and poor in 31%, 17% and 47% (unknown in 5%). 10% pts had previously been treated with LD araC for their MDS. Multivariate analysis of survival retained PS ≥2 (HR= 2.0 [95% CI: 1.4–2.9]), RBC transfusion dependence ≥4 units/8 weeks (HR=1.9 [1.4-2.6]), presence of circulating blasts (HR=2.0 [1.5-2.7]), and IPSS cytogenetic risk (intermediate: HR=1.4 [0.8-2.3], poor: HR=3.0 [2.0-4.3]) as independent prognostic factors (all p

Description: Abstract 1719 Background: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) affect elderly patients. Azacitidine represents the gold standard treatment of high risk MDS. French health organization allows home chemotherapy administration after the first cycle of treatment. We decided to develop a home administration program of this drug. Moreover we hypothesized that this modality of treatment will improve patient's quality of life. Patients and methods: after one cycle in hospitalization, high risk MDS patients who were agree to receive home chemotherapy were included in the study. As recommended each first day of Azacitidine cycle was still administrated at hospital. Due to drug instability a quality statement was created to control all steps of administration (including storage temperature before administration). Feasibility and safety were evaluated. Comparison between home or hospital administration was performed: number of cycles, dose, tolerance, problems of administration. Results: 68 patients were included in the home chemotherapy program, 75% were MDS patients and 48 received Azacitidine. Age distribution was 7 patients 60/69 yrs (14%), 22 patients 70/79 yrs (46%) and 19 patients 80–89 yrs (40%). More than 2000 days of hospitalization were performed at home during a 18-month period. Similar median number of cycles and delays were observed in the two groups as well as same level of adverse events and hospitalizations between 2 cycles. In few cases administration was not possible at home due to unresolved infection, cytopenia or drug availability (excessive time between preparation and distribution). No patient was excluded of this program. Discussion and conclusion: home administration of Azacitidine was safe and feasible. All patients agree to continue this modality of administration and high level of satisfaction was observed. Next step will consist in a randomized study to compare quality of life between home and hospital administration of the drug. For this population of patient home treatment will represent an alternative which could improve quality of life as observed for children in ALL (1) or in colorectal cancer (2). Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Background :AZA improves overall survival (OS) in higher risk MDS, but only 50-60% of the patients respond, and median OS with AZA is only 20-24 months. As OS improvement is obtained at modest response rates, OS rather than response should probably remain the primary endpoint for all combinations with AZA, requiring large phase III trials with significant follow up. On the other hand, combinations that do not increase response will likely not improve OS. We therefore tested, based on a "pick the winner" approach, AZA combinations with the HDAC inhibitor VPA, LEN or IDA to identify, based on response, the most promising combination with AZA in higher risk MDS, that could be subsequently compared with AZA alone in a larger phase III study. Methods : AZA-PLUS (#NCT01342692)was an adaptive two-stage phase II trial based on Jung design (Stat Med.2008;27:568) that randomly assigned higher-risk MDS, low blast count AML (20-30%) and CMML to: AZA (75 mg/m2/d d1-7 of 28-day cycles); AZA plus LEN (10 mg/d on d1-14); AZA plus VPA( 50 mg/kg/d on d1-7; 35 mg/kg/d in patients〉 60y) or AZA plus IDA (10 mg/m2on d1 for the first 9 cycles). The primary end point was response rate (RR, including CR, PR, marrow CR, based on IWG 2006) of the combination arms vs AZA alone. Given a 30% RR with AZA alone, we considered that a ≥45% RR would make combination(s) promising. Controlling for type I and type II errors at 0.15 and 0.20, 40 patients per arm were to be enrolled at each stage. Any experimental arms with RR lower than those observed in the AZA arm at the first stage should be stopped. At the second stage, any arm with 〉 6 more responses than AZA alone should be selected for further testing. Secondary endpoint were ORR (RR+ stable disease with HI (HI) and OS. Results : After inclusion of 40 pts/arm (first stage) all experimental arms had at least the same number of responses as the control arm and were continued in second stage. Overall, 322 pts were enrolled from 06/2011 to 07/2017: 81, 80, 80, 81 in the AZA, AZA+VPA, AZA+LEN and AZA+IDA arms, respectively. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced across arms. Median age was 74.6 y, 213 pts were male, IPSS was INT-2 in 54% and High in 46%. IPSS Karyotype was fav, int and poor in 40%, 26% and 34%, respectively. Pts received a median of 7 cycles and median follow-up was 15.1 months. Prevalence of trial discontinuation due to adverse events was 32%, 29%, 28% and 31% in the AZA , AZA+VPA , AZA+LEN and AZA+IDA arms, respectively (p=0.95). Rates of hospitalization during the first 6 cycles were 38%, 44.7% , 55.1%, 59.7% in the AZA, AZA +VPA, AZA+LEN and AZA+IDA arms, respectively (p=0.028), suggesting increased myelosuppression in the experimental arms, especially in the LEN and IDA arm. In the control arm, 29 responses (CR+PR+mCR) after 6 cycles were observed, with 29, 25 and 29 responses observed in AZA+VPA , AZA+LEN and AZA+IDA arms, respectively. Thus, no combination demonstrated benefit over AZA. The RR was estimated at 34.8% (18.6% CR, 3.1% PR, and 13.0% mCR) and the ORR after 6 cycles was 40.4%. The RR after 6 cycles (35.8% for AZA, 36.2% for AZA+VPA, 31.2% for AZA+LEN, and 35.8% for AZA+IDA) and the ORR after 6 cycles (41.9% for AZA; 41.2% for AZA+VPA, 40.0% for AZA+LEN and 38.3% for AZA+IDA) were close across study arms. By multivariate analysis, factors associated with better ORR were higher Hb level (p=0.05), low fibrinogen (p=0.008) and low LDH (p=0.01). 17 (5%) pts were bridged to allogeneic SCT: 6 on AZA, 5 on AZA+VPA, none in the AZA+LEN arm and 6 on AZA+IDA arm (p=0.03). At the reference date of July 2018, median EFS was 16.6 months for in AZA, 14.5 months for in AZA+VPA, 15.1 months for in AZA+LEN and 13.2 months for in AZA+IDA (p=0.74) (Fig A). Multivariable Cox model selected Hb level (p=0.02), presence of circulating blasts (p

Description: Abstract 2632 Hans algorithm using immunohistochemistry correlates well with gene expression data in Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) (Meyer PN, 2011) and has demonstrated in some studies clear survival differences in favor of germinal-centre (GC) vs non-germinal centre (n-GC) B-cell among DLBCL treated with R-CHOP. We undertook an immunohistochemical study among patients aged 18 to 59 years with aaIPI 1 included in the GELA trial LNH 03-2B that compared R-ACVBP intensified immunochemotherapy to standard R-CHOP. This trial demonstrated an improvement of EFS, PFS and overall survival (OS) of patients treated with R-ACVBP (C Recher et al, in press). Our goal was to evaluate survival of patients with GC and n-GC DLBCL according to treatment regimens. We analyzed by immunohistochemistry the expression of CD10, BCL6 and MUM1 and classified patients as GC or n-GC according to the Hans algorithm. Among the 380 patients enrolled in this study, 229 patients were available for Hans algorithm classification. There was no differences considering clinical characteristics of these 229 patients (age, sex, B symptoms, PS, Stage, LDH, number of extranodal sites, bulky mass, bone marrow involvement) compared to the whole LNH03-2B population. 175 DLBCL cases were present on a tissue microarray (TMA) and 54 other cases were analyzed using unstained slides. 101 patients were classified as GC and 128 as n-GC. 107 patients were treated by R-ACVBP and 122 by R-CHOP. EFS, PFS and OS were not different between the GC and n-GC profile among the whole population (P=.82, P=.90, P=.68, respectively). There was no statistical difference in EFS, PFS and OS between R-ACVBP and R-CHOP in GC patients (P=.78; P=.84, P=.33, respectively). Interestingly, EFS, PFS and OS were significantly much longer among n-GC patients treated by R-ACVBP compared to R-CHOP (P=.02; P=.007, P=.007, respectively). Results were similar considering only TMA population (P=.02, P=.001, P=.001, respectively). This subgroup analysis suggests that the survival benefit related to R-ACVBP over R-CHOP in the LNH 03-2B is in large part linked to a survival improvement in the n-GC population. This algorithm, easy to apply on routine paraffin-embedded tissue, might be useful in the future to select patients that can primarily benefit from this intensive regimen. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Introduction : TP53 mutated (TP53m) MDS and AML have very poor outcome irrespective of the treatment received, including 40% responses (20% CR) with azacitidine (AZA) with short response duration and a median overall survival (OS) of about 8 months (Bejar, Blood 2014). APR-246 is a prodrug spontaneously converted to methylene quinuclidinone (MQ), a Michael acceptor that binds covalently to cysteines in mutant p53, leading to protein reconformation that reactivates its pro apoptotic and cell cycle arrest functions. The combination of AZA and APR 246 showed promising results in a phase Ib study in TP53m MDS (Sallman, ASH 2018). We report interim results of a GFM phase 2 study of AZA+ APR-246 in TP53m MDS and AML, conducted in parallel with a similar US MDS consortium study. Patients and Methods : The study included hypomethylating agent (HMA) naïve and not previously allografted intermediate, high or very high IPSS-R TP53m MDS and AML adult patients. Patients received APR-246 4500 mg IV /d (6 hour infusions) (days 1-4) followed by AZA 75 mg/m²/d (days 4-10) in 28 day cycles. Response (primary endpoint, assessed by IWG 2006 for MDS and ELN criteria for AML) was evaluated after 3 and 6 cycles in the intent to treat (ITT) population, ie all patients who had received any protocol treatment, and in patients who had at least a blood and bone marrow evaluation after cycle 3 (evaluable population). Allo-SCT, when possible, was proposed after 3 to 6 cycles, and treatment with reduced APR 246 and AZA doses could be continued after allo-SCT. Results : 53 patients were enrolled between Sept 2018 and July 2019 in 7 GFM centers, with a median age of 73 years (range 44-87), and M/F: 28/25. 34 patients had MDS (including 74% very high IPSS-R) and 19 had AML. IPSS-R cytogenetic risk was very poor in 30/34 MDS, and unfavorable in 18/19 AML, complex in 89% of the patients. Median baseline mutated TP53 VAF was 21% (range 3-76). Nineteen of the 53 patients had been included at least 7 months before date of analysis (25 July 2019), had received protocol treatment and were thus potentially evaluable for response after 6 treatment cycles (ITT population). One of them died after only one cycle from an unrelated cause (cerebral ischemic stroke), and 2 during the third cycle (from bleeding and sepsis, respectively). In the remaining 16 patients (evaluable population per protocol), the response rate was 75% including 9 (56%) CR, 3 (19%) marrow CR or stable disease with hematological improvement (HI), and 4 treatment resistance. In the ITT population, the response rate was 63%, including 47% CR, and 16% stable or marrow CR+ HI. Among CR patients, complete cytogenetic CR and negative NGS for TP53 mutation (VAF cutoff of 2%) were achieved in 7/9 (78%) and 8/8 (100%), respectively. So far, 1 patient has undergone allo-SCT. All 53 patients had received at least one treatment cycle, and no increased myelosuppression, compared with AZA alone, was apparent. Treatment related AEs observed in ≥ 20% of patients were febrile neutropenia in 19 (36%) and neurological AEs in 21 (40%) of the patients. The latter, reviewed with a neurological team, were mainly grade 1 or 2 and consisted of ataxia (n=13), sometimes associated with cognitive impairment (n=4), suggesting a cerebellar origin. Other patients experienced acute confusion (n=4), isolated dizziness (n=3) and facial paresthesia (n=1). Neurological AEs reached grade III in 3 cases (1 acute confusion, 2 ataxia). Occurrence of neurological AEs was correlated with lower glomerular filtration rate at treatment onset (p

Description: Abstract 843 Background: AZA prolongs survival in higher-risk MDS including patients (pts) with 20-29 % marrow blasts, now considered WHO-AML ( Lancet Onc, 2009). However, no large AML cohorts (especially with '30% marrow blasts) treated upfront with AZA have been reported. Methods: An AZA compassionate program (ATU) was initiated in France in Dec 2004 for higher risk MDS, and AML considered not candidates or refractory to intensive chemotherapy (IC). We retrospectively analyzed WHO AML pts having received at least 1 cycle of AZA in the 42 centers with complete pt reporting, excluding those previously treated by IC, allo SCT, low dose AraC or a hypomethylating agent. Results: 138 pts were included between Dec 2004 and Dec 2008; M/F: 86/52; median age 73 years (y) (range 31-87), 117 pts (85%) were 〉 65 y and 54 (40%) 〉75y. 65 pts (47%) had prior WHO MDS and 30 pts (22%) therapy related (tAML). 44 pts (32%) had 20-29% marrow blasts. Median WBC was 3.0 G/L [0.8-111.5]. Karyotype (MRC classification), was intermediate (int) in 60 pts,( including 38 normal (NK), and 7 isolated +8 ) adverse in 67 pts (including 42 -7/ del7q, 41 del5q/-5, 45 complex karyotype, two 3q26) and failed in 11 pts. With a median follow-up of 11.3 months, pts received a median of 4.5 AZA cycles (range 1-26). Treatment was according to FDA-EMEA approved schedule for MDS in 95 pts (69%) and a less intensive schedule (5d/4w, or 10 G/L (32 pts in our cohort) carried poorer prognosis ( 1 y OS of 27% vs 44% ,p=0.01); NK had better OS (1-y OS: 66%) than adverse cytogenetics (1-y OS: 30%, p=0.01) but also other “intermediate-risk” abnormalities (1-y OS: 30%, p=0.03). Marrow blast % did not influence OS and survival, whatever the cut off chosen. In particular, pts with 20-29 % marrow blasts had 22% AML response and 1 y OS of 50%, compared to 21% and 1 y OS of 35%, respectively, in pts with 〉30% marrow blasts (p=NS and NS, respectively). Prior MDS also had no influence on survival. Overall, 33 pts required hospitalization during treatment, mainly for neutropenic fever. A landmark analysis at the time of evaluation showed that achievement of CR, CRi or PR was associated with improved OS (1y-OS 55% vs 31%,p=0.007). In pts with no AML-IWG response, however, achievement of HI also predicted better survival: 1 y-OS 55% vs 19 %, p=0.02. In the 54 pts older than 75 y (ie pts generally considered unfit for IC), 12 (22%) had AML response including CR in 9 (17%) and 3 PR (5%). 1y-OS was 41 % vs 38% for younger pts (p=NS). Hospitalisation was needed in 31% of them vs 32% in younger pts (p=NS). Conclusion: In this untreated cohort of generally older AML pts considered non candidates for intensive chemotherapy, response rate was 21% and 1 y OS 40%. Higher WBC counts and adverse karyotype were associated with poorer OS, but marrow blast %, whatever the threshold chosen, had no influence on outcome. Age above 75 y was associated with similar response and 1y OS. Finally, pts without AML IWG responses but with improved cytopenias also appeared to have improved survival. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Azacytidine is approved by FDA and EMEA in the treatment of high risk MDS and AML up to 30% of bone marrow blast.. Fenaux:CELGENE: Research Funding; AMGEN: Research Funding.

Description: Abstract 3872 Poster Board III-808 Introduction POEMS syndrome is a rare disease characterized by peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cells, skin changes, papilledema, volume overload, sclerotic bone lesions, thrombocytosis, and high serum VEGF level. Efficient treatments consist in irradiation for patients with localized solitary plasmocytoma and high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation for appropriate candidates without a focal lesion. Conventional myeloma chemotherapy can only control the disease in a limited number of patients. Results of monoclonal anti-VEGF antibodies, which seem to be attractive due to the role of VEGF in this disease, are controversy with efficacy in 3 patients but treatment related deaths in 2 other patients. Thalidomide effectiveness has been reported in Japanese patients but enthusiasm for its use is tempered by the high incidence of thalidomide-induced peripheral neuropathy. Lenalidomide, which efficacy has been described in one observation (Dispenzieri, Blood 2007 110: 1075-1076), has the advantage of being anti-angiogenic, cytotoxic to malignant plasma cells and with a much lower risk of peripheral neuropathy. We reported here a multicentric French experience with this drug in POEMS syndrome. Patients and Methods There were 3 women and 6 men treated with Lenalidomide in 7 French centres. Median age was 60 (41-76). All patients had sensitive polyneuropathy with motor deficiency in 5 patients. A monoclonal component was present in all cases (IgA lambda in 7 patients, IgG lambda and lambda light chain only in 1 patient each). Other manifestations of POEMS syndrome included sclerotic bone lesions in 6 patients, endocrinopathies in 7 patients, skin changes in 8 patients, oedema in 7 patients, organomegaly in 5 patients, papilledema in 5 patients, thrombocytosis in 3 patients. VEGF serum level was elevated in 4 among 5 patients with a dosage. Previous treatments were high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation in 3 patients, Melphalan-Prednisone in 3 patients because of advanced age, and prolonged steroid treatment in 2 patients. One patient received Lenalidomide as primary treatment before high-dose therapy. Lenalidomide was given during 21 days each month and sequentially associated with dexamethasone, 5 patients received 25 mg/day and 4 patients received 10 or 15 mg, for a median of 5 cycles (1 to 11). Results Serious side effects were noted in 3 patients with 2 hematologic toxicities (grade III and IV) and a cutaneous allergy. Six patients could be evaluated for hematologic response and all responded, complete response in 3 patients and partial in 3 (〉25%). Clinical responses occurred early, before 3 months of treatment, in 6 cases among 8 (1 patient is not yet evaluable), with a marked improvement in performance and in neurological syndrome. Other manifestations of POEMS syndrome improved, especially oedema in 5 cases among 6. VEGF level (normal value 〈 500 pg/ml) could be serially measured in 4 patients with a normalization in 1 patient and a significant decrease in 3 patients, median 7100 pg/ml (2100-10100) before treatment to 887 pg/ml (304-3270). In 1 of these 3 patients VEGF level increased to initial value while he was still taking Lenalidomide. A second patient experimented a relapse 5 months after ending Lenalidomide, he is still in good response after Lenalidomide reintroduction. With a median follow-up of 12 months (1-26) all patients are alive. Conclusion Lenalidomide seems to be a very promising therapy in POEMS syndrome. It should be tested in larger studies in patients with a systemic disease, who are not able to receive high dose therapy, in relapsing patients and before high dose treatment to avoid transplant related morbidity, particularly engraftment syndrome. Disclosures: Jaccard: Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Facon:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees and Speakers Bureau. Moreau:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Fermand:Celgene: Speakers Bureau.

Description: Abstract 972 Background: The IPSS published in 1997, based on cytogenetics, marrow blast % and the number of cytopenias, has played a major role in prognosis assessment in MDS. A recently presented (Greenberg, International MDS Workshop, Edinburgh 2011) IPSS provisional update (IPSS-R), using the same parameters but 5 rather than 3 cytogenetic subgroups (Schanz et al, EHA 2010), a new cut off for ANC (0.8 G/L) and different weighing of parameters, appears to refine IPSS prognostic value but, like the original IPSS, was established in pts who had received no disease modifying drugs. We assessed the prognostic value of IPSS-R in 265 higher risk MDS treated with AZA, a drug with a survival impact in those pts (Lancet Oncol, 2009). Methods: Between Sept 2004 and Jan 2009, before drug approval in EU, we enrolled 282 IPSS high and int 2 (higher) risk MDS in a compassionate patient named program of AZA and established in this cohort a prognostic scoring system (“AZA predictive score” based on Performance status (PS), cytogenetics, presence of circulating blasts, and RBC transfusion dependency) (Itzykson, Blood, 2011). We analyzed in this cohort the prognostic impact of IPSS-R in higher risk MDS treated with AZA. Results: Median age was 71 years. WHO diagnosis: 4% RA, RA RARS or RCMD, 20% RAEB-1, 54%RAEB-2, 22% RAEB-t (AML 20–30% blasts). Cytogenetics could be reclassified using new IPSS-R cytogenetic groups in 265 pts, in: 1% very good, 37% good, 18% int, 12% poor and 32% very poor. 66% pts had Hb