ALBERT

Description: Bone marrow (BM) fibrosis is a key pathomorphologic feature of patients (pts) with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and the fibrotic phases of essential thrombocythemia (post-ET MF) and polycythemia vera (post-PV MF). The degree of BM fibrosis appears to correlate with survival. Indeed worse survival has been associated with increased BM fibrosis. The BM stromal microenvironment is important in the pathogenesis of BM fibrosis. Cellular components (fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, adipocytes), structural fibrils (collagen, reticulin) and extracellular matrix components are all forming elements of the BM stroma. Increased stromal fibrosis has been linked to abnormalities in the number/ function of megakaryocytes and platelets in hematologic diseases. Several cytokines like Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) and Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-b) have been also linked to the pathophysiology of BM fibrosis. PDGF has been shown to increase fibroblast growth in megakaryocytes and platelets although increased PDGF did not correlate with increased production of either reticulin or collagenous fibrosis. Moreover, PMF pts have increased TGF-b levels in platelets, megakaryocytes, and monocytes. Nitric Oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous gas important in physiologic processes particularly vasodilatation. Dysregulation of NO levels has been implicated in pulmonary hypertension (PH), hemoglobinopathies, and cardiovascular diseases. In Peyronie’s disease, a localized fibrosis of the penile tunica albuginea, increased NO production by expression of iNOS decreases collagen deposition by neutralization of profibrotic reactive oxygen species and decreased myofibroblast formation. Aside from its role in maintaining normal vascular tone, NO also plays a role in fibroblast formation and collagen biosynthesis. We previously reported that ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor restores NO levels leading to improvement of PH in MF pts (Tabarroki et al., Leukemia 2014). We now hypothesize that plasma/serum NO level is a key regulator of BM fibrosis in MF and that ruxolitinib treatment (Tx) leads to improvement of BM fibrosis by NO modulation. Using a Sievers 280i NO analyzer we measured the plasma/serum NO level of a large cohort (n=75) of pts with myeloid and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) [MDS, RARS/RCMD=8; MPN, ET=8, PV=8, MF=24, Mastocytosis=7; MDS/MPN, CMML=11, MDS/MPN-U, RARS-T=9]. Healthy subjects (n=10) were used as a control. MPN pts had low NO (nM) levels among the pts studied with the lowest level found in MF pts: MF=30.31±11.8, PV=39.0±16.1, ET=36±20.3, RARS=74.6±41.7 (P=.01), CMML=84.4±89.2 (P=.04), RCMD=163.4±103.8 (P

Description: Although outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) for AML have improved, this has mainly been attributed to a reduction in transplant-related mortality rather than reduced leukemia relapse. NK cell alloreactivity is regulated by inhibitory and activating signals mediated through cell-surface receptors including the killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). Group A and B KIR haplotypes have distinct centromeric (Cen) and telomeric (Tel) gene-content motifs and donor Cen group B KIR haplotypes have been reported to be associated with decreased relapse and improved survival in AML patients undergoing unrelated donor alloHCT. We hypothesized that donor KIR genotype may also be predictive of outcomes after matched related donor (MRD) alloHCT. We evaluated 93 AML patients in CR1/CR2 who underwent T-cell replete alloHCT using HLA- matched related donors at our institution from 1/2000-3/2013. Sixty-six had myeloablative conditioning (MAC) that that was busulfan/cyclophosphamide-based and 27 had reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) with fludarabine/total body irradiation or busulfan/fludarabine. Donors were KIR genotyped to assign haplotypes A/A vs. B/X and the distinctive Cen and Tel gene-content motifs of group A and B KIR haplotypes according to the presence or absence of one or more B haplotype-defining KIR genes. KIR B–content score for each KIR genotype was defined as the number of Cen and Tel gene-content motifs containing B haplotype–defining genes (range, 0-4). As compared to those with haplotypes B/X (n=40; B content scores of 1-4) those with haplotype A/A (n=25; B content score of 0) undergoing MAC had significantly lower 100-day, 6-, 12- and 24-month non-relapse mortality (NRM) (8% vs. 0%, 13% vs. 0%, 15% vs. 0%, 25% vs. 0%, respectively, Figure 1) which was confirmed on multivariable analysis (HR 9.19, p=0.03). There were no differences between these groups regarding patient and transplant-related characteristics, or for acute or chronic GVHD, relapse, or survival. The causes of death in the group with haplotypes B/X were most commonly attributed to infection and then GVHD. However, within the group with B/X haplotypes, the B motif content score (1-4) was not associated with significant differences in NRM (HR 0.79, p=0.56). No difference in outcomes was observed for those undergoing RIC. The number of donor activating KIR genes (2SD1, 2DS2, 2DS3, 2DS4, 2DS5, and 3DS1) was then assessed. As compared to those with 3-6 activating KIR genes (n=20) those with 0-2 (n=41) undergoing MAC had significantly lower 100-day, 6-, 12- and 24-month non-relapse mortality (NRM) (15% vs. 0%, 15% vs. 5%, 15% vs. 5%, 29% vs. 8%, respectively, Figure 2) which was confirmed on multivariable analysis (HR 4.07, p=0.01). There were no differences in other post-transplant outcomes when comparing these groups or when considering those undergoing RIC. An increase of 1 donor activating KIR also was highly associated with NRM (HR 1.37, p=0.008). Overall, these results suggest that in the MRD MAC alloHCT setting donor KIR genotype may be predictive of increased NRM risk, particularly for those with B/X haplotypes and greater numbers donor activating KIRs. No comparable effects were observed in the RIC setting. Future strategies to further enhance immune reconstitution post-transplant may be appropriate to pursue for these higher risk patients. These results may have potential implications to improve donor selection for those AML patients with multiple HLA-matched related donors and need to be validated in larger cohorts. Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 2. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Key Points For patients with acute myelogenous leukemia, post-transplant survival is not determined by donor source (unrelated vs related). However, for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, donor source remains an important determinant of post-transplantation outcomes.

Description: Key Points Frontline nilotinib led to fewer, less diverse BCR-ABL mutations than imatinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase. Rates of progression to accelerated phase/blast crisis were lower with nilotinib than imatinib in patients with emergent BCR-ABL mutations.

Description: Abstract 3325 Poster Board III-213 For patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who failed to achieve complete remission (CR) or who relapsed after obtaining CR with initial treatment, salvage therapy has historically resulted in poor long-term survival. The PARMA trial identified high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as a superior treatment modality compared to standard chemotherapy. As originally reported in 1995, the 5-year event-free-survival (EFS) was 46% in patients undergoing ASCT, compared to 12% in patients receiving chemotherapy alone. Subsequent to the widespread adoption of ASCT, it has been noted that patients who have undergone autologous transplantation for relapsed or refractory DLBCL may be at increased risk of mortality well beyond 5 year point which has generally been an accepted surrogate for long-term survival. To assess long-term outcomes of these patients, we retrospectively analyzed data from 309 consecutive patients who received ASCT for DLBCL at the Cleveland Clinic from January 1994 through December 2006. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, diagnosis of DLCBL, and history of a single autologous stem cell transplant. The median age of these patients was 51 years (range 19-72) and 61.2% were male. The median time from diagnosis of DLBCL to transplant was 14.7 months (range 2.1-372.3). 99.0% of patients received peripheral blood stem cells and 98.4% received a preparative regimen with busulfan/cyclophosphamide/VP16. As shown in the accompanying figure, non-relapse mortality (NRM) becomes the major cause of death approximately 6 years after ASCT. The most common causes of NRM during the study period were pulmonary toxicity (31%), infection (17%), cardiac toxicity (15%) and secondary malignancy (15%). In multivariate analysis, the strongest predictor of relapse mortality was disease status at transplant: patients who were in second complete or partial remission had a higher risk of relapse mortality than those in first complete or partial remission (hazard ratio [HR] 3.70, P

Description: Background: Although, widespread application of innovative sequencing technologies is rapidly unraveling the molecular underpinnings driving the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) remains the only therapeutic modality that has demonstrated curative potential. However, a significant proportion of patients lack a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling or unrelated donor, and alternative donor sources are needed to extend HCT to patients that are otherwise suitable. There have been few published series solely dedicated to describing the outcomes of adult patients who have undergone umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) for MDS. Methods: We identified 176 adult MDS patients who underwent UCBT, at 59 centers, between 2004 and 2013 from the CIBMTR database. The primary endpoints were the estimated incidences of graft-vs-host-disease (GVHD), relapse, transplant-related mortality (TRM), disease free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Multivariate models were built to assess the ability of the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) to predict post-HCT outcome. Results: Median age at the time of transplant was 56 (18-73) with 32%, 27%, 34% having a comorbidity score (HCT-CI) of 0, 1-2, or ≥ 3, respectively. The median time from diagnosis to transplant was 9 (〈 1-147) months; 23% of patients did not receive pre-HCT chemotherapy; 72% has a marrow blast count ≤ 5%. IPSS-R scores are shown in Table 1. Myeloablative and reduced-intensity/non-myeloablative conditioning was used in 35% and 65%, respectively; 43% incorporating ATG/alemtuzumab. Double units were used in 80%; median total nucleated cell dose (TNC) of 4 × 107 /kg (〈 1-29); considering the unit with the higher number of HLA incompatibilities with the recipient, 60% had ≥ 2 mismatches. The 100-day probability of grade 2-4 acute GVHD was 38%. The 3-year probabilities of chronic GVHD, relapse, TRM, DFS, and OS was 28%, 32%, 40%, 28%, and 31%, respectively. In multivariate analysis using marginal Cox model to adjust for center effect, increasing IPSS-R score at the time of HCT was associated with inferior post-HCT TRM, DFS, and OS (Table 2). IPSS-R was associated with neither GVHD nor relapse. HCT-CI was associated with TRM (P = .001), DFS (P = .02), and OS (P = .001), and conditioning intensity was associated with relapse (P 〈 .001). A higher proportion of myeloablative HCTs were done for those with high-risk disease by IPSS-R, but the interaction between conditioning intensity and IPSS-R for relapse was not significant. Conclusions: Treatment decisions and clinical trial design can be informed by providing a descriptive analysis of UCBT for MDS that incorporates a large number of patients from multiple centers. In this analysis, TRM was significantly associated with HCT-CI scores. Interestingly, IPSS-R, a model that specifically quantifies disease risk, at the time of HCT did not predict for post-HCT relapse, but did for TRM. Table 1. Pre-HCT risk scores IPSS-R prior to transplant Very low 18 (10) Low 41 (23) Intermediate 33 (19) High 34 (19) Very high 22 (13) Missing 28 (16) Table 2. Multivariate analysis* TRM IPSS-R N RR 95% CI Lower Limit 95% CI Upper Limit P -value OverallP -value Very low/Low 64 1 .006 Intermediate 34 .68 .34 1.35 .30 High/Very high 54 1.76 1.12 2.75 .01 Missing 28 2.05 .93 4.52 .08 DFS IPSS-R N RR 95% CI Lower Limit 95% CI Upper Limit P -value OverallP -value Very low/Low 64 1 .02 Intermediate 34 .83 .50 1.37 .50 High/Very high 54 1.39 1.02 1.91 .04 Missing 28 1.63 .95 2.81 .08 OS IPSS-R N RR 95% CI Lower Limit 95% CI Upper Limit P -value OverallP -value Very low/Low 65 1 .008 Intermediate 35 .88 .51 1.50 .60 High/Very high 55 1.55 1.12 2.14 .01 Missing 28 1.72 .91 3.26 .09 * When adjusting for center effect and HCT-CI Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Introduction: Traditional prognostic factors for adult acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) include age, white blood count at diagnosis, and cytogenetic (CG) risk. We sought to identify a more detailed prognostic risk score for newly diagnosed adult patients (pts) based on these and other pre-treatment characteristics. Methods: 82 newly diagnosed ALL pts given induction chemotherapy (IC) at our institution between the years 2003-2011 were included, and data were obtained by chart review. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Variables examined included: gender, age, immunophenotype, CG risk, pre-IC body mass index (BMI), pre-IC and day 28 serum albumin, absolute lymphocyte (ALC) and neutrophil (ANC) counts, positive culture (blood or other) during IC, positive imaging suggestive of infection (during IC), and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (AHCT). CG risk was ascribed by CALGB criteria (Blood 1999; 93: 3983). BMI was defined by: underweight (≤ 18.5), normal (〉 18.5-25.0), overweight (〉 25.0-30.0), moderately obese (〉 30.0-35.0), severely obese (〉 35.0-40.0), and very severely obese (〉 40.0). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) which was measured from IC to death or last follow-up. Proportional hazards models were used for univariable and multivariable analyses. In the multivariable analysis stepwise variable selection was used to identify independent predictors. Results were internally validated using a bootstrap algorithm. For convenience measured factors were discretized using a recursive partitioning algorithm. Prognostic groups were formed by assigning “points” to each factor that were based on the magnitude of the estimated regression coefficients of the final model, and then summing the total number of points present. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 43 yrs (range 18-78); 58% male. 71% of pts (58/82) had a B-cell immunophenotype. CG risk included: normal: 15 pts (18%), high: 41 pts (50%), miscellaneous: 9 pts (11%), and unknown: 17 pts (21%). Twenty-four pts (29%) were Ph+. The majority of pts (70%: 57/82) received the CALGB 19802 regimen (Cancer 2013; 119: 90) for IC +/- a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (if they were Ph+). 27% of pts (22/ 82) received AHCT in CR1. Estimated median OS is 41.5 months (95% CI: 15.5-N/A). In univariable analysis age, pre-induction BMI, Day 28 ALC, pre- and Day 28 albumin, Day 28 ANC, Day 28 platelet count, evidence of infection, and CG risk were all seen to impact outcome. In multivariable analysis pre-IC BMI and albumin, age, and Day 28 ALC were identified as independent predictors. Assigning 1 “points” each for age 〉50, albumin prior to IC ≤ 3.2 g/dL, or Day 28 ALC ≤ 50 /uL and 2 points for BMI ≥ 35, 3 prognostic groups were defined: favorable (0 points) 32% of pts (26/80): estimated 5-yr OS of 68% +/-11%; intermediate (1 points) (29% of pts, 23/80): estimated 5 yr OS of 39% +/-11%, and unfavorable (≥ 2 points) (39% of pts, 31/80) with estimated 5 yr OS of 17% +/- 7% (Figure 1). Conclusion: We have constructed a simple prognostic model for newly diagnosed adults with ALL. This model will need to be validated in a larger group of uniformly treated patients. Table 1 Prognostic Factors for OS in Univariable and Multivariable Analysis Factor Univariable (HR (95% C.I.)) Multivariable (HR (95% C.I.)) Age at dx (≤50 vs. 〉50) 3.29 (1.80-5.99), p=.0001 2.83 (1.45-5.53), p=.002 Pre-IC BMI (35) 2.95 (1.57-5.52), p=0.0008 3.88 (1.84-8.17), p=.0004 Pre-IC albumin (≥ 3.2 vs. 〈 3.2 g/dl) 2.61 (1.43-4.77), p=0.002 2.66 (1.33-5.30), p=.0006 Day 28 ALC (〉 50/uL vs. ≤50/uL) 3.57 (1.61-7.91), p=0.002 3.11 (1.33-7.28), p=.009 CG risk 2.03 (0.98-4.22); p=0.06 ------ Day 28 albumin (〉2.3 vs. ≤2.3 g/dl) 3.37 (1.66-6.83), p=0.0008 ------ Day 28 ANC (〉200/uL vs. ≤200/uL) 4.51 (1.94-10.51), p=.0005 ------ Day 28 platelets (〉75K/uL vs. ≤75K/uL) 2.44 (1.26-4.72), p=.008 ------ Any positive culture (no vs. yes) 2.19 (1.19-4.04), p=0.01 ------ Blood culture positive for bacteria (no vs. yes) 2.34 (1.28-4.30), p=0.006 ------ Positive imaging suggestive of infection (no vs. yes) 2.44 (1.34-4.46), p=0.004 ------ Positive blood culture and image (no vs. yes) 1.96 (1.07-3.57), p=0.03 ------ Figure 1 Prognostic Groups Figure 1. Prognostic Groups Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: AYAs with cancer have been designated as a vulnerable population by the National Cancer Institute. This group, defined by the ages of 16-39 years, has not enjoyed the same survival improvements over the past several decades as older and younger cohorts. The reasons for outcome disparities among AYA leukemia patients are not well understood. Recent studies have compared outcomes of AYA HCT recipients with younger and older cohorts and reported no lag in survival improvements over time. However, long-term survival after allogeneic HCT in this age group has not been well described. We analyzed outcomes for 226 AYA patients with acute and chronic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, aplastic anemia and lymphoma who were transplanted at our institution from 1/2000-3/2013. The median age at HCT was 29 years (range 15-39) and their median follow up was 5 years (range,

Description: Background: While achieving complete remission (CR) is a major treatment milestone in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients (pts) undergoing induction chemotherapy (IC), it is the time to achieve CR (Tc) that has greater prognostic value in predicting subsequent survival. We are particularly interested in seeing whether trends in white blood cell (WBC) count elimination and recovery during induction phase can aid in prediction of Tc, thus enabling real-time prognostication. Methods: Adult pts diagnosed with AML (excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia) at the Cleveland Clinic from 10/08 - 11/12 who underwent IC with 7+3 (cytarabine and anthracycline) and achieved CR were included. Pretreatment variables including age, gender, race, smoking status, body mass index at dx, peripheral blood counts at diagnosis (dx), peripheral and marrow blasts at dx, disease classification and metaphase cytogenetics (per CALGB/Alliance 8461 criteria) were assessed. For mapping WBC elimination and recovery kinetics, we collected data on total WBC, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at several different time points after IC – day 1, day 7, day 14 (range, 13-17), day 21, day 35 (range 30-45) and the day CR was achieved. Time intervals selected for analysis included time taken for clearance of peripheral circulating blasts; time to reach nadirs for WBC, ANC and ALC; and time to ANC recovery (from ANC nadir to 〉 500/µL). Tc was assessed as a function of WBC, ANC and ALC measurements (at the above predefined time points); time intervals; and magnitude of drop and rise in WBC, ANC and ALC (log reductions and improvements in counts) using multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards models and stepwise regression using Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) for model selection. Due to multiple testing, parameters are reported as significant if p 500/µL was significantly associated with delayed Tc (p

Description: Background: Aberrant epigenetic modifications, fundamental to the pathogenesis of MDS, provide rationale for the use of the so-called hypomethylating agents, decitabine (DAC) and azacitidine (AZA). As depletion of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) by these agents is S-phase dependent, episodic dosing used in common practice (SD-DAC; 20 mg/m2 x 5 days, every 28 days, SD-AZA; 75 mg/m2 x 5-7 days, every 28 days) affects only a fraction of the malignant clones. Alternative dosing schedules of decitabine with lower doses given more frequently (LD-DAC; .1-.2 mg/kg SC once/twice weekly) may decrease toxicity and increase response rates by improved hematopoietic differentiation and DNMT1 depletion while avoiding cytotoxicity. Data comparing use of very low and standard-dose DAC or AZA are lacking. Methods: We compared response, survival, and toxicities of 242 MDS patients (pts) treated at our institution from 9/06-10/13 with LD-DAC (n=39), SD-DAC (n=17), or SD-AZA (n=186). Response was assessed per International Working Group 2006 (IWG) criteria, progression-free (PFS) from date of response, and overall survival (OS) from diagnosis. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, including median age (70 vs. 74 years, P=.93), proportion of patients with ≥5% bone marrow blasts (27% vs. 35%, P=.54), high/very high cytogenetic risk by the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R, 25% vs. 40%, P=.31), number of pts with comorbidities (44% vs. 29%, P=.38), median time from diagnosis to treatment (14.6 vs. 6.4 months, P=.25) or prior MDS treatment (AZA and/or lenalidomide, 46% vs. 53%, P=.17), between the LD-DAC and SD-DAC groups, respectively. Likewise, the LA-DAC and SD-AZA groups were similar with respect to median age (70 vs. 68 years, P=.15), proportion of patients with ≥5% bone marrow blasts (27% vs. 39%, P=.19), and high/very high cytogenetic risk by the IPSS-R (25% vs. 27%, P=.83). However, pts in the SD-AZA group had a shorter median time from diagnosis to treatment (2.9 vs. 14.6 months, P=.009) compared to LD-DAC. Median treatment duration was longer in LD-DAC pts compared to SD-DAC (9.1 vs. 3.1 months, P=.0008) with a median cumulative dose of 8.4 mg/kg (range 1.2-41.2) and 350 mg/m2 (range 175-975) for LD-DAC and SD-DAC, respectively. Compared to SD-DAC, the LD-DAC group required more frequent dose reductions/delays (67% vs. 20%, P=.004) and experienced more hematologic toxicity (85% vs. 29%, P〈 .0001), respectively. While median time to best response was similar for LD-DAC and SD-DAC (3 vs. 4.1 months, P=.52) there was a trend for higher IWG response rates (30% vs. 18%, P=.06) and lower disease progression rates (18% vs. 41%, P=.06) for LD-DAC compared to SD-DAC. However, this did not translate into a difference in median PFS (11 vs. 7.6 months, P= .34) or OS (23.9 vs. 18.2 months, P=.64, Figure 1). Comparing these results to SD-AZA, while LD-DAC had a longer median treatment duration (9.1 vs. 5.1 months, P=.052) and shorter median time to best response (3 vs. 5.3 months, P=.005) than SD-AZA, response rates were similar (30% vs. 31%, P=.5) and there were no significant differences with respect to median PFS (11 vs. 7.1 months, P=.059) or OS (23.9 vs. 21.1 months, P=.5, Figure 1). Conclusion: Pts treated with the LD-DAC strategy have a response rate at least equivalent to SD-DAC and SD-AZA, though they required more dose adjustments and receive treatment for a longer time period. Survival was similar for all dosing strategies. Very low-dose DAC is an active treatment approach and will be compared to standard-dose DAC and AZA in an upcoming randomized, prospective trial conducted through the MDS Clinical Research Consortium. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Off Label Use: Subcutaneous administration of very low-dose decitabine in treatment of MDS .