ALBERT

Description: Emergency department crowding has been one of the main issues in the health system in Taiwan. Previous studies have usually targeted the process improvement of patient treatment flow due to the difficulty of collecting Emergency Department (ED) staff data. In this study, we have proposed a hybrid model with Discrete Event Simulation, radio frequency identification applications, and activity-relationship diagrams to simulate the nurse movement flows and identify the relationship between different treatment sections. We used the results to formulate four facility layouts. Through comparing four scenarios, the simulation results indicated that 2.2 km of traveling distance or 140 min of traveling time reduction per nurse could be achieved from the best scenario.

Description: In vitro studies have suggested that AML cells are sensitive to treatment with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin. In particular, mTOR inhibition is known to enhance the sensitivity of primary AML cells and AML stem cells to etoposide based chemotherapy leading to inhibition of leukemic SRC activity in NOD/SCID mice. To determine the feasibility of applying this approach in vivo, we performed a Phase I dose escalation study of the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus (rapamycin) with a combination chemotherapy induction regimen in adults with relapsed or refractory non-M3 AML. The purpose of this trial was to determine the safety and dose limiting toxicities of sirolimus and chemotherapy in this patient population. Patients received a loading dose of oral sirolimus on day 1 followed 24 hours later by daily doses of oral sirolimus on days 2–7 plus MEC (mitoxantrone 8 mg/m2/day IV, etoposide 100 mg/m2/day IV, and cytarabine 1000 mg/m2/day IV) on days 1–5. Five sirolimus dose levels were explored by a standard 3+3 design. Sirolimus was studied at loading doses from 3–15 mg and daily doses from 1–5 mg/d. Clinical response was assessed by bone marrow biopsy upon hematologic recovery or day 42, whichever occurred first. 23 adults (14 women, 9 men) of median age 58 (range 22 to 65) with relapsed, refractory, or secondary AML were treated with sirolimus and MEC. Five subjects had antecedent hematologic disorders or prior leukemogenic chemotherapy, 18 had relapsed or refractory disease. Sirolimus was well tolerated and did not increase non-hematologic toxicity of MEC chemotherapy. Asymptomatic, reversible liver transaminase or bilirubin elevations occurred in 4 patients, two of which were 〉 grade 2. One patient with a history of prior cytarabine cerebellar toxicity (unknown at the time of study entry) developed reversible cerebellar ataxia. Three patients died of complications related to bacterial infections during chemotherapy-induced aplasia. Dose limiting toxicity was prolonged myelosuppression at the highest planned dose level and was responsible for one treatment-related death due to infectious complications from unresolved aplasia on study day 119. For the first four dose levels the median time to ANC recovery 〉500/uL among evaluable patients was 27 days (range16–38). Pharmacokinetic data showed that doses of 3 mg and higher consistently achieved rapamycin levels considered therapeutic in solid organ transplantation (4–9.2 ug/L). Bone marrow studies in 2/2 evaluable patients on dose level 4 (12 mg loading dose and 4 mg per day sirolimus) showed inhibition of p70S6 kinase phosphorylation consistent with effective inhibition of mTOR at this dose level. Complete remissions occurred in four patients, all treated for first relapse. Two patients subsequently proceeded to allogeneic transplantation. These results indicate that the combination of mTOR inhibition and chemotherapy is feasible in human AML and establish an appropriate dose for phase II studies to be 12mg loading dose followed by 4 mg daily. Patient recruitment at this dose is ongoing. Confirmation of the efficacy of this regimen, which targets signal transduction in leukemic 〈 stem cells, is planned in a randomized phase II trial at the cooperative group level.

Description: Introduction: FL is generally responsive to conventional-dose chemotherapy but long term disease-free survival (DFS) is uncommon. High-dose chemo-radiotherapy followed by ASCT has the potential to induce remission in this disease but the long-term benefit of this modality remains to be determined. Methods: Between 1990 and 2003, we transplanted 52 pts originally diagnosed with low-grade FL (31 grade 1, 21 grade 2). Twenty-five (48%) had biopsy-proven large cell transformation (FL grade 3 or diffuse large cell lymphoma) before ASCT. The median number of prior therapies was 2 (range: 1 to 7). Prior to ASCT, 45 pts (87%) were responsive to salvage therapy with 20 pts (38%) in CR. Five pts (10%) had chemo-resistant disease at the time of ASCT. High-dose regimens included BCNU-cyclophosphamide-etoposide (31%), melphalan/TBI (27%), and cyclophosphamide/TBI (25%). Thirty-eight pts (73%) received peripheral stem cells (PSCT) and 14 pts (27%) received autologous bone marrow (BM) with 4-hydroxyperoxycyclophosphamide (4-hc) purging in 9 cases (17%). The median age was 49 yrs (range: 29–65). Results: There was 1 treatment-related death during the first 100 days. After ASCT, 36 pts (69%) achieved a CR, 2 (4%) had a PR, and 7 (13%) had stable disease. Among those in CR, 20 (56%) had a CR pre-ASCT, 14 (41%) had a lesser response, and 1 (3%) was chemo-resistant. Median follow-up (f/u) of survivors was 5.3 yrs (range: 1.7 months to 12.4 yrs). The median overall survival (OS) has not yet been reached. The median event-free survival (EFS) is 3.4 yrs (range: 1.7 months to 12.4 yrs). Among complete responders, more than 50% are disease free at last follow-up (range 1.7 months to 12.1 yrs). Variables favorably affecting EFS and OS are age 〈 60 yrs (p = 0.007, 0.015 respectively), achievement of a CR after ASCT (p = 0.002, 0.001), absence of transformation (p = 0.038, 0.017), BM vs. PSCT (p = 0.042, 0.086), and 4-hc BM purging (p = 0.044, 0.059). Number of prior regimens, response prior to ASCT, type of preparative regimen, and addition of TBI, were not significantly associated with EFS, DFS, or OS. In multivariable analysis, achievement of CR after ASCT and age 〈 60 yrs are the only significant predictors of EFS and OS. Adjusted for age, 53% of pts with a CR after ASCT are alive and event-free at last f/u (range: 2.4 months to 12.4 yrs) (Figure 1). In contrast, the median EFS among pts without a CR is 0.5 yrs (range: 1.7 months to 5.3 yrs). Conclusion: ASCT is a reasonable therapeutic approach to FL, resulting in long term EFS for some pts, even with relapsed, refractory and/or transformed disease. In our experience, significant predictors of EFS and OS after ASCT are complete response and age

Description: Introduction: Venetoclax (VEN) is a highly effective agent for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that targets BCL-2. Thus, it has been hypothesized to have efficacy in NHL and tested in phase-1/2 studies (Gerecitano JF, Blood 2015; de Vos S, Blood 2015; Davids MS, J Clin Oncol 2017). Overall response rates (ORR) observed in r/r NHL were 44% for all subtypes combined, 38% for follicular lymphoma (FL), 75% for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and 18% for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The adverse effect profile was consistent with the labeling despite dose escalation to doses higher than used in CLL. Additionally, VEN is a potential option in the r/r NHL setting, potentially providing less T cell toxicity compared to other agents used as bridging to T-cell therapies (Cummins NW, mBio, 2016; Dzhagalov I, J Immunol, 2008). We performed an analysis of all NHL patients (pts) treated with VEN at our institution to assess efficacy and safety of VEN in r/r NHL. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all adult pts who received VEN for r/r NHL at the University of Pennsylvania between 4/2016 and 6/2018. Demographics, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS; events, prophylaxis and management), duration of therapy, reason for discontinuation, overall response, survival, and toxicities were examined. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS; defined as time from VEN start to disease progression or regimen change, death due to NHL or last-follow-up in remission), and overall survival using the Kaplan-Meier method. All other analyses were descriptive. Results: We identified 23 NHL pts for this analysis. NHL subtypes included DLBCL (35%; n=8), MCL (30%; n=7), Richter transformation (RT) (9%; n=2), transformed FL (tFL) (12%; n=4), post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) (4%; n=1), and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL; n=1) (4%). Median age at VEN start was 65 years; most pts were Ann Arbor stage IV (87%) and ECOG performance 2-4 (57%). NHL characteristics were MYC rearrangement (35%), BCL2 rearrangement (22%), double-hit lymphoma (26%), BCL2 IHC+ (22%), non-germinal center phenotype (13%). Median number of prior therapies was 4 (range: 2-13) with 17% having a prior autologous stem cell transplant. Median time to VEN initiation from prior therapy was 1 month (range, 0.5-9). Median VEN dose achieved was 400 mg (Range, 100-1200). Data for TLS are in Table 1. Median time on VEN was 2 months. While on VEN, 17% received radiation and 43% were on other anti-neoplastic therapy. Overall response rate (ORR) for the entire cohort was 26% (100% Partial Response [PR]). Subtypes with PR included MCL (13%), DLBCL (9%), and RT (4%). No PRs were observed with tFL, PTLD, nor MZL. Pts most commonly discontinued VEN for disease progression (74%); 2 pts (9%) remain on VEN therapy (range: 2-11 months). Median PFS and OS for the entire cohort were 2 months and 3 months, respectively, (Figure 1). Analyzed as histologic cohorts, large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL, RT, PTLD, tFL) had similar median PFS and OS. However, small B-cell lymphomas (MCL, MZL) had median PFS and OS of 2.5 and 4 months, respectively. Two pts subsequently received CAR T-cell therapy post-VEN; one collected T-cells during VEN therapy and one collected T-cells prior to VEN start. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in approximately 65% while on VEN. AEs included: neutropenia (48%), thrombocytopenia (43%), TLS (30%), infection (26%), neutropenic fever (26%), and diarrhea (22%). One pt had an opportunistic infection (Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia) while on VEN and concurrent high-dose steroids. Conclusion: VEN monotherapy appears effective for NHL in phase I clinical trials. We describe our experience outside the setting of a clinical trial, including VEN used as part of multi-agent salvage therapy. Median PFS for our entire cohort is 2 months; AEs, while expected, were observed frequently, reflecting comorbidities. Clinical TLS events are attributed to pre-existing renal dysfunction (61% below 80 mL/min) during VEN escalation. The wide heterogeneity of VEN dose escalation, multi-agent combinations, and timing of initiation of VEN therapy are factors that require further investigation best designed as prospective clinical trials using other agents in combination with VEN. Disclosures Landsburg: Takeda: Consultancy; Curis: Consultancy, Research Funding. Schuster:Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Nordic Nanovector: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; OncLive: Honoraria; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Dava Oncology: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Physician's Education Source, LLC: Honoraria. Svoboda:Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding; KITE: Consultancy; Kyowa: Consultancy; Merck: Research Funding. Gill:Novartis: Research Funding; Extellia: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Carisma Therapeutics: Equity Ownership. Mato:TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Portola: Research Funding; Johnson & Johnson: Consultancy; Regeneron: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Prime Oncology: Honoraria; Pharmacyclics, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Medscape: Honoraria. Altman:Epizyme: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Incyte: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Agios: Other: Payment to the institution to conduct the trial ; Pfizer: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Ariad: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astellas Pharma: Other; GSK: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Boeringer Ingelheim: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; FujiFilm: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Bayer: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Celator: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Cyclacel: Other: payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Syros: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genetech: Other: Payment to the institution to conduct clinical trial work; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Immune Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Dwivedy Nasta:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Aileron: Research Funding; Rafael/WF: Research Funding; Debiopharm: Research Funding; Merck: Other: DSMC; Takeda/Millenium: Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Description: In vitro, bexarotene inhibits the proliferation of non-M3 AML cell lines and induces differentiation of leukemic blasts. Our previous phase I study in non-M3 AML showed evidence of leukemic response as manifested by reduction in bone marrow blast counts (15% response rate), improved platelet counts (41%) and improved neutrophil counts (26%). Based on these results, a phase II trial in non-M3 AML was initiated at the phase I MTD. In the current phase II trial, bexarotene (300mg/m2) was administered daily as monotherapy until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occurred. Fourteen patients have been enrolled: 8M/6F, median age 74 (range 20–83), 9 secondary AML (MDS or prior chemotherapy), 9 primary refractory or relapsed 〈 1 year after induction, 5 no prior induction chemotherapy, 5 requiring hydroxyurea at the time of enrollment for leukemic blast control, 4 prior allogeneic stem cell transplant, 12 blood transfusion dependent, 11 platelet transfusion dependent, and 8 neutropenic. Overall, no significant adverse events were noted. All patients received prophylactic antihyperlipidemic agents and achieved good lipid control. Two patients developed mild hypothyroidism related to bexarotene. Five patients were evaluable with bone marrow biopsy at 2 months: 1 50% reduction in absolute blasts, 1 SD and 3 PD. Similar to data from our prior phase I study, evidence of clinical activity was manifested as platelet count response in 1 patient and neutrophil increases attributable to bexarotene in 2 patients. When combining the results of our phase I experience (27 patients) with our phase II data (14 patients), there is a suggestion of increased activity in patients with 5q minus abnormalities with 4/7 (57%) benefiting (2 BM response, 4 neutrophil improvements and 1 platelet response). Conversely rates of clinical benefit were lower in patients with multiple (〉3) cytogenetic abnormalities (2/13), relapse after stem cell transplant (1/9) or requiring hydroxyurea for peripheral blast control at the time of study enrollment (0/10). Bexarotene is very well tolerated at the dose level studied. Early evidence for clinical activity has been seen as exemplified by improvement in platelet count, increased neutrophil counts and decreased bone marrow blasts. In summary, we conclude that bexarotene is an active agent in a subgroup of patients with AML. Study enrollment continues with amended inclusion criteria to focus on patients more likely to benefit from treatment.

Description: High-dose melphalan followed by ASCT is a common component of the early treatment for patients with multiple myeloma. Daily subcutaneous injections of filgrastim (Neupogen) at 5 ug/kg/day until ANC 〉 500/ul are routinely administered at our center from day +4 following ASCT, in order to accelerate hematopoietic recovery and lessen neutropenic complications. Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) as a single 6 mg fixed dose subcutaneous injection has been shown to have similar efficacy and ease of use when compared to filgrastim in the non-transplant setting, but little data is available in the transplant setting. We began using pegfilgrastim day +1 following ASCT for patients with multiple myeloma and performed a retrospective cohort study comparing those who received filgrastim (n=6) with those who received pegfilgrastim (n=11). Transplants occurred between July 2002 and January 2004 and included all patients transplanted for myeloma in that time period for whom sufficient data was available. All patients had at least 2 x 106 CD34+ cells/kg peripheral stem cells harvested after cytoxan and filgrastim mobilization. Main outcome measures were: days from stem cell infusion to WBC nadir, days to ANC〉500/ul, and days to ANC〉1000/ul. Subjects were excluded if CBCs were drawn less frequently than every four days. There were no significant differences between the filgrastim and pegfilgrastim groups with respect to the following demographic variables: age, gender, hemoglobin, creatinine, calcium, albumin and beta-2 microglobulin at diagnosis. The groups were also balanced with respect to SPEP, UPEP, presence of lytic lesions and number of prior lines of therapy. The median number of CD34+ cells infused was similar: 5.7 x 106 in the filgrastim group vs 4.8 x 106 in the pegfilgrastim group (p=0.28). After transplant, median number of days to WBC nadir in the filgrastim group (FG) was 7 (range 5–9) vs 6 (range 5–8) in the pegfilgrastim group (PG) (p=0.31). However, median number of days to ANC〉500/ul in the FG was 11.5 (range 11–17) vs 10 (range 9–12) for PG (p=0.02). Similarly, median number of days to ANC〉1000/ul was 12 (range 11–17) for FG vs 11 (range 10–13) for PG (p=0.03). Five of six patients in the FG had neutropenic fever after transplant, compared to five of eleven patients in the PG (p=0.30). Currently, no significant differences in infection or relapse rates between groups have been noted and there were no deaths in either group. In this retrospective cohort study, pegfilgrastim was safe and at least equivalent to filgrastim for accelerating hematopoiesis after ASCT for multiple myeloma. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the incidence of neutropenic fever, infection and survival, suggesting a similar clinical utility.

Description: PTLD is a heterogeneous group of neoplasms arising in patients after solid-organ or allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. Although most cases of PTLD are related to Epstein - Barr virus (EBV) infection, a subset (10–20%) shows no association with EBV infection. Anecdotal uncontrolled studies have described EBV-negative PTLD as appearing late in the post-transplant period and having poor response to reduction of immunosuppression and poor outcome in general. We identified 30 patients who were diagnosed with EBV-negative PTLD in the University of Pennsylvania between November 1990 and April 2008. We compared the clinical and pathological characteristics, response to therapy and survival of these patients with 51 control patients matched by organ type who had EBVpositive PTLD. The average age at diagnosis was 53.1 in the EBV (−) group and 49.2 in the EBV (+) group (p=NS). 3/30 (10%) of the EBV (−) cases and 16/51 (31.4%) appeared within the first year after transplant (p