ALBERT

Description: Background: Despite advances in chemotherapy, relapsed/refractory (R/R) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) remains a significant clinical challenge and an unmet medical need. HL has a unique biology in which a small number of malignant Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells propagate an immunosuppressive microenvironment. We hypothesized that using immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy to activate the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and concurrently targeting HRS cells with the CD30 antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin (BV), could overcome tumor cell resistance. E4412 is a Phase 1 ECOG-ACRIN sponsored study of the combination of BV and ipilimumab (IPI) and nivolumab (Nivo) in patients with R/R HL. Here we present the preliminary safety and response data on the patients treated with BV + Nivo (Arms D and E). Methods: Patients with confirmed R/R HL were treated with Nivo 3mg/kg and BV 1.2mg/kg (Arm D: Dose Level 1) or 1.8mg/kg (Arm E: Dose Level 2) in dose escalation with a 3+3 design and an expansion cohort (Arm F) of 9 patients. BV and Nivo are given every 21 days for 16 cycles; Nivo may be continued for an additional year (total 2 years of Nivo therapy). Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined for purposes of dose escalation within the first cycle of therapy. Patients are followed for toxicity up to 30 days beyond their last treatment. Results: As of 7/20/2016 10 patients (1 ineligible) have been treated with BV + Nivo. We report the data on the dose escalation population: 3 patients: Arm D, 7 patients: Arm E. Data will be updated to include the full BV + Nivo dose escalation and dose expansion cohorts (Arms D, E & F) (N = 19) by the time of the Annual Meeting. Median age was 46; (range: 25-53). Six patients were male. Patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 3 prior therapies. Six patients had prior SCT (5 autologous, 1 allogeneic); 2patients had prior treatment with BV. Safety: Ten of 10 patients are evaluable for safety. Overall safety profiles show that the regimen of BV + Nivo was extremely well tolerated. One patient out of 7 in dose level 2 experienced a DLT (pneumonitis grade 3 with grade 3 dyspnea and hypoxia, and typhilits grade 3), this patient had received a prior SCT, and made a full recovery from his toxicities. Per protocol he discontinued further therapy. No other DLTs were noted for the remaining 9 patients. Common and relevant toxicities considered at least possibly related to drug during any cycle of treatment are shown in Table 1. There were no Grade 4 treatment related adverse events (AEs). The only additional grade 3 AEs noted were one each grade 3 rash and puritis. The most common grade 1-2 treatment related adverse events were: transaminitis (9), peripheral sensory neuropathy (6), and rash (3). Other AEs of interest included: diarrhea (3), blurry vision (2), and myalgias (2). One grade 1-2 infusion reaction was noted, this patient was able to receive subsequent therapy with pre-medication. Response: Eight of 10 patients are evaluable for response. One patient is not yet evaluable. For the 8 evaluable patients the overall response rate (ORR) for the combination of BV + Nivo was 100%, with a CR rate of 62.5% (5/8), with 95% CI of 0.25-0.91. One patient was ineligible for laboratory studies that were out of range at screening, however this patient continues on therapy, and also had a response. One of 5 CRs occurred at in dose level 1 (BV 1.2 mg/kg). Both patients who had been treated with prior BV achieved CRs. The progression free survival (PFS) to date is 100% with a median follow-up of 0.3 years. Conclusion: In this first reported study of the combination of the checkpoint inhibitor Nivo and the ADC BV therapy was well tolerated with one DLT, and primarily grade 1 and 2 toxicities. In a heavily pretreated patient population, 20% of whom had had prior BV and 60% of whom were s/p ASCT, the ORR of 100% and CR rate of 62.5% suggests a deepening of response compared to either therapy alone. Optimization of this combination strategy is planned with ongoing accrual to cohorts receiving BV + Nivo, and BV + Ipi + Nivo. Data will be updated to include the full BV + Nivo cohort (N = 19) by the time of the Annual Meeting. Disclosures Diefenbach: Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; LAM Therapeutics: Research Funding; Molecular Templates: Research Funding; Oncomed: Research Funding; This study was coordinated by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (Robert L. Comis, MD and Mitchell D. Schnall, MD, PhD, Group Co-Chairs) and supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under the following award number: Research Funding. Hong:This study was coordinated by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (Robert L. Comis, MD and Mitchell D. Schnall, MD, PhD, Group Co-Chairs) and supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under the following award number: Research Funding. Cohen:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding. Advani:Stanford University: Employment; Juno: Consultancy, Honoraria; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Spectrum: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sutro: Consultancy, Honoraria; Genentech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Kura: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding; Agensys: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Infinity: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; FortySeven: Consultancy, Honoraria; Kyowa Hakko Kirin: Consultancy, Honoraria. Kahl:This study was coordinated by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (Robert L. Comis, MD and Mitchell D. Schnall, MD, PhD, Group Co-Chairs) and supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under the following award number: Research Funding. Ansell:BMS, Seattle Genetics, Merck, Celldex and Affimed: Research Funding.

Description: Key Points Plasma EBV-DNA is highly concordant with EBV tumor status in Hodgkin lymphoma. Plasma EBV-DNA has prognostic significance in Hodgkin lymphoma, both before therapy and at month 6 of follow-up.

Description: Abstract 1671 Poster Board I-697 Background Bevacizumab (Avastin), a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), is approved in combination with chemotherapy in lung, colorectal, breast and brain cancers. VEGF-A expression is reported in all lymphoma subtypes, with strongest expression in PTCL. Given the relatively poor prognosis of PTCL with standard therapy, we combined bevacizumab (A) with CHOP in the ECOG 2404 phase II trial. Methods Untreated PTCL pts with a normal baseline cardiac ejection fraction received bevacizumab 15 mg/ kg IV and CHOP chemotherapy on day 1 for 6-8 cycles. Patients (pts) with CR/PR/SD received maintenance therapy with bevacizumab 15 mg/ kg IV q 3 weeks for 4 cycles. Due to the reported 3.7% incidence of cardiac toxicity associated with bevacizumab in metastatic breast cancer pt previously exposed to anthracyclines (Avastin package insert), cardiac function was monitored prospectively with ejection fraction (EF) determination at the completion of A-CHOP prior to the start of bevacizumab maintenance. Results Among 33 pts who came off study, toxicity data are available for all and coded using CTCAE Version 3.0. 22 received at least 4 cycles of A-CHOP (median treatment duration 3.6 months (〈 1-10.6 months). One or more designated cardiac toxicities were recorded for 5 of these 22 pts. Congestive heart failure (CHF), defined as grade 2-4 left ventricular dysfunction was recorded in 4 pt (18%, 90% CI 5.2%-40.3%): grade 4 (n=1), grade 3 (n=3). In 3 pts clinical CHF occurred after A-CHOP x 6 and in one during bevacizumab maintenance after A-CHOP x 8. The median time to development of a cardiac adverse event was 5 months (3.5 – 8.8 months). One pt required a ventricular assist device in addition to medical management. In 3 of the 4 pts, ongoing medical management for CHF has been required. Other cardiac toxicities included ventricular arrhthymia (one grade 4, one grade 2), and one grade 2 cardiac troponin elevation. In addition, one patient experienced sudden death of uncertain cause. Three pts developed thromboses or embolic toxcities (two grade 4 and one grade 3). Conclusions We observed four cases of clinical CHF early after cumulative doxorubicin doses of 300-400 mg/m2 in our study, The incidence of CHF among study patients who received 4 or more A-CHOP cycles is concerning and suggests that bevacizumab may potentiate the adverse cardiac effects of anthracyclines, resulting in clinically significant toxicity. Careful monitoring of cardiac function is warranted in ongoing trials combining bevacizumab and doxorubicin in lymphomas and solid tumors to assess long-term safety and better understand underlying mechanisms and risks. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Cell membrane protein CS1 is highly expressed by tumor cells from the majority of multiple myeloma (MM) patients (〉95%) regardless of cytogenetic abnormalities and response to current treatments. Furthermore, CS1 is detected in MM patient sera and correlates with active MM. However, its role in MM pathophysiology is undefined. In the present study, we first generated CS1 null OPM2 MM cells using lentiviral CS1 short interfering RNA. Specific CS1 knockdown was confirmed by depletion of CS1 mRNA and membrane protein, whereas CS1 was expressed in parental OPM2 and OPM2 cells infected with control lentiviral vector (cntOPM2). Immunoblotting of phopho-site of multiple kinase screen analysis showed decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, AKT, and STAT3 in CS1null OPM2 cells vs. cntOPM2 cells. Serum deprivation markedly blocked survival at earlier time points in CS1null OPM2 cells vs. cntOPM2 cells. Earlier apoptosis in CS1null OPM2 cells correlated with earlier activation of caspases, PARP cleavage, and increased proapoptotic proteins BNIP3, BIK. CS1 knockdown further delayed development of OPM2 tumor and prolonged survival in mice. CS1null OPM2 cells failed to grow tumors in the majority of mice (n=8) at 5 weeks after cell inoculation, whereas cntOPM2 cells formed tumors within 1.5 weeks in all animals (n=8). Interestingly, CS1 was expressed in tumors that developed late in mice injected with CS1null OPM2 cells. Concomitantly, we overexpressed CS1 in CS1-low expressing U266 cells by transfecting an expressing plasmid pflagCS1 or control vector. Enforced CS1 expression enhanced U266 cell growth and survival. In contrast to the majority of U266 cells (〉95%) that grow in suspension in standard tissue culture flasks, all U266CS1 cells exhibited adherent growth and homotypic adhesion. Importantly, overexpressed CS1 increased adhesion of U266 and MM1S cells to BMSCs. Furthermore, U266CS1 cells formed more and larger colonies in methylcellulose than U266 cells. Interestingly, tumors that developed in mice injected with U266 cells expressed significantly higher levels of CS1 than injected U266 cells; moreover, exercised tumors grew in an adherent manner in vitro. Overlapping differentially expressed genes in U266CS1 vs. U266 and CS1null OPM2 vs. cntOPM2 was next analyzed by gene expression profiling. Importantly, c-maf pathway was significantly upregulated in U266CS1 vs. U266 cells and downregulated in CS1null OPM2 vs. cntOPM2 cells, as evidenced by differentially expressed c-maf and its target genes, i.e., cyclin D2, integrin αE/β7 at both mRNA and protein levels. Myeloma cell adhesion-induced VEGF secretion by BMSCs was greater with U266CS1 than U266 cells. Finally, immunoblotting showed upregulation of c-maf and cyclin D2 in U266 tumors overexpressing CS1. These studies provide direct evidence of the role of CS1 in myeloma pathogenesis, define molecular mechanisms regulating its effects, and further support novel therapies targeting CS1 in MM.

Description: Background The international prognostic score (IPS) (Hasenclever et al., NEJM 1988) uses 7 factors (age〉 45, male sex, hemoglobin 15,000, and lymphopenia〈 600) to predict a 5 year freedom from progression (FFP) of 42%-84% and overall survival (OS) of 56%-89% for patients with advanced HL. Constructed from a retrospective analysis of patients treated before 1992, the IPS continues to be the most commonly used risk stratification index for advanced HL. Recent studies suggest that the predictive range of the IPS has narrowed due to improved outcomes of patients treated with current therapy (Moccia et al. JCO 2012). In this report we prospectively evaluated the ability of the individual components of the IPS to predict outcome in patients enrolled on the US Intergroup trial E2496. Methods All seven IPS (IPS-7) variables were recorded for all patients at study entry. FFP was defined as the time from study entry to disease progression or relapse; deaths that occurred during remission that were not preceded by disease progression/relapse were censored. OS was defined as the time from study entry to death from any cause. Kaplan-Meier methodology was used to construct survival curves. Univariate and multivariate analysis (MVA) was performed using Cox proportional-hazards models. We subsequently constructed an alternative prognostic score utilizing the factors which were significant on MVA (PS-3). Results From 1996-2006, 854 patients with advanced HL, were randomized to treatment with either ABVD or Stanford V, with no significant differences in outcome (Gordon et al, JCO 2013). While the IPS-7 remained prognostic it did not stratify the lowest risk patients (0-1 risk factor) or patients with 3-5 risk factors, as its predictive range was narrowed due to improved clinical outcomes (Fig 1a and 2a). Table 1 shows the univariate and multivariate analysis for IPS-7 and outcomes. In contrast to the original IPS-7, on MVA, only two factors, hemoglobin and stage were significant for FFP, and three factors for OS: hemoglobin, stage, and age. We then evaluated a new 3 factor score (PS-3) utilizing variables significant on the MVA. The PS-3 was significant for both FFP (p=0.0001) and OS (p

Description: Background: Despite advances in chemotherapy, R/R HL remains a significant clinical problem with over 1,000 primarily young lives lost annually. HL is a unique tumor in which a small number of malignant Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells propagate an immunosuppressive microenvironment that augments HRS growth and survival. We hypothesized that immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy could activate the tumor immune microenvironment, while the CD30 expressing HRS cells could be targeted by brentuximab vedotin (BV), thereby overcoming tumor cell resistance and deepening clinical responses. E4412 is a phase 1 ECOG-ACRIN sponsored study of the combination of BV and the checkpoint inhibitors ipilimumab (IPI) and nivolumab (NIVO) in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Here we report the data on the patients treated with BV + IPI, the first cohort of the study. Methods: Patients with biopsy proven R/R HL were treated with BV 1.8mg/kg and two escalating doses of IPI: 1 mg/kg or 3mg/kg. After safety was determined an expanded cohort was treated with BV 1.8mg/kg IV and IPI 3mg/kg IV. The schedule consisted of BV administered every 21 days for 16 cycles and IPI every 21 days x 4 doses and thereafter every 3 months for up to a year. Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined for purposes of dose escalation within the first cycle of therapy. Patients are followed for toxicity up to 30 days beyond their last treatment. Results: As of 7/2015 19 of 23 planned patients have been treated with BV + IPI. We report the data on the full dose escalation population (13 patients: Dose level 1 (6), Dose level 2 (7)). The median age was 33 years (range: 20-49). Seven patients were male. Patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 4 prior therapies (2-13). Fourpatients had prior treatment with BV; 8 patients had prior SCT (7 autologous, 1 allogeneic). Safety: Overall the regimen of BV + IPI was extremely well tolerated with no DLTs noted during dose escalation. Toxicities considered at least possibly related to drug during any cycle of treatment are shown according to grade in Table 1. The most common treatment related adverse events were: diarrhea, rash, and peripheral sensory neuropathy. Other AEs of interest included: alopecia, transaminitis, and uveitis. Grade 3 and 4 treatment related adverse events (AEs) included: Dose level 1: one grade 3 infusion reaction, which led to a protocol amendment to include premedication, no further grade 3 infusion reactions were noted; Dose level 2: one each: grade 3 rash, vomiting, and peripheral sensory neuropathy, and one grade 4 thrombocytopenia in patient with pre-existing thrombocytopenia. Response: For the 12 evaluable patients, the overall response (ORR) for the combination of BV + IPI was 67% with a complete response (CR) rate of 42% (5 of 12 patients). An additional 2 patients had stable disease (SD) giving a clinical benefit rate of 83%. Three of 5 of the CRs occurred at dose level 1 (1mg dose of IPI). The median progression free survival (PFS) is 0.74 years with a median follow-up of 0.66 years. Conclusion: In this first reported study of the combination of checkpoint inhibitor and ADC, toxicity was low, primarily grades 1 and 2. In a heavily pretreated patient population, 33% of whom had had prior BV and 67% of whom were s/p ASCT, the ORR of 67% and CR rate of 42% suggests a potential deepening of response compared to monotherapy. More than half of these CRs occurred at 1mg of IPI suggesting that in combination with ADC, low doses of immune stimulation may be highly active. Optimization of this combination strategy is planned with ongoing accrual to cohorts receiving BV + NIVO, and BV + IPI + NIVO. Data will be updated to include the full BV + IPI cohort by the time of the annual meeting. Table 1. Common and Immune Toxicities Toxicity Type Dose Level 1 (n=6) Dose Level 2 (n=7) Grade Grade 1,2 3 4 5 1,2 3 4 5 (n) (n) (n) (n) (n) (n) (n) (n) Fatigue 5 - - - 3 - - - Fever 1 - - - 3 - - - Pain 2 - - - 3 - - - Alopecia 2 - - - 1 - - - Pruritus 1 - - - 2 - - - Rash maculo-papular 4 - - - 2 1 - - Diarrhea 4 - - - 4 - - - Dyspepsia 2 - - - 1 - - - Nausea 6 - - - 4 - - - Vomiting 3 - - - 2 1 - - Papulopustular rash 1 - - - 1 - - - Alanine aminotransferase increased 3 - - - 3 - - - Aspartate aminotransferase increased 3 - - - 2 - - - Platelet count decreased - - - - - - 1 - Anorexia 3 - - - - - - - Headache 2 - - - 2 - - - Peripheral sensory neuropathy 5 - - - 4 1 - - Dry eye 2 - - - - - - - Uveitis 1 - - - - - - - Cough 2 - - - 1 - - - Disclosures Diefenbach: Molecular Templates: Research Funding; Immunogen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Idera: Consultancy; Jannsen Oncology: Consultancy; Gilead: Equity Ownership, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: Presentation will discuss the experimental use of the checkpoint inhibitor Ipilimumab in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.. Cohen:Celgene: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; BMS: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding. Robertson:Eli Lilly: Equity Ownership. Fenske:Pharmacyclics: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria; Millennium/Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria. Kahl:Roche/Genentech: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy; Cell Therapeutics: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Infinity: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Juno: Consultancy. Ansell:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding.

Description: Abstract 2727 Poster Board II-703 INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine activity and safety of weekly bortezomib and rituximab in patients with relapsed/refractory Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM). METHODS: Patients who had at least one previous therapy were eligible. All patients received bortezomib IV weekly at 1.6 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15, q 28 days x 6 cycles, and rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly on cycles 1 and 4. Primary endpoint was the percent of patients with at least a minor response. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were treated. Majority of patients (78%) completed treatment per protocol. At least minimal response (MR) or better was observed in 81% (95% CI: [65,92]) with 2 patients (5%) in complete remission (CR)/near CR, 17 (46%) in partial response (PR), and 11(30%) in MR. The median time to progression was 16.4 months (95% CI, 11.4–21.1). Death occurred in 1 patient due to viral pneumonia. The most common grade 3 and 4 therapy related adverse events included reversible neutropenia in 16%, anemia in 11%, and thrombocytopenia in 14%. Grade-3 peripheral neuropathy occurred in only 2 patients (5%). The median event-free survival (EFS) is 12 months (95% CI, 11–20) with estimated 12 month and 18 month EFS of 49% (95% CI: [31, 67%]) and 38% (95% CI: [20, 56%]). The median overall survival has not been reached. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of weekly bortezomib and rituximab showed significant activity and minimal neurological toxicity in patients with relapsed WM. Disclosures: Ghobrial: Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Anderson:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Richardson:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Johnson and Johnson: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Keryx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Treon:Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Matous:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Cephalon: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.