ALBERT

Description: Introduction: Most of the knowledge about treatments and outcome of CML patients originates from clinical studies. To get new and unbiased insights in the epidemiology, treatment and outcome of CML, the EUTOS population-based registry of newly diagnosed CML patients was established, - as part of the European Treatment and Outcome Study (EUTOS) for CML. The aim was to collect the data of all adults with newly diagnosed CML, irrespective of treatment and of enrolment in studies. Patients and Methods: The EUTOS population-based registry collected data of newly diagnosed CML patients, 18 years or older, over a specified period of time from 2008 till 2012 living in defined regions. The data were collected by 22 study groups in 20 European countries. Data were gathered via a web-based CRF-system. For comparison we used the already published data from five Company-sponsored registration studies IRIS (O’Brien et.all, NEJM, 2003), TOPS (Cortes et al, JCO, 2009) ENESTnd (Saglio et al, NEJM, 2010), DASISION (Kantarjian et al, NEJM, 2010) and BELA (Cortes et al, JCO, 2012), from three Investigator-sponsored studies GIMEMA (Castagnetti et al, JCO, 2010 and Gugliotta et al, Blood, 2011), French SPIRIT (Preudhomme et al, NEJM, 2010) and German CML IV (Hehlmann et al, JCO, 2011) and from two single referral centers HAMMERSMITH (De Lavallade et al, JCO, 2008) and MDA (Jain et al, Blood, 2013). Results: Till 15.05.2014 2978 patients were registered in the EUTOS Population-based registry. 94.3% of the patients were diagnosed in chronic phase (CP), 3.6% in accelerated phase (AP), and 2.2% in blastic phase (BP). For the calculation of the prognostic scores 361 patients had to be excluded because they were pretreated. For the comparison we used 2350 patients in Chronic Phase with laboratory values before any treatment. 54% of the patients in the EUTOS Population-based registry were male, less than in all studies (56.6 - 60.6%). The median age at diagnosis was 56 years, higher than in all studies (46 - 55). In EUTOS the proportion of patients more than 60 years and more than 65 years old was 40.4 % and 21.9 % respectively. Similar data were rarely reported in all other studies. Median value of the spleen size below costal margin was 0. 46.1% of the patients had a palpable spleen and 15.2% had a spleen size ≥ 10 (spleen size is always reported in cm under costal margin in this abstract). The % of palpable spleen is only reported by IRIS, 25.0% and by the FRENCH Spirit group, 49.8%. The median spleen is only reported by GIMEMA, 2.0. Spleen size ≥ 10 is reported by IRIS, 6.0%, ENESTnd, 12.4% and HAMMERSMITH 25.5%. While the median values for Platelets and Hemoglobin show no big differences, the median WBC in EUTOS is 83.9 x109/l and in the Company-sponsored registration studies: IRIS 18-20 x109/l , in ENESTnd 23-26 x109/l, in DASISION 23-25 x109/l , and in BELA 22-23 x109/l, in the Investigator-sponsored studies: GIMEMA 55 x109/l , in the FRENCH SPIRIT 83-104 x109/l , in the GERMAN CML IV 75-91 x109/l , and in the single referral center study HAMMERSMITH 140 x109/l, clearly indicating that in company-sponsored, registration studies, the reported values of the WBC were not recorded prior to any treatment. The median values for Blasts, Basophils and Eosinophils show also not so big differences. The % of Sokal low risk patients is in EUTOS with 34.5% lower than in all studies (35.2 - 60%) with the exception of HAMMERSMITH 28.9%. Discussion: The EUTOS Population-based registry provides the first European wide real-world series of patients with newly diagnosed Ph+, BCR-ABL+ CML. The age and sex distribution and some baseline characteristics such as Sokal Score as well as median WBC count in the EUTOS population-based registry are different from many prospective studies. This should be taken in due consideration before extrapolating the results of treatment studies to real life. Spleen size, which is known as an important value for prediction, is only very rarely reported in clinical studies. With further follow-up, this registry will provide a population-based insight on treatment, survival, and causes of death. Disclosures Baccarani: Novartis, BMS, Pfizer, Ariad: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Hoffmann:Novartis: Research Funding. Rosti:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria. Castagnetti:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy. Saussele:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria. Steegmann:Novartis, BMS, Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding. Mayer:Ariad: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding. Turkina:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria. Zaritskey:Novartis: Consultancy. Clark:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding. Porkka:BMS: Honoraria; BMS: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; Novartis: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding. Hehlmann:Novartis: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding. Hasford:Novartis: Research Funding. Lindoerfer:Novartis: Research Funding.

Description: Abstract 1609 Background: Angiogenesis is gaining importance in hematological malignancies; it is regulated by a balance of various enhancing and inhibiting angiogenic factors. However, studies related to the prognostic value of angiogenic factors and aggressive Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are limited compared to solid tumors. The aim of this study was to determine pretreatment serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and osteopontin (OPN) in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and to investigate whether these factors provide prognostic information. METHODS: We measured pretreatment serum levels of VEGF and OPN by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in 67 patients newly diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and in 30 healthy controls. All patients were treated with rituximab-CHOP chemotherapy. RESULTS: The serum OPN levels were found elevated in untreated DLBCL patients compared to controls: in newly diagnosed patients it ranged from 25 to 238 pg/ml; median 94.2 pg/ml while in the healthy controls it ranged from 13 to 46.5 pg/ml; median 30.0 pg/ml (P=0.00008). There were significant differences in the serum VEGF levels between DLBCL patients and controls (median 480.96 pg/ml vs. 163.8 pg/ml, P=0.001). Serum OPN levels higher than the median level were related to advanced Ann Arbor stage (P=0.026), International Prognostic Index of 2 or higher (P=0.005), ECOG III-V (P=0.004). The complete remission rate after treatment was higher in patients with low OPN serum levels than in those with high OPN serum levels (67.5% versus 32.4%, P=0.002). Elevated serum levels of OPN were strongly associated with shorter overall survival (P=0.007) and event-free survival (P=0.04). In multivariate analysis with International Prognostic Index criteria, OPN remained a significant predictor for overall survival (P=0.033). VEGF level was significantly correlated with age (P=0.01) and serum lactate dehydrogenase level (P=0.02), but not strongly correlated with other potential prognostic factors, and it failed to show prognostic significance. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that pretreatment serum level of OPN is significantly related to outcome in DLBCL patients. Ongoing extension study and additional follow-up will provide more information moving forward. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Abstract 2891 Poster Board II-867 Thalidomide maintenance therapy after completion of induction therapy plus ASCT and also after conventional therapy yielded conflicting results with some trials showing improvement in overall survival and others not. This study evaluates the efficacy of Thalidomide plus Interferon a2b (Thal-IFN) in comparison to interferon a2b (IFN) as maintenance therapy in elderly pts with multiple myeloma. For induction therapy, 289 pts had been randomized to either Thalidomide-Dexamethasone or to Melphalan-Prednisolone; results of this part of the study had been reported previously (BLOOD, 113, 3435-3442, 2009). 137 pts who had completed 9 cycles of induction therapy and had achieved stable disease or better were eligible for maintenance treatment, and 128 (median age 72 years, range 54 - 86 years) had finally been randomized to either Thal (starting dose: 200mg/day) in combination with IFN-a2b (Schering-Plough, 3 Mega U, TIW) or IFN a2b (IFN) at the same dose/schedule only. All pts were scheduled for zoledronate 4mg, q 4 weeks. Median follow up from randomization to maintenance: 35 mos. Median duration of maintenance therapy: 13.2 mos and 8.3 mos for pts randomized to Thal-IFN or to IFN, respectively (logrank test p=0.20). Maintenance therapy with Thal-IFN resulted in an improvement in the depth of response from PR to VGPR or CR in 5 (8%) and with IFN in 2 (3%) pts, respectively. Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in the Thal-IFN (27.7 mos) compared to the IFN only maintenance group (13.2 mos), (HR, 0.55; 95% 95% CI, 0.36-0.86; log-rank test, p=0.0068). Analysis of PFS by either Thal-Dex or MP induction therapy showed a significantly shorter PFS in pts started on Thal-Dex and subsequently randomized to IFN maintenance only (7.8 mos, log-rank test, p=0.037). PFS was 27.7 mos in pts started on Thal-Dex followed by Thal-IFN, 20.2 mos in those with MP induction therapy followed by IFN, and 27.6 mos in pts with Thal-IFN maintenance after MP induction therapy. Overall survival (OS) was similar in both groups (Thal-IFN 52.6 mos and IFN 51.4 mos, HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.53-1.66, log-rank test; p=0.81). OS by induction therapy did not vary significantly between the four treatment groups (logrank test, p=0.99). No significant difference in OS was seen between pts younger than 75 years and those aged 75 years or older (logrank test, p=0.39). Survival after progression of disease tended to be longer in pts who received IFN maintenance therapy only compared to those started on Thal-IFN (HR: 1.75, 95% CI, 0.97 – 3.14, logrank test: 0.056), while OS was similar between both groups when analyzed from termination of maintenance therapy (HR: 1.20, 95% CI, 0.65 – 2.20, log rang test 0.57). Baseline scores of the EORTC QLQ C30 items general health (Thal-IFN, mean 56; IFN, mean 59) and overall quality of life (Thal-IFN, mean 58; IFN, mean 60) were markedly below the score obtained in an healthy population (mean 75.3 and 73.3 respectively), but did neither differ at baseline between both groups nor did they vary significantly during the course of the maintenance (statistics will be provided). Cytogenetic data were available in 66 pts. PFS tended to be longer in pts with adverse FISH findings [t (4; 14), t (14; 20) Del 17p and abnormalities of 1q21] compared to the standard risk group, but differences were not significant (median: 31.5 vs. 21.6 mos, HR: 1.69, 95% CI, 0.13 – 3.07, log-rank test 0.084). The median of OS was 72.3 mos in those with standard risk and 39.6 mos in those with high risk features (HR: 1.94, 95% CI 0.91-4.13, log rank test: 0.082). In multivariate analysis (Cox model) only Thal-IFN maintenance therapy was shown to correlate significantly with PFS (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39-0.89, p=0.04) while for poor performance status, low hemoglobin, and low albumin a statistically non-significant correlation with survival was noted. Hematologic toxicity was similar between both groups. Pts on Thal-IFN maintenance experienced significantly more neuropathy (p=0.0024), constipation (p=0.0007) and skin toxicity (p=0.0063) and increase in renal impairment (p=0.037). In addition, there was a tendency for more dyspnea (p=0.40) and more fatigue (p=0.11) in pts on Thal-IFN maintenance therapy. Other non-hematological toxicities were similarly distributed in both therapy arms. In conclusion, Thal-IFN maintenance therapy resulted in increased PFS compared IFN maintenance treatment only, but OS was similar between both groups. Disclosures: Ludwig: Celgene: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Honoraria; AMGEN: Honoraria; Ortho-Biotech : Honoraria; Janssen-Cilag: Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria. Hajek:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria. Kuhn:Schering-Plough: Employment.

Description: Abstract 4272 The incidence of Philadelphia positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in Europe is still difficult to estimate, due to insufficient information. Currently, it is believed to range between 8 and 22 cases per million people per year, age adjusted. Prior to the introduction of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib the annual death rate was about 10% for the first 2 to 3 years, and about 20% from the 4th year on, with less than 10% of patients alive after 10 years. Interferon-alfa treatment and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were very effective treatments but only in a minority of patients. Following the introduction of IM, and of the second generation TKI nilotinib and dasatinib the annual death rate has decreased to less than 5%, and more than 75% of patients are projected to be alive 10 years after diagnosis. Based on these figures, the prevalence of the disease is expected to double every 5 years and the management of the disease will rapidly become an important social and pharmacoeconomic issue. To govern this progress it is necessary to improve the level of information on the epidemiology of CML, on the treatment of CML in clinical practice, and on the outcome of treatment outside prospective, controlled clinical trials on which current outcome estimates are based. With that purpose, the European Leukemia Network (ELN) has established a registry of all new cases of Ph+ CML. In a public private partnership with Novartis Oncology Europe this registry has been expanded to also include treatment and quality controlled outcome (European Treatment and Outcome Study [EUTOS] for CML). The infrastructure of the registry is based on a EUTOS Central Scientific Headquarter (Dpt. Hematology-Oncology “L. and A. Seràgnoli”, University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy) and a EUTOS Central Data Center (Dpt. For Medical Informatics, Biometric and Epidemiology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany), interacting with each national hub. Registry is population-based, covers completely most European countries with less than 12 millions inhabitants (Portugal, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Greece, Cyprus), and covers partially (for larger countries, only sub-regions with roughly 10 millions inhabitants have been selected) most of the countries with more than 12 millions inhabitants, including Spain, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France, Romania, Russia and Italy. About 2500 newly diagnosed cases are planned to be registered over one year and to be followed for treatment and outcome including cytogenetic response, molecular response, and BCR-ABL KD mutations. Moreover, flanking projects have been implemented in the EUTOS frame: a network of standardized laboratories across Europe, to provide a molecular monitoring with quality controlled data, a central facility for imatinib blood level testing, soon in many European countries, and an educational effort (symposia, training workshops, internet platform). The EUTOS registry joins epidemiological and outcome data: its implementation requires considerable efforts and resources, but in the long run CML could become a model for epidemiologi and management of other cancers. Disclosures: Hasford: Novartis Pharma: Research Funding.

Description: Thalidomide-Dexamethasone (TD) is an active regimen both in patients (pts) with relapsing/refractory and in untreated pts with multiple myeloma (MM). Here we compare TD with standard Melphalan-Prednisone (MP) in previously untreated elderly pts with MM. 274 pts have been enrolled (median age: 72 yrs, stage I: 9 (3%), stage II: 84 (31%), stage III: 179 (65%). Pts were randomized to T 200mg/day and D 40mg, days 1–4 and 15–18 (on odd cycles) and days 1–4 (on even cycles) or M 0.25mg/kg days 1–4 and P2mg/kg days 1–4, q 4–6 weeks. T should be dosed up to 400mg/day, if feasible. Pts achieving response or SD were randomized to maintenance therapy either with T (≤200mg/day)-Interferon-a2b (IFN, 3Mega U, TIW) or IFN (3Mega U/TIW). Zoledronic acid (4mg) was administered monthly to all pts during the entire treatment period. Response is defined according Blade’s criteria, plus nCR defined as IF positive or 〉90%↓ in PP and VGPR defined as 〉75% ↓reduction in PP. 231 pts are evaluable per protocol. Best response to TD: CR (14%) nCR 17%, VGPR 17%, PR 21%, yielding an ORR (CR-PR) of 68%. Best response to MP: CR 7%, nCR 8%, VGPR 14%, PR 22%; ORR 51% (ORR in TD vs. MP p=.0044). Time to response and time to best response were shorter in the TD (6, 16 weeks, respectively) compared to the MP group (16, 25 weeks, respectively; p

Description: Infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria have been increasing and they are an important cause of nosocomial morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients. In order to determine efficacy and safety of colistin (colistimethate sodium) use in the treatment of MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa sensitive to colistin, a comparison of renal function, other toxicities, and outcome of therapy was done between a group of patients treated with colistin and patients treated with other antipseudomonas drugs as control group. A group of 26 patients that was hospitalized in our institution between February 2002 and December 2006 and treated with intravenous colistin for an infection caused by MDR P.aeruginosa was compared in a matched-pair analysis to a group of 26 patients treated with other antipseudomonas drugs. Patients were 52% male and 48% female; mean age was 37 years (range 17–63). All of the patients were treated for haematological malignancy, most received intensive chemotherapy regimens (44%), 19% received allogeneic and 31% autologous transplants. Groups of patients did not differ in age, sex, disease, or kind of treatment received. All of the patients in both groups had clinical signs of sepsis; in 69% of patients from colistin group and 84% from control group P.aeruginosa was isolated from blood, and in 27% and 12% it was isolated from skin lesions that had clinical presentation of echtyma gangrenosum, respectively. Patients treated with colistin received 3 MU of colistin every 8 hours for a mean (± SD) duration of 12.5 (± 5.4) days. Due to nature of their disease, and severity of infections, all of the patients received more than two other possibly nephrotoxic drugs; in colistin group 4 other concomitant drugs, on control group 3; most frequently vancomycin, cefepime, amikacine, garamycine and amphotericine B deoxycholate was used. Of 26 patients receiving colistin, 76.9% of patients had the drug discontinued after successful clearance of infection, while in control group 65.4% of patients had the drug discontinued due to same reason. Only one patient had displayed neurological toxicity (Jacksons attack with secondary generalisation), but the drug was not discontinued, dose was modified, patient had no further attacks. There was no statistically significant difference in the level of serum creatinine, creatinine clearance (calculated), or potassium levels between prior to therapy and after treatment discontinuation between groups. One patient treated with colistin developed renal failure and was subjected to continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration; of note is that at the time colistin introduction patient already had impaired renal function. In one patient drug was discontinued due to suspected allergic reaction. No other adverse events of colistin therapy were noted. Colistin is an effective antimicrobial drug for the treatment of severe infections caused by MDR P.aeruginosa in haematological patients. The safety profile observed is acceptable in these severe life-threatening infections, in matched-pair analysis it did not display greater toxicity than other antipseudomonas drugs. Further studies are needed to better address the treatment of MDR P. aeruginosa, naimely the optimal dose and schedule, also route of administration of colistin, as well as drug-to-drug interactions.

Description: Earlier evaluation of therapy effect in patients with CML would assist in optimal use of available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Single cell analysis by mass cytometry has enabled the quantification of up to 46 antibody epitopes, making it ideally suited for exhaustive immunophenotyping of the haematological hierarchy, and evaluation of associated dynamic signal transduction events, in a clinical setting. By integrating time resolved single cell signalling data with clinical parameters, we searched for prognostic and efficacy-response mass cytometry biomarkers within a month of TKI therapy. We report data from experiments used to validate the custom panels of antibodies, highlighting the power of mass cytometry in the analysis of primary patient material obtained on clinical studies. Peripheral Blood (PB) samples were collected before, 3 hours, 7 days and 28 days, after start of nilotinib (300 mg BID) treatment in a subset of patients (n=55) enrolled in the ENEST1st trial. PB cells were stained with two panels of antibodies, allowing a comprehensive immunophenotyping of numerous cellular subsets, and also the evaluation of intracellular phosphorylation status of several epitopes. Moreover, using a straightforward barcoding scheme, the time-resolved samples from each individual patient were pooled after barcoding and stained with the antibody panels to minimize sample variation. In a pilot study, 7 and 10 cell subsets were identified in PB samples from 4 untreated healthy donors and 2 complete sets of 4 patients enrolled in this sub study, respectively. Furthermore, a robust signal was measured for pCrkL, pStat5, pStat3, pCreb, pAbl Y412 and pAbl Y245. The two sets of samples from study patients showed substantial changes in activation status over the course of therapy. Some changes, such as pStat3 alterations are only detectable in neutrophils and monocytes, while the activity of others i.e. pCreb was found to be ubiquitous. CD34+ cells indicated decreased phosphorylation of CrkL, Stat5, and Abl Y412/245. To increase the immunophenotyping resolution of the myeloid lineage, 3 additional cell surface markers were incorporated into the cell surface panel. In 1 healthy donor, and in diagnostic samples from three patients enrolled in this sub study, this allowed the identification of 13 cell subsets: CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC's), neutrophils, basophils, B cells, hematopoietic stem cells (Lin- CD34+ CD38-) and progenitor cells (Lin- CD34+ CD38-) (Figure 1 A,B). With respect to the relative number of cells identified for each cell type, the three diagnosis samples differed from the single healthy control. In the patients, we observed an expansion of the granulocytic compartment, as well as the emergence of CD34+ progenitor and stem cells in the peripheral blood. In conclusion, the here presented developed assay is able to resolve most of the cell subpopulations found in the hematopoietic tree, and also robustly measure the activity of central signalling substrates known to be involved in CML pathogenesis. With the addition of new phospho-specific antibodies, the methodology may facilitate the detailed characterization of CML in an immunological context, and may shed new light on both the disease and therapeutic mechanism. Analysis of variation in signal responses and immune profile are now in progress in the subset of patients (n=55) in the ENEST1st trial. Figure 1. Manually annotated SPADE tree from healthy donor and patient (3581_0002). With the incorporation of additional cell surface markers, the protocol was able to identify 13 cellular subsets in healthy donors (A) and a typical CML patient (B): CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC's), neutrophils, basophils, B cells, hematopoietic stem cells (Lin- CD34+ CD38-) and progenitor cells (Lin- CD34+ CD38-). Figure 1. Manually annotated SPADE tree from healthy donor and patient (3581_0002). With the incorporation of additional cell surface markers, the protocol was able to identify 13 cellular subsets in healthy donors (A) and a typical CML patient (B): CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC's), neutrophils, basophils, B cells, hematopoietic stem cells (Lin- CD34+ CD38-) and progenitor cells (Lin- CD34+ CD38-). Disclosures Thaler: AOP Orphan: Research Funding. Lang:Celgene: Consultancy. Hjorth-Hansen:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Ariad: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding. Hellmann:Novartis: Consultancy, Other: funding of travel, accomodations or expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy, Other: funding of travel, accomodations or expenses, Speakers Bureau. Giles:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Hochhaus:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; ARIAD: Honoraria, Research Funding. Janssen:ARIAD: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding. Porkka:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Ossenkoppele:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; ARIAD: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding. Mustjoki:Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation: Research Funding; Finnish Cancer Institute: Research Funding; Sigrid Juselius Foundation: Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; the Finnish Cancer Societies: Research Funding; Academy of Finland: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Gjertsen:Bergen University Hospital: Research Funding.

Description: Abstract 2804 Background: The “monosomal karyotype” cytogenetic subgroup (MK+), as defined by Breems et al. (1) encompasses mostly complex karyotypes (CK, 〉3 abnormalities) and is associated with very poor outcome in AML (1, 2) and MDS (3). Discussions are ongoing regarding treatment response prediction, and a prognosis-modifying effect within the CK+ AML subgroup (1, 4). In a study of 227 AML pts 〉60 years, 38 of whom were MK+, we found that particularly pts with at least 2 monosomal autosomes (MK2+, by definition also CK+) appeared to benefit from DAC (5). We now applied this question to higher-risk MDS pts randomized to either DAC or Best supportive care (BSC) in the 06011 trial (6) which explicitly enrolled pts with IPSS poor-risk cytogenetics. Methods: Of 233 randomized pts, 206 had cytogenetics informative for MK status: 63 had normal cytogenetics (CN), 143 had cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) without MK (MK-, n=73) or with MK (MK+, n=70). This last group was further subdivided into pts with 1, 2 or at least 3 monosomal autosomes (MK1, MK2, MK3+, n=17, 22, 31, resp.). Endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and response rate (RR, complete and partial remissions, hematologic improvement). Analysis was based on the intent-to-treat principle. Results: As recently published (6), in the overall 233 pts, PFS was significantly improved in the DAC arm as compared to BSC (median 0.55 vs 0.25 years, hazard ratio [HR] 0.68, p=0.004), but not OS (HR 0.88), probably due to post-progression treatments, suboptimal DAC schedule and treatment duration as possible confounders. In the 206 pts with informative cytogenetics, significant improvement in outcome with DAC vs. BSC was also seen for PFS (p=0.022, HR 0.72, Table 1) but not OS (HR 0.93). The improvement of PFS with DAC vs BSC was quite pronounced in the 63 pts with CN (HR 0.55, p=0.03), but less impressive and not significant in the 143 pts with CA (HR 0.76, p=0.11). When subdividing the latter by MK categories, pts with either 2 (MK2) or more than 2 (MK3+) monosomal autosomes also had significantly prolonged PFS with DAC, reflected in RR of 67% in MK2 and 33% in MK3+ DAC-treated pts (Table 1). This effect was not obvious in the MK1 subgroup, where the PFS outcome was favorable in both treatment groups, and in the MK− subgroups, either without (“MK−/CK−”) or with complex karyotype (“MK−/CK+”), the latter having a very poor outcome in both treatment groups. With caution (considering the limited size of some subgroups), these results support our observation that AML pts with a complex karyotype harboring 2+ monosomies can gain benefit from this hypomethylating agent. Conclusions: This first randomized trial addressing the predictive value of the MK genotype in the presence of 2+ monosomies embedded in a complex karyotype demonstrates a very rapid deterioration of MDS pts receiving BSC (within

Description: Objectives: To evaluate the clinical utility of the novel heavy/light chain immunoassay for the assessment of multiple myeloma patients. Methods: Serum samples of 99 multiple myeloma patients in different disease stages (74 IgG, 25 IgA) were analysed. Disease assessement was performed by standard laboratory procedures (SPE, serum IFE, serum free light chain assay [FLC], quantitative immunoglobulins, serum beta-2-microglobulin, as well as basic biochemistry and hematology tests) in addition to bone marrow analysis and the novel heavy/light chain assay (HLC). Serum HLC and FLC measurements were obtained using the polyclonal antisera assay Hevylite™ and Freelite™ respectively (The Binding Site, Birmingham, UK) and performed on a Dade BNII analyser (Siemens). SPE and sIFE were performed on a SEBIA Hydrasis platform. Total immunglobulins were measured using Tina-quant Gen.2 reagents on a Roche Cobas 6000cee platform. Statistical analysis was performed using the R package software (R Development Core Team, Vienna, Austria). Results: The majority of patients (61/99) had total immunoglobulin measurements within normal ranges. However, HLC measurement revealed 16/61 patients to have an abnormal HLC ratio, signifying monoclonality. Furthermore, 5/23 patients who had achieved a complete response (CR) were found to have an abnormal HLC ratio, indicating the presence of residual disease. Subsequently, 2/5 of these patients suffered relapse during the follow-up period. Analysing the entire group of patients, notable statistically significant correlations were observed for the percentage of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow and an abnormal serum FLC ratio with an abnormal HLC ratio (p=0.0004 and p=0.0001 respectively) as well as an extremely abnormal HLC ratio (40; p=0.003 and p=0.01 respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis for the entire group showed that overall survival (OS) in patients with abnormal HLC ratios or, in particular, extremely abnormal HLC ratio values was significantly shorter (median survival 31.7 month vs. median not reached, p = 0.021; median 11.8 month vs. 31.7 months; p = 0.0032, respectively, figures 1a and 1b). A significantly shorter time to progression (TTP) was also associated with abnormal or extremely abnormal HLC ratio values (median 21.1 months vs median not reached, p = 0.006; median 11.8 months vs 23.1 months, p = 0.0004; figures 2a and 2b). Interestingly, suppression of the polyclonal isotype pair was also associated with a significantly shorter TTP (median 21.1 months vs median not reached, p = 0.029). In multivariate analysis, abnormal HLC ratio values proved to be an independent prognostic risk factor (p = 0.05; table 1). Conclusion: The novel heavy/light chain allows accurate measurement of monoclonal immunoglobulins and can be more sensitive than standard techniques at detecting residual disease. Abnormal heavy/light chain ratios and immunoglobulin isotype pair suppression may have prognostic significance for multiple myeloma patients. Figure 1. Overall survival in patients stratified according to HLC ratio values. a) Median survival was 31.7 months in patients with abnormal HLC ratio values (dotted line) and was not reached in patients with normal values (full line, p = 0.021). b) the difference is even bigger when patients were stratified by extreme values of HLC ratio (〈 0.02 or 〉 40). Median survival was 11.8 months in patients with extreme HLC ratio values (dotted line) and 31.7 months in patients with less extreme values (full line, p = 0.0032). Figure 1. Overall survival in patients stratified according to HLC ratio values. a) Median survival was 31.7 months in patients with abnormal HLC ratio values (dotted line) and was not reached in patients with normal values (full line, p = 0.021). b) the difference is even bigger when patients were stratified by extreme values of HLC ratio (〈 0.02 or 〉 40). Median survival was 11.8 months in patients with extreme HLC ratio values (dotted line) and 31.7 months in patients with less extreme values (full line, p = 0.0032). Figure 2. Time to progression in patients stratified according to HLC ratio values. a) Median time to progression was 21.1 months in patients with abnormal HLC ratio values (dotted line) and was not reached in patients with normal values (full line, p = 0.006). b) when patients were stratified by extreme values of HLC ratio (〈 0.02 or 〉 40), median time to progression was 11.8 months in patients with extreme HLC ratio values (dotted line) and 23.1 months in patients with less extreme values (full line, p = 0.0004). Figure 2. Time to progression in patients stratified according to HLC ratio values. a) Median time to progression was 21.1 months in patients with abnormal HLC ratio values (dotted line) and was not reached in patients with normal values (full line, p = 0.006). b) when patients were stratified by extreme values of HLC ratio (〈 0.02 or 〉 40), median time to progression was 11.8 months in patients with extreme HLC ratio values (dotted line) and 23.1 months in patients with less extreme values (full line, p = 0.0004). Table 1. Multivariate Cox regression analysis Risk factor Relative risk 95% confidence interval "p" value abnormal IgGκ/IgGλ;IgAκ/IgAλ ratio 3.55 0.96 – 13.20 0.05 HLC isotype absolute value 〉 median 0.73 0.27 – 1.97 0.54 abnormal serum FLC ratio 1.24 0.45 – 3.45 0.68 “low” serum albumin 4.25 1.66-10.88 0.003 “high” beta 2 microglobulin 2.94 1.13-7.68 0.03 Disclosures Last: The Binding Site: Employment.

Description: Thalidomide-Dexamethasone (TD) is an active regimen in patients with relapsing/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Recent phase II and III studies revealed an even higher response rate in previously untreated patients. In the present trial we compare TD with standard Melphalan-Prednisone (MP) in previously untreated elderly patients with multiple myeloma. The trial is designed to include 350 pts with MM, 190 patients have been enrolled so far (median age: 72 years, stage I: 9 (5%), stage II: 61 (32%), stage III: 120 (63%). Patients are randomized to Thalidomide 200mg/day and Dexamethasone 40mg, days 1–4 and 15–18 (on odd cycles) and days 1–4 (on even cycles) or Melphalan 2.5mg/kg day 1–4 and Prednisone 2mg/kg days 1–4, q 4–6 weeks. Thalidomide should be dosed up to 400mg/day, if feasible. Patients achieving response or stabilization are randomized to maintenance treatment either with Thalidomide (maximal dose 200mg/day)-Interferon alpha-2b (3Mega U, TIW) or Interferon alpha-2b (3Mega U/TIW). All patients are scheduled for monthly Zometa (4mg) during the entire period. Response is defined according Blade’s criteria, statistical results are given by intend to treat analysis. 125 patients are evaluable for response as yet. Best response to TD was: CR 6 (10%), NCR 7 (12%), and VGPR 9 (15%) PR 9 (15%), MR 10 (16%) yielding an ORR of 67%. Four pts had SD (7%) and 16 PD or failure (26%). The respective results in pts on MP were: CR 2 (3%), NCR 4 (6%), VGPR 5 (8%), PR 13 (20%), MR 7 (11%), ORR 48% (p