ALBERT

Description: Achieving a complete cytogenetic response (CCgR) is a major target in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with interferon-α (IFN-α), but CCgRs are rare. The mean CCgR rate is 13%, in a range of 5% to 33%. A collaborative study of 9 European Union countries has led to the collection of data on 317 patients who were first seen between 1983 and 1997 and achieved CCgRs with IFN-α alone or in combination with hydroxyurea. The median time to first CCgR was 19 months (95% CI, 17-21; range, 3-84 months). At last contact, 212 patients were still alive and in continuous CCgR; 105 patients had lost CCgR, but 53% of them were still alive and in chronic phase. IFN-α treatment was discontinued permanently in 23 cases for response loss, in 36 cases for chronic toxicity (15 are still in unmaintained continuous CCgR), and in 8 cases because it was believed that treatment was no longer necessary (7 of these 8 patients are still in unmaintained continuous CCgR). The 10-year survival rate from first CCgR is 72% (95% CI, 62%-82%) and is related to the risk profile. High-risk patients lost CCgR more frequently and more rapidly and none survived more than 10 years. Low-risk patients survived much longer (10-year survival probability 89% for Sokal low risk and 81% for Euro low risk). These data point out that a substantial long-term survival in CCgRs is restricted mainly to low-risk and possibly intermediate-risk patients and occurs significantly less often in high-risk patients.

Description: Background. Nilotinib 300 mg BID was approved as frontline treatment in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) patients and allowed to reach deep molecular responses in a shorter median time with reduction of progression rate. Nilotinib is associated to a specific safety profile, with metabolic side effect as the most common events and increased probability of cardiovascular disorders. Aim. Aim of our study is to prospectively assess metabolic changes and cardiovascular safety during treatment with nilotinib, in a single arm multicentric Italian GIMEMA trial (0811), testing the drug as frontline treatment with the primary endpoint to obtain MR4 at 24 months. All metabolic changes were classified according to CTC grade. Lipidic changes were assessed according to American Association of Clinical endocrinologist criteria of 2012 and glucose abnormalities according to American diabetologist association (ADA). Results. One hundred and thirty patients were enrolled in 33 different centers: median age 50.5 years (range 18-85), 64.6% male. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.3, with 40% of patients being overweight/obese according to WHO classification. At last contact, 100 patients were still in treatment, the majority with full dose (86%). According to ADA criteria 47%, 10%, 4.6% and 6% of patients experienced grade 1 (101-125 mg/dl), grade 2 (126-150 mg/dl), grade 3 (151-200 mg/dl) and grade 4 (〉200 mg/dl), increased fasting glucose, respectively. As compared to baseline, a significant variation was observed after 1 year (p8), respectively according to ADA criteria. AACE criteria identified a significant reduction of triglycerides (p

Description: Abstract 2281 Introduction. Imatinib is the standard of care for CML in early chronic phase. Until now, even in stable complete molecular response, discontinuation of imatinib is not recommended, and imatinib remains a life-saving drug to be taken chronically. Long term side effects, including the incidence of second malignancies, represent a potential relevant issue. Roy et al (Leukemia 2005) reported an unexpected incidence of second neoplasms in patients treated with imatinib after interferon (6/189 patients, 3.2%; urinary tract cancer: 4/6). In contrast, an analysis performed by Novartis Pharma (Pilot et al, Leukemia 2006) on 9518 patients treated with imatinib (including pre-treated patients) did not provided evidence for an increased overall incidence of second malignancies. According to epidemiologic data (Registro Tumori) in Italy, the annual incidence of neoplasms varies from 1%, in the range of age between 50 and 69 years, to 3% for patients over 70 years. AIM. To evaluate the incidence of second malignancies in CML patients treated with imatinib frontline. METHODS. Overall, 559 patients have been enrolled in 3 concurrent clinical studies of the GIMEMA CML Working Party: CML/021, Imatinib 800 mg in intermediate Sokal risk patients (Clin Trials Gov. NCT00514488); CML/022, Imatinib 400 mg vs 800 mg in high Sokal risk patients (Clin Trials Gov. NCT00510926); CML/023, observational, Imatinib 400 mg. We evaluated the incidence of II malignancy notified as severe adverse events reported by the GIMEMA clinical Centers. RESULTS. The median age at the diagnosis of CML was 52 (extr.18 – 84) years; 308 patients (55%) were ≥ 50 years. The median follow-up is currently 60 months. Eighteen patients (3.2%) developed a second malignancy at a median time of 20 months (extremes 2 – 52) from the start of imatinib therapy (Table 1); 4 of these malignancies (2 colon cancer and 2 NHL) were diagnosed within 6 months. All patients were older than 50 years (median 64, extremes 50 – 79) at the diagnosis of the second malignancy. Fifteen out of the 559 (2.7%) patients died due to second neoplasm progression. CONCLUSION. In this multicentre nation-wide experience of CML patients treated with imatinib frontline, the incidence of life-threatening or requiring hospitalization secondary neoplasms (severe adverse events), seems not to be superior to the observed incidence of neoplasm in the Italian national population. In particular, in contrast to what previously reported, no increased incidence of urinary tract cancer was observed. Disclosures: Gugliotta: Novartis: Honoraria. Castagnetti: Novartis: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Martinelli: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy. Pane: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Saglio: Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Baccarani: Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Wyeth: Consultancy, Research Funding. Rosti: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau.

Description: Background: In chronic phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) the disease characteristics at diagnosis, risk distribution, probability of transformation to accelerated/blast phase (AP/BP), and toxicities may vary according to age. Nilotinib has shown better efficacy compared to imatinib, but it has been associated to a higher incidence of arterial thrombotic events (ATEs). Little is known on the efficacy, safety and long-term outcome of nilotinib treated patients in different age groups. Aims: To investigate the efficacy and safety, particularly the cardiovascular safety, of first-line treatment with nilotinib according to age distribution. Methods: We analyzed 345 patients ≥ 18 years of age with CP CML enrolled in clinical trials of the GIMEMA CML WP investigating nilotinib as first-line treatment. Patients were treated with: nilotinib 400 mg BID (n=73); rotation of nilotinib 400 mg BID / imatinib 400 mg OD (3-month periods for each drug)(n=123); nilotinib 300 mg BID (n=149). The median follow-up was 58 months. We divided the patients in 3 groups of age (table): 18-49 years (group A, 147 pts, median age: 39 years); 50-64 years (group B, 109 pts, median age 58 years); and ≥ 65 years (group C, 89 pts, median age 71 years). We analyzed in detail the response rates, events and outcome. Definitions: Major molecular response (MMR): BCR-ABL≤0.1% (IS), with 〉 10.000 ABL copies; MR4: BCR-ABL≤0.01% (IS), with 〉 10.000 ABL copies. Events: permanent discontinuation of nilotinib for any reason, including adverse events, progression to AP/BP, or deaths. ATEs: peripheral arterial obstructive disease (PAOD), acute coronary syndrome, chronic ischemic heart disease, significant carotid stenosis and ischemic stroke, or other significant ischemic events. Results: EUTOS high risk patients were: 8.8, 5.5, 1.1% in group A, B, and C, respectively (p=0.048). We did not observe significant differences in molecular response rates (table), including BCR-ABL/ABL 65 years (p=0.015). Progressions to AP/BP were significantly more frequent in younger (18 - 49 years) patients (6.8%) compared to older (〉 50 years) patients (1.5%), p= 0.019. Overall, 19 patients died (group A: 4.8%; B: 2.8%; C: 10%). In patients 〈 65 years all deaths (10) were leukemia-related, while in patients 〉65 years, all but one (8/9) deaths were leukemia-unrelated. The 6-year overall-survival was 94%, 97%, and 84% in pts 18-49 years, 50-64 years, and 〉 65 years of age (p=0.12) Summary/Conclusion: Nilotinib as first-line treatment of newly diagnosed CP CML patients showed high rates of molecular responses in all age groups. However, compared to older patients, significant more progressions occurred in younger (18-49 years) ones; the causes of death in this group were all leukemia-related. In contrast, in elderly patients (〉65 years) the causes of death were almost all leukemia-unrelated. ATEs were rare (2%) in patients of 18-49 years, while high rates (〉 10%) of ATEs were recorded in those of 50-64 years; as expected, ATEs occurred even more frequently in patients 〉 65 years. These data suggest that while in patients 〉 50 years more attention should be focused on the prevention of ATEs, in younger ones more efforts are needed to avoid the progression of CML to accelerated/blast phase. Disclosures Gugliotta: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria. Castagnetti:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; ARIAD Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria. Breccia:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Ariad: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Carella:Millenium: Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Speakers Bureau. Tiribelli:Ariad Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Soverini:Ariad: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Cavo:Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Martinelli:Pfizer: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; ARIAD: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; MSD: Consultancy; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; BMS: Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; ARIAD: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; MSD: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy. Saglio:Ariad: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy. Baccarani:Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Other: personal fees, Speakers Bureau; Ariad: Honoraria, Other: personal fees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Rosti:Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

Description: Background: In the ENESTnd trial, nilotinib (NIL) showed a superior efficacy to imatinib (IM) with higher response rates and less frequent progression to advanced phases (ABP). Based on these results, NIL has been approved for frontline treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The treatment-free remission (TFR) is actually considered one of the most important treatment goals in CML and a sustained deep molecular response (DMR, MR4 or better) is a pre-requisite to achieve TFR. The 5-year update from the ENESTnd trial showed a superiority of NIL over IM in terms of both MR4 and MR4.5, but differences concerning the stability of DMR have not been reported. Moreover, a significant improvement in the long-term outcome has not been demonstrated yet. Despite the efficacy, cost and safety concerns may limit the NIL use as first line treatment in CML. Independent studies are extremely relevant to confirm or to extend the results of company-sponsored trials. Aims and Methods: To assess the efficacy of NIL frontline in terms of DMR, a phase 3b study was conducted by the GIMEMA CML WP (CML0811; NCT01535391). The primary endpoint was the rate of MR4 at 24 months. Key secondary objectives: evaluation of the kinetics of molecular response, assessment of the safety profile, analysis of the outcome. The starting NIL dose was 300 mg BID, with dose escalation to 400 mg BID in case of suboptimal response or failure according to ELN 2009 criteria, with the exception of progression to ABP and in absence of safety issues or BCR-ABL mutations insensitive to NIL. The molecular response was assessed in GIMEMA standardized molecular laboratories (LabNet network) and the results were expressed according to the International Scale. The MR4 was defined as either detectable disease ≤ 0.01% BCR-ABL or undetectable disease with ≥ 10.000 ABL copies; the MR4.5 was defined as either detectable disease ≤ 0.0032% BCR-ABL or undetectable disease with ≥ 32.000 ABL copies. Sustained MR4 or MR4.5: MR4 or MR4.5 for at least 1 year a, with at least 3 evaluable analysis. Adverse events were recorded continuously. A prospective evaluation of glucose metabolism and serum lipids was planned. All the analysis were performed according to the ITT principle. Results: 130 CML patients in early chronic phase have been enrolled in 32 italian hematologic centers; median age, 50 years (range 18-85); high risk patients, 22%, 6% and 8% according to Sokal, Euro and EUTOS scores, respectively; clonal chromosomal abnormalities in Ph+ cells at baseline, 5%; e13a2 BCR-ABL transcript, 34%. The median follow-up is actually 21 months (all patients had at least 18 months observation; a minimum observation of 24 months will be reached by October 2014). Data with at least 24 months follow-up will be presented on site. At the last contact, the patients still on treatment with NIL were 110/130, 85% (74% with 600 mg, 7% with 300 mg or less, 4% with 800 mg daily), while 20/130 patients, 15%, permanently interrupted the study drug for the following reasons: 3% progression to ABP, 2% failure or suboptimal response (dose escalation not feasible), 1% allogeneic stem cell transplantation, 5% toxicity, 4% other reasons (including consent withdrawal and pregnancy). The complete cytogenetic response rate and the major molecular response rate at 12 months were 76% and 53%, respectively. The rates of MR4 at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months were 2%, 12%, 27% and 29%, respectively. Fifty-four patients achieved a MR4 at least once; the patients with a sustained MR4 were 18/54 (33%, or 14% of the total). The rates of MR4.5 at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months were 0, 3%, 10% and 13%, respectively. Only 3 patients achieved a sustained MR4.5. A significant increase of glycosylated hemoglobin was not observed. The total cholesterol, and both LDL and HDL cholesterol fractions significantly increased during treatment. Triglyceride concentrations had not significant variations. Six patients (5%) had a cardiovascular event, including myocardial infarction and arterial thrombosis. All the patients are still alive. Conclusions: The molecular response rates seem to be superior to the historical data of IM. NIL 300 mg BID as frontline treatment of BCR-ABL+ CML, with dose optimization in case of non optimal response, may improve the proportion of patients able to discontinue TKI treatment. Due to the metabolic effects, a baseline selection is crucial to maximize the therapeutic benefit and to minimize the cardiovascular risks. Disclosures Castagnetti: Pfizer: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis Farma: Consultancy, Honoraria. Gugliotta:Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria. Rossi:NOVARTIS: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; BRISTOL MYERS-SQUIBB: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; ARIAD: Consultancy; ROCHE: Speakers Bureau. Turri:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol-Meyers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria. Tiribelli:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol-Meyers and Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria. Soverini:NOVARTIS: Consultancy; BRISTOL MYERS: Consultancy; ARIAD: Consultancy. Cavo:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Millenium Pharm: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Onyx: Honoraria. Martinelli:Pfizer: Speakers Bureau; Bristol Myers Squibb: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Saglio:BMS: Consultancy, Fees for occasional speeches Other; Novartis: Consultancy, Fees for occasional speeches, Fees for occasional speeches Other; Pfizer: Consultancy, Fees for occasional speeches, Fees for occasional speeches Other; ARIAD: Consultancy, Fees for occasional speeches, Fees for occasional speeches Other. Baccarani:ARIAD: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Rosti:ROCHE: Speakers Bureau; ARIAD: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau.

Description: Introduction Dasatinib (DAS) is a second-generation (2G) tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved for the first- and second-line treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Though highly effective, DAS displays a distinct safety profile, with pleural effusion (PE) occurring in a significant proportion of patients. Among factors associated with DAS-related PE, concomitant pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases have emerged as the most common. Bosutinib (BOS) is another 2G-TKI that has proved to be effective in CML patients failing previous TKIs, with limited cardiac and pleural toxicity. Aims To analyse safety and efficacy of BOS therapy in chronic phase (CP) CML patients developing PE under DAS. Methods We retrospectively collected 20 CP-CML patients referring to several Italian hematology centers who have been receiving BOS in second- or subsequent line, after development of one or more PE with DAS. Cytogenetic and molecular responses were evaluated according to the ELN recommendations, with major molecular response (MMR) defined as BCR-ABLIS ratio

Description: BACKGROUND: In chronic phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) nilotinib showed better efficacy compared to imatinib. The higher rates of deep molecular response with nilotinib may translate in more patients (pts) eligible for treatment discontinuation. On the other hand, cardiovascular toxicity may limit nilotinib use in selected groups of pts (e.g. elderly pts). AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety, overall and according to age, of first-line treatment with nilotinib in CML pts. METHODS: We analyzed response rates, events and outcome of 472 pts ≥ 18 y of age with CP CML, enrolled in clinical trials of the GIMEMA CML WP with nilotinib frontline. Pts were treated with: nilotinib 300 mg BID (n=276); nilotinib 400 mg BID (n=73); rotation of nilotinib 400 mg BID / imatinib 400 mg OD (3-month periods for each drug)(n=123). The median follow-up was 36 (3-82) months. Pts were further analyzed considering 3 age groups: 18-39 y (98 pts); 40-59 y (217 pts); and ≥ 60 y (157 pts). Definitions: Major molecular response (MR3): BCR-ABL≤0.1% (IS), with 〉 10.000 ABL copies; MR4: BCR-ABL≤0.01% (IS), with 〉 10.000 ABL copies. Events: permanent discontinuation of nilotinib for any reason, including adverse events, progression to accelerated/blast phase (AP/BP), or deaths. Arterial thrombotic events (ATEs): peripheral arterial obstructive disease, acute coronary syndrome, chronic ischemic heart disease, significant carotid stenosis and ischemic stroke, or other significant ischemic events. RESULTS: Overall, the cumulative incidences of MR3 by 12, 24, and 36 months were 75, 88, and 93%, respectively. The cumulative incidences of MR4 by 12, 24, and 36 months were 38, 63, and 76%, respectively. Events leading to permanent nilotinib discontinuation occurred in 132 (27.9%) pts. ATEs occurred in 33 (7% of pts) ATEs, corresponding to 19.7 ATEs/1000 pt-y. Fifteen (3.1%) pts progressed to AP/BP. Overall, 23 (4.9%) pts died, 11 of them after progression to AP/BP. The estimated 5-year OS was 93%. The sub-analysis according to age showed that: MR3 and MR4 rates were similar across the 3 age groups (cumulative incidences of MR4 by 24 months were 55, 62, and 70% in pts 18-39 y, 40-59 y, and ≥ 60 y, respectively; p=0.25). Progressions to AP/BP were: 6.1% in pts 18-39 y, 2.8% in pts 40-59 y, and 1.9% in pts ≥ 60 y. ATEs were: 0 in pts 18-39y, 4.1% (11.7/1000 pt-years) in pts 40-59 y, and 15.3% (41.3/1000 pt-years) in pts ≥ 60 y (no difference in ATEs was found between pts 60-69 y and those ≥ 70 y). The 5-y OS was 91, 97, and 89% in pts 18-39 y, 40-59 y, and ≥ 60 y, respectively (p=0.065). Death was always leukemia-related in pts 18-39 y (100%), while it was mainly leukemia-unrelated (75%) in pts ≥ 60 y. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION: Nilotinib as first-line treatment of newly diagnosed CP CML pts showed high rates of deep molecular responses, few progressions to AP/BP, and a high OS. Deep molecular response were similar in all age groups; as expected, ATEs were more frequent in pts 〉 60 y. These data suggest that: in pts 〉 60 y, the high efficacy of nilotinib should be weighed against its potential toxicity; in pts 〈 60 years, nilotinib may be a very good choice, with high efficacy and low toxicity. Disclosures Gugliotta: Novartis: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Castagnetti:Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria. Breccia:Novartis: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria. Levato:Novartis: Other: Advisory board. Abruzzese:Pfizer: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy. Soverini:Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Incyte Biosciences: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Foà:NOVARTIS: Speakers Bureau; JANSSEN: Other: ADVISORY BOARD, Speakers Bureau; CELTRION: Other: ADVISORY BOARD; INCYTE: Other: ADVISORY BOARD; CELGENE: Other: ADVISORY BOARD, Speakers Bureau; ABBVIE: Other: ADVISORY BOARD, Speakers Bureau; ROCHE: Other: ADVISORY BOARD, Speakers Bureau; GILEAD: Speakers Bureau; AMGEN: Other: ADVISORY BOARD. Cavo:AbbVie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Pane:Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau; AMGEN: Speakers Bureau.

Description: Background and Rationale. Bosutinib (BOS), dasatinib (DAS) and nilotinib (NIL) are 2nd generation TKIs with similar second-line efficacy. The use of DAS and NIL may be burdened by pulmonary, infectious, cardiovascular and metabolic complications; these complications are more frequent and more clinically relevant in the elderly. BOS could represent an important therapeutic option in elderly patients intolerant to or failing a first-line TKI, but the dose of 500 mg OAD may be higher than necessary. Aims. All TKIs have been tested at a fixed initial dose, with dose adjustment in case of toxicity or treatment failure. On the contrary, the aim of our study was to evaluate in elderly CML patients if second-line BOS was effective and better tolerated at doses lower than 500 mg OAD, beginning with 200 mg OAD, then increasing the dose to 300 OAD or 400 mg OAD according to the molecular response, to find the minimum effective dose. Methods. A prospective phase 2 single-arm multicenter study has been designed by the GIMEMA CML Working Party (NCT02810990). Study design: all patients started with 200 mg OAD for 2 weeks ("run-in" period), then the dose was increased to 300 mg OAD; after 3 months, patients with BCR-ABLIS transcript ≤ 1% continued 300 mg OAD, while in patients with transcript 〉 1% the dose is furtherly increased to 400 mg OAD. In responsive patients, BOS dose was maintained, 300 mg or 400 mg OAD. Key inclusion criteria: 〉 60 yrs old, chronic phase CML, intolerance or failure of any first-line TKI (2013 ELN criteria), absence of T315I or V299L mutation. Sixty-three patients have been enrolled. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients in MR3 at 1 year. Definitions: MR3, BCR-ABLIS 〈 0.1%; MR4, BCR-ABLIS 〈 0.01% with 〉 10.000 copies; MR4.5, BCR-ABLIS 〈 0.0032% with 〉 32.000 copies. Results. Median age: 73 yrs (range 60-90). Age distribution: 60-69 yrs, 18 pts (29%); 70-79 yrs, 31 pts (49%); 〉 80 yrs, 14 pts (22%). Sokal score at diagnosis: low 19%, intermediate 49%, high 32%. Reasons for switching to BOS: intolerance 63%, resistance 37%. First-line TKI: imatinib 83%, DAS 11%, NIL 6% (same TKI distribution in intolerant and resistant patients). Median follow-up: 9 mos (range 1-30). Overall, 10/63 patients had a dose-increase to 400 mg OAD, 49/63 to 300 mg OAD, while 4/63 continued on BOS 200 mg OAD without any dose increase. At baseline, 13 patients were already in MR3. The MR3 rates by 3 and 6 months were 43% and 56%, respectively. The cumulative rate of patients achieving or maintaining a MR3 by 12 months was 60% (65% in intolerant and 52% in resistant patients, p = 0.31). Interestingly, only 21% of patients 〉 80 yrs old achieved or maintained a MR3 (p 〈 0.001, compared to younger patients). Patients achieving MR4 or MR4.5 were 38% and 19%, respectively. Overall, 22%, 27% and 11% of patients had 1 log, 2 logs or 〉 3 logs reduction from baseline BCR-ABLIS transcript level. Selected adverse events: cardiac ischemia, 2 patients; pericardial effusion, 2 patients; no pleural effusions. Events leading to permanent treatment discontinuation: 2 unrelated deaths, 7 adverse events (3 hypertransaminasemia, 1 nephrotoxicity, 1 diarrhea, 1 skin rash, 1 myalgia/fatigue), 3 unsatisfactory responses (without progressions). Fifty-one out of 63 patients are still on BOS at the last contact: 6 on 400 mg OAD, 34 on 300 mg OAD, 11 on 200 mg OAD. Conclusions. A gradual dose increase, based on prospective molecular monitoring, allowed the great majority of enrolled patients (approximately 70%) to remain on treatment with BOS 300 mg OAD or less, achieving a major molecular response (MR3) in 60% of the cases. These results trial showed that, in elderly patients intolerant to or failing a first-line TKI, BOS may be highly effective and better tolerated at a dose lower than 500 mg OAD, namely at 300 mg OAD. Disclosures Castagnetti: Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squiib: Consultancy, Honoraria. Gugliotta:Pfizer: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Bocchia:Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria. Trawinska:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria. Bonifacio:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria. Crugnola:Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria. Elena:Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy. Lucchesi:Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Albano:Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lunghi:Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Stagno:BMS: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Pregno:Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria. Iurlo:Novartis: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria. Ferrero:Novartis: Honoraria. Cavo:janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel accommodations, Speakers Bureau; novartis: Honoraria; takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; bms: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: 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, Other: travel accommodations, Speakers Bureau. Saglio:BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Jansen: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy. Pane:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: research founding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Baccarani:Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy. Rosti:BMS: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. OffLabel Disclosure: Bosutinib is a second generation TKI already registered for the treatment of adult patients with chronic phase CML with resistance or intolerance to prior therapy. In the present study the initial dose is 200 mg instead of 500 mg OAD. A dose increase to 300 or 400 mg is scheduled according to molecular response and tolerabiliy

Description: Since interferon-α and imatinib (IM; STI571, Glivec, Gleevec) are effective for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and their mechanisms of action are different, we designed an exploratory study investigating the effects of a standard IM dose (400 mg/d) and a variable pegylated interferon-α (PegIFN) dose (50 μg/wk, 100 μg/wk, and 150 μg/wk). The criteria for dose adjustment were designed so as to ensure the delivery of the IM dose and to protect life quality. There were 76 patients with previously untreated Philadelphia (Ph)–positive CML enrolled in the study. There were 3 patients who discontinued IM and 45 patients who discontinued PegIFN. The severity of adverse events increased with increasing PegIFN dose. The IM dose could be administered to the patients who were assigned to receive 50 μg/wk or 100 μg/wk PegIFN but not to those who were assigned to receive 150 μg/wk. The median administered dose of PegIFN ranged between 32 μg/wk and 36 μg/wk. The cytogenetic response was 70% complete (Ph-neg 100%) and 83% major (Ph-neg 〉 65%). The BCR/ABL transcript was reduced by at least 3 logs in 68% of complete cytogenetic responders. These data of toxicity, compliance, and efficacy may assist in the design and preparation of prospective studies.

Description: One of the hallmarks of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is genomic instability, that fosters the acquisition of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-resistant BCR-ABL1 mutations and/or of additional chromosomal aberrations leading to progression to blast crisis (BC). Inactivating mutations in the SETD2 tumor suppressor occur in solid tumors and acute leukemias. SETD2 trimethylates histone H3 Lysine 36 (H3K36Me3) playing a key role in maintaining DNA integrity. We have recently demonstrated that, in CML, SETD2 loss of function may occur at the post-translational level. Reduced or null SETD2 and H3K36Me3 was detected in 83/96 (86%) patients (pts) with BC CML as compared to a pool of healthy donors and to chronic phase (CP) pts at diagnosis. Proteasome inhibition in primary cells from pts with undetectable SETD2 restored H3K36Me3 and led to accumulation of hyper-ubiquitinated SETD2. In K562 cells (SETD2/H3K36Me3low), we observed that after proteasome inhibition hyper-ubiquitinated SETD2 co-immunoprecipitates with MDM2. MDM2 inhibition rescued SETD2 expression and activity, suggesting that MDM2 is implicated in SETD2 reduced stability. Co-IP also showed that SETD2 interacts with Aurora Kinase A (AKA) a S/T kinase frequently overexpressed in CML. We found that AKA phosphorylates SETD2, and its inhibition rescued SETD2 expression and activity. To investigate whether SETD2/H3K36Me3 loss may be a druggable lesion, we performed clonogenic assays in LAMA84 (SETD2/H3K36Me3high) cells before and after SETD2 silencing, in imatinib-sensitive K562 (SETD2/H3K36Me3low) cells and in IM-resistant K562 cells, that are characterized by complete SETD2 loss. The extent of reduction of clonogenic growth after proteasomal, AKA or MDM2 inhibition was found to be inversely correlated to SETD2 residual expression. These observations were confirmed in cells from both CP (n=2) and BC (n=4) CML pts showing different levels of SETD2 expression and activity. Further experiments were performed in the aforementioned cell lines to verify if reduced clonogenic potential was due to cytostatic or cytotoxic effects. Apoptotic cell death was quantified by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. Proteasomal inhibition by bortezomib, carfilzomib and ixazomib and AKA de-phosphorylation by Danusertib caused a time-dependent increase of annexin-V-positive cells by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway as reflected by an increase in Bax expression and induction of the cleavage of caspase-3,-9 and PARP. Moreover, all drug treatments as single agent, at nanomolar doses (Bortezomib: 10 nM, Carfilzomib: 5 nM, Ixazomib: 10 nM and Danusertib: 500 nM) induced a significant increase of the DNA double-strand break marker γH2AX, suggesting that in a SETD2 knock-down context, proteasomal and AKA inhibition propagates genomic instability by forcing the cells through successive replication cycles, ultimately resulting in apoptosis from mitotic catastrophe. Reduced SETD2/H3K36Me3 levels, in association with MDM2 and AKA hyper-activation, were also detected when the CD34+ cell fraction of 10 CML-CP pts, was compared to the total mononuclear cell fraction or to the CD34+ compartment obtained from a pool of healthy donors. We thus hypothesized that leukemia progenitor cells, showing higher MDM2 and AKA activity and consequent SETD2 loss, accumulate genetic aberrations despite inhibition of BCR-ABL1 kinase. Studies are ongoing to verify if MDM2 or AKA inhibition may restore SETD2 expression and function and induce cell death. Finally, it has already been shown that alterations of epigenetic regulators such as the KDM4 family members control tumor cell proliferation in a variety of cancers including acute myeloid leukemia. Recent findings have identified KDM4 demethylases as putative therapeutic targets in a SETD2 mutated context and illustrated the efficacy of KDM4 inhibitors in AML therapy. Starting from these evidences, we will test the same approach in BC CML models. In conclusion, phosphorylation by AKA and ubiquitination by MDM2 contribute to SETD2 non-genomic loss of function in BC CML and in CD34+ leukemic progenitors. Restoring physiological H3K36Me3 may help to improve the outcome of this critical subset of pts. Acknowledgments: Study supported by AIRC (project code 16996), AIL (Associazione Italiana contro le Leucemia, Linfomi e Mieloma), Italian Ministry of Health, project GR-2016-02364880. Disclosures Gugliotta: Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria. Castagnetti:Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squiib: Consultancy, Honoraria. Rosti:BMS: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Iurlo:Incyte: Other: Speaker Honoraria; Novartis: Other: Speaker Honoraria; Pfizer: Other: Speaker Honoraria. Abruzzese:Incyte: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy. Pregno:Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Crugnola:Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria. Albano:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Bonifacio:Novartis: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria. Tiribelli:Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Baccarani:Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy. Martinelli:Roche: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; ARIAD: Consultancy. Cavo:amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: 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, Other: travel accommodations, Speakers Bureau; novartis: Honoraria; takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; bms: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel accommodations, Speakers Bureau. Soverini:Incyte: Consultancy.