A Phase I Study of Asciminib (ABL001) in Combination with Dasatinib and Prednisone for BCR-ABL1-Positive ALL and Blast Phase CML in Adults
Authors: Luskin Marlise R. , Murakami Mark Alan , Keating Julia , Winer Eric S. , Garcia Jacqueline S. , Stahl Maximilian , Wadleigh Martha , Flamand Yael , Neuberg Donna S. , Galinsky Ilene , Leonard Rebecca , Hagopian Ella , Weizer Chase M , McLanahan Carlin , Stone Richard M , Wang Eunice S. , Stock Wendy , DeAngelo Daniel J. 
Published: December 2023

Introduction:Oral ABL1 kinase inhibitors rapidly produce deep remissions in BCR::ABL1+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myeloid leukemia in lymphoid blast crisis (CML-LBC). Second generation TKIs such as dasatinib (DAS) are more effective than imatinib (Foa et al. Blood 2011) but patients may develop resistance. Asciminib (ASC), previously ABL001, is a STAMP (Specifically Targeting the ABL Myristoyl Pocket) allosteric ABL1 inhibitor that binds to a site spatially distinct from ATP-competitive TKIs. Combination treatment with an allosteric and an ATP-competitive TKI may deepen clinical responses and limit mutational resistance as supported by a cell line xenograft model of CML (Wylie et al. Nature 2017) and patient-derived xenograft models of BCR::ABL1+ ALL. We hypothesized that dual ABL blockade with catalytic domain and allosteric inhibitors would be tolerable and active in BCR::ABL1+ ALL and CML-LBC.

Methods: This investigator initiated, phase I study (NCT03595917) of asciminib (ASC) in combination with DAS plus prednisone (pred) for BCR::ABL1+ ALL studied ASC in escalating doses in a 3+3 design with the primary objective to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD)/recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D); a 10 patient (pt) expansion cohort was then accrued. Secondary objectives define the depth and durability of responses. Pts with BCR::ABL1+ ALL or CML-LBC newly diagnosed ≥ 50 years (yrs), or unfit; or relapsed/refractory (no prior DAS or ASC) were eligible in dose escalation; all pts ≥18 yrs were eligible in dose expansion. Pts received DAS 140 mg/day(d) and pred 60 mg/m 2/d 1-24 (max 120 mg/d, tapered d 25-32) with escalating daily doses of ASC (DL1: 40 mg; DL2: 80 mg; DL3: 160 mg). DAS and ASC were given in 28-d cycles indefinitely in setting of clinical benefit, with allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) consolidation after d85 per treating physician. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was initially defined as CTCAEv4 non-heme toxicity grade (gr) 3+; the study was amended to assess DLT via CTCAEv5. Correlative science efforts seek to define biomarkers of response and resistance to dual ABL1 blockade.

Results:The study enrolled 25 pts (48% female), with 14 in dose escalation (13 evaluable), and 11 in expansion (10 evaluable). Most (92%) had new ALL (p190: 15/23, p210: 8/23; 8% had CML-LBC. Median age was 65 yrs (range 33 - 85; 8 pts 70+). Median WBC was 15.1 K/μL (range 0.9 - 251.9 K/μL). No pt had CNS disease. DL1 and DL2 enrolled 3 pts each without DLT. Two of 3 pts at DL3 developed asymptomatic CTCAEv4 gr 3 amylase elevation during C1 meeting original DLT criteria. A 4 th pt enrolled on re-opened DL3 under an amendment defining asymptomatic CTCAEv4 gr 3 amylase/lipase elevations persisting ≤5d to not be a DLT. This pt experienced an asymptomatic CTCAEv4 gr 3 lipase elevation meeting DLT criteria. Thus, the study de-escalated to DL2, re-opening under an amendment assessing DLTs via CTCAEv5. Of note, all DLTs at DL3 would be gr &lt;3 per CTCAEv5. Four more pts (3 evaluable) enrolled at DL2 without a DLT. Thus, ASC 80 mg/d was declared the RP2D, and 11 pts age ≥18 yrs enrolled in an expansion cohort, 10 of whom initiated study treatment. No pt had symptomatic pancreatitis. Rates of molecular response after 3 cycles among all evaluable patients were 58.3% (14/24) for MRD 3.0 and 25.0% (6/24) for MRD 4.0. Evaluable pts with new ALL treated at the RP2D achieved molecular response rates after 3 cycles of 78.6% (11/14) for MRD 3.0 and 42.9% (6/14) for MRD 4.0. Both patients with imatinib-refractory CML-LBC progressed (C9, C3). Of those with ALL, 8 bridged to SCT after 2-8 cycles; 2 elected local care (C5, C7); 1 transitioned to ponatinib for inadequate response plus recurrent DAS pulmonary toxicity (C4); 6 remained on study treatment until disease progression (C4 - MRD+, C45, C11, C11); 3 remain on study. Correlative science evaluation of serial pt biospecimens in pursuit of predictive biomarkers will be shared at the meeting.

Conclusion: Dual ABL1 kinase inhibition with ASC and DAS plus pred in BCR::ABL1+ ALL and CML-LBC is feasible and tolerable in adults with BCR::ABL1+ ALL and CML-LBC. DLTs at ASC 160 mg/d were asymptomatic amylase and lipase elevation, without clinical sequelae. ASC 80 mg/day was declared the RP2D, and an expansion cohort of 10 pts was completed. High rates of molecular response and bridging to transplant highlight encouraging preliminary activity. A phase II expansion cohort incorporating blinatumomab is now open.