The Clinical Phenotype of Myelofibrosis Encompasses a Chronic Inflammatory State That Is Favorably Altered by INCB018424, a Selective Inhibitor of JAK1/2
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew , Kantarjian Hagop M , Pardanani Animesh D. , Mesa Ruben A. , Newton Robert C , Scherle Peggy A , Burn Timothy , Verstovsek Srdan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Current evidence links some of the disease manifestations in myelofibrosis (MF) to abnormal cytokines, likely produced by clonally involved megakaryocytes and monocytes. Furthermore, the recent discovery of JAK2/MPL mutations in MF suggests the contribution of abnormal JAK-STAT signaling to both clonal myeloproliferation and cytokine-driven debility. In order to gain additional pathogenetic insight regarding cytokine-phenotype correlations in MF, we looked into the plasma cytokine profile of MF before and after treatment with INCB018424, a selective JAK1/2 inhibitor.
Methods: The current study includes subjects with MF enrolled in an ongoing phase 1–2 study of oral INCB018424 (doses ranging from 25 mg/day to 50 mg BID). Plasma samples were obtained prior to treatment and at intervals of 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months following INCB018424 dosing. Samples were submitted to Rules Based Medicine Human MAP multiplexed immunoassay system to obtain plasma levels on a range of protein analytes.
Results:
Plasma cytokine levels in MF patients (n=53) vs. normal healthy volunteers (n=15): Compared to normal controls, plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of inflammation were significantly increased in MF patients (Table; mean +/− SD values). Furthermore, the observed inflammatory cytokine levels in MF were often higher than those seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or cancer-associated cachexia (data to be presented at the meeting). Correlation of plasma cytokine levels in MF with JAK2 V617F mutational status, MF subtype and/or constitutional symptoms/cachexia: Comparison of JAK2V617F positive (n=40) and negative (n=13) MF cases suggested significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher IL-1RA (mean +/− SD = 5575 +/− 917 vs. 1291 +/− 359 pg/ml) and CRP (17.4 +/− 1.6 vs. 6.7 +/− 1.9 μg/ml) levels for the former whereas the other cytokines were elevated to a similar extent. Plasma cytokine levels in PMF (n=30) vs. post-PV MF (n=15) vs. post-ET MF (n=8) were not significantly different. The presence of prior splenectomy did not appear to alter the specific MF cytokine profile (Table 1); the abnormal cytokine profile in MF is, therefore, not necessarily a consequence of marked splenomegaly. There was a direct correlation between the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the presence or absence of constitutional symptoms/cachexia (Figure). Similarly, increased inflammatory cytokine levels in MF were accompanied with significantly decreased leptin levels, a surrogate for nutritional status (Table). Post-INCB018424 treatment cytokine levels: Treatment with INCB018424 induced a rapid decrease in MF-associated inflammatory cytokine levels, in parallel with the observed clinical benefit of both reduced splenomegaly and improvement in constitutional symptoms/cachexia (data to be presented at the meeting).
Conclusion: The plasma cytokine profile of MF is reminiscent of a chronic inflammatory state with levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are possibly higher than those seen in other inflammatory/malignant conditions. Furthermore, the current study suggests a fundamental link between these cytokines and MF-associated constitutional symptoms/cachexia. Cytokine modulation through JAK-STAT inhibition appears to be a mechanism of action for INCB018424 in MF.
Cytokine Normal volunteer (N = 15) MF with splenectomy (N = 6) MF without splenectomy (N = 47) IL-1b (pg/ml) 0.6 +/− 0.04 44 +/− 36 41 +/− 25 IL-1RA (pg/ml) 103 +/− 10 7759 +/− 3939 4111 +/− 763 IL-6 (pg/ml) 0 9.7 +/− 3.3 53.6 +/− 22.5 IL-8 (pg/ml) 7.6 +/− 1.17 1618 +/− 1165 2376 +/− 451 TNFa (pg/ml) 2.6 +/− 0.21 38 +/− 6.8 45 +/− 8.8 TNFRII (ng/ml) 3.1 +/− 0.12 27.3 +/− 7.4 24.7 +/− 2.5 CRP (mg/ml) 1.5 +/− 0.49 21.7 +/− 4.5 13.9 +/− 1.6 Leptin (ng/ml) 10.8 +/− 3.5 3.8 +/− 0.9 2.74 +/− 0.6