bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular diagnostic testing patterns in patients (pts) with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the Connect MDS/AML Registry.
Authors: George Tracy , Patel Jay L. , Abedi Mehrdad , Cogle Christopher R. , Erba Harry Paul , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Grinblatt David L. , Kiselev Pavel , Komrokji Rami S. , Louis Chrystal Ursula , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P. , Nifenecker Melissa , Pollyea Daniel Aaron , Roboz Gail J. , Savona Michael R. , Scott Bart L. , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Steensma David P. , Thompson Michael A. , Foucar Kathryn 
Published: May 2020

7553 Background: MDS and AML diagnosis requires an integrated approach including morphologic, cytogenetic and molecular testing. The WHO classification criteria for MDS and AML diagnosis were updated in 2016; however, the impact on clinical practice is unclear. We investigated molecular testing patterns for pts with MDS or AML treated in academic (AC) or community/government (CO/GOV)-based centers in the Connect MDS/AML Registry. Methods: The Connect MDS/AML Disease Registry (NCT01688011) is a large ongoing, US, multicenter, prospective observational cohort study of pts with MDS (aged ≥ 18 yrs) or AML (aged ≥ 55 yrs). Patient data were collected for this analysis upon enrollment from 12 Dec 2013 to 13 Dec 2019, the analysis cut-off. Differences in molecular testing between MDS and AML pts were evaluated and logistic regression used to assess factors associated with increased molecular testing. Results: As of 13 Dec 2019, 800 MDS pts and 626 AML pts were enrolled; median age was 74 vs 71 yrs, 66.3% vs 61.5% were male, and 73.5% vs 60.2% were insured by Medicare/Medicaid. A greater proportion of AML pts (77.5%) had molecular testing vs MDS pts (29.1%). Of 380 MDS pts enrolled before 2017 (< 2017), 16.8% had molecular testing, increasing to 40.2% in 420 MDS pts enrolled from 2017 onward (≥ 2017). Of 289 AML pts enrolled < 2017, 68.9% had molecular testing, increasing to 84.9% in 337 AML pts enrolled ≥ 2017. Mean number of mutations tested increased between < 2017 and ≥ 2017 from 6.9 to 12.7 in MDS pts and from 6.1 to 10.4 in AML pts. Of the 11 mutations most frequently tested ≥ 2017 in MDS and AML pts, 0% and 36%, respectively, have FDA-approved targeted therapies. Gene mutations tested differed between MDS and AML pts; ASXL1 was most frequently tested in MDS pts (68.2%) and FLT3-ITD in AML pts (89.7%). Testing rates increased between < 2017 and ≥ 2017 for ASXL1 from 48.4% to 75.7% in MDS pts and for FLT3-ITD from 84.4% to 93.4% in AML pts. Factors associated with increased testing were age < 75 (vs ≥ 75) yrs, ELN score ≥ 2 (vs 1) and enrollment at AC site (vs CO/GOV) (all P < 0.01) in AML pts and age < 80 (vs ≥ 80 yrs; P < 0.01), AC site (vs CO/GOV; P < 0.01), and geographic region outside the Midwest ( P = 0.015) in MDS pts. Conclusions: While molecular testing rates have increased since the publication of the WHO 2016 criteria, molecular testing rates for MDS pts remain lower than those for AML pts in real-world clinical practice. Elderly pts and pts enrolled in CO/GOV sites were found to have lower rates of molecular testing in both MDS and AML patient cohorts.
Phase II study of lower-dose pracinostat plus azacitidine safety and efficacy in patients with high/very high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.
Authors: Atallah Ehab L. , Khaled Samer K. , Cooper Brenda W. , Warlick Erica D. , Ramies David A. , Li Joanne , Spezia Riccardo , Mappa Silvia , Keng Michael Kenneth 
Published: May 2020

7556 Background: Hypomethylating agents (HMA), such as azacitidine (AZA), are the standard of care for patients (pts) with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, overall response rate (ORR=CR+PR) with HMA alone is approximately 30%, with a 2-year overall survival (OS) rate of 50.8%. Preclinical studies show that pracinostat (PRAN), an oral histone deacetylase inhibitor, synergizes with HMA. A study in pts with untreated IPSS intermediate-2/high-risk MDS receiving 60 mg PRAN plus AZA resulted in early discontinuations, mainly due to adverse events (AE), potentially leading to diminished clinical benefit. This follow-up phase II study evaluates a lower dose of PRAN (25% reduction) in combination with AZA in order to reduce toxicity, decrease early discontinuations, and improve outcomes. An interim analysis showed low discontinuation rate and promising efficacy, allowing trial expansion. Herein, we report preliminary safety and efficacy in the overall population. Methods: Open-label, II-stage, phase II trial (NCT03151304) in pts (≥18 years) naive to HMA therapy and with IPSS-R of high/very high-risk MDS. Planned enrollment was 60 pts. Pts received 45 mg PRAN 3 days/week for 3 consecutive weeks plus standard AZA dose for 7 days of each 28-day cycle. Primary objectives were to define the safety/tolerability of the combination and to assess the ORR (CR+PR). OS was a secondary endpoint. Results: Sixty-four pts were enrolled and received ≥1 dose of treatment. Most pts were male (67%), median age was 68 years (range 47–89), and the proportion of pts with high/very high-risk MDS was similar. After 17.6 months’ median follow-up, 31% of pts remain on treatment; 69% of pts discontinued treatment due to stem cell transplant (25%), disease progression (17%), AEs (11%), consent withdrawal (3%), pt noncompliance (3%), death (3%), lost to follow-up (2%), and other (5%). Most common nonhematologic AEs were constipation (55%), nausea (52%), fatigue (45%), decreased appetite (39%), peripheral edema (36%), diarrhea, and dyspnea (31% each). Frequent hematologic AEs were decreased neutrophil count (50%), anemia (39%), decreased platelet count (38%), febrile neutropenia (36%), and thrombocytopenia (30%). ORR was 33% (95% CI 22-46), with 33% achieving CR; 34% of pts had marrow CR. Median OS was 23.5 months (95% CI 16.4-nc), with an estimated 1-year OS of 77%. Conclusions: In pts with high/very high-risk MDS, a lower dose of pracinostat in combination with AZA demonstrated a tolerable safety profile and promising efficacy. Clinical trial information: NCT03151304 .
Expression of CD47 and CALR in myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic syndrome: Potential new therapeutical targets.
Authors: Rinaldi Ciro Roberto , Boasman Kristian , Simmonds Matthew 
Published: May 2020

7557 Background: Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are myeloid malignancies tendency to evolve into acute myeloid leukaemia. We investigate the expression and cellular localisation of pro-phagocytic CALR and anti-phagocytic CD47 in untreated and treated patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV) myelofibrosis (MF), and in MDS patients in comparison with healthy controls. Methods: Mononuclear cells were collected by Ficoll separation, from peripheral blood of 27 MPN (8 PV, 16 ET, 3 MF); 14 MPN patients received cyto-reductive therapies (Hydroxyurea, Anagrelide or Ruxolitinib); 10 MDS patients and 4 controls. Cells were fractionised into 4 compartments: membrane, cytoplasm, cytosol and nucleus. Proteins were extracted using TRIzol, with CALR and CD47 protein expression analysed by western blotting. Results: CD47 showed higher expression of its overall protein on MPN cell membranes when compared with CALR (22% vs 13.9%). We observed a significant reduction of CALR expression in all MPN subtypes when patients were treated with cyto-reductive agents (ET- untreated 43.3% vs treated 2%, PV- 3.6% vs 2.2%, ET- 21% vs 11%). Interestingly we have observed a significant increase in CD47 cell membrane expression after treatment in MF and PV (CD47 in MF- untreated 11.8% vs treated 34.3%, PV-11.4% vs 35.9%). In MDS cells CD47 is overexpressed compared with controls (CD47- 11.31 vs 2.2 fold, respectively) and it mainly located to the membrane. Interestingly the degree of CD47 expression correlated to patients IPSS-R, increasing from low risk to high risk (low – 15.7%, intermediate 1 – 41.3%, intermediate 2 – 53.9% and high – 67.6%). CALR expression is also reduced in MDS cells comparing with controls when split by IPSS-R risk score (low – 9%, intermediate 1 – 11.9%, intermediate 2 – 17%, high – 17.9% Vs control - 29.1%). Conclusions: CD47, but not CALR, is overexpressed on the membrane of patients with MPN and MDS. In MDS, we observed a progressive increase in CD47 expression as the MDS evolve in accordance to the IPSS-R risk score. In MPN patients we observed a significant difference in CD47 expression across different MPN subtypes. The use of anti-CD47 antibodies could represent a new strategy to enhance the pro-phagocytic signal via increasing the CALR expression, and in combination with standard cyto-reduction therapy, might represent a new therapeutical strategy in both MPN and MDS.
First-in-human data of ALLO-501 and ALLO-647 in relapsed/refractory large B-cell or follicular lymphoma (R/R LBCL/FL): ALPHA study.
Authors: Neelapu Sattva Swarup , Munoz Javier , Locke Frederick Lundry , Miklos David Bernard , Brown Robert , McDevitt Jennifer T. , Mardiros Armen , Demirhan Eren , Konto Cyril , Tees Michael Timothy 
Published: May 2020

8002 Background: Allogeneic (off the shelf) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy addresses the logistical challenges and variable product quality of autologous CAR T therapy. ALLO-501 is a genetically modified anti-CD19 CAR T cell product in which the TCR alpha constant gene is disrupted to reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and the CD52 gene is disrupted to permit the use of ALLO-647, an anti-CD52 mAb, for selective and prolonged host lymphodepletion. Methods: This is an open-label, Phase 1 trial (NCT03939026) in adults with R/R LBCL/FL who have received ≥ 2 prior lines of therapy; prior anti-CD19 cell therapy is allowed. Patients (pts) receive fludarabine (flu) 90 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide (cy) 900 mg/m2, and ALLO-647 39 or 90 mg followed by ALLO-501 at 1 of 3 dose levels (DL) in a 3+3 design: 40, 120, and 360 × 106 CAR+ T cells. Results: As of 20 January 2020, 12 pts were enrolled: 9 received ALLO-501 at 3 DLs (4, 4 & 1 pts in DL1, DL2 and DL3 respectively), 1 pt discontinued due to kidney injury prior to lymphodepletion and 2 are starting treatment. Of the 9 treated pts aged 42 to 70 years: 5 had LBCL, 2 were female, 3 had primary refractory disease, and 3 had prior autologous stem cell transplants. The median number of prior lines of therapies was 3 (range 2 to 4). All treated pts received 39 mg of ALLO-647. No DLTs or GvHD have been observed to date. Most common Grade (Gr) ≥ 3 adverse events were neutropenia (55.6%), leukopenia (33.3%) and anemia (22.2%). Two pts (22.2%) developed cytokine release syndrome (1 Gr1 and 1 Gr2) that resolved within 72 hrs without steroids or tocilizumab. One pt developed Gr1 neurotoxicity that resolved without treatment. Infections included upper respiratory tract infection (Gr2), CMV (Gr3) and EBV viremia (Gr1), all reported in a single pt and resolved. One pt had a Gr2 infusion reaction to ALLO-647 which resolved with antihistamines. The overall response rate is 78% (95% exact CI: 40%, 97%): 3 complete and 4 partial responses. With a median follow up of 2.7 mos, 4 pts have ongoing responses and 3 pts progressed at 2, 4 and 6 mos. ALLO-501 cell expansion by qPCR was observed in 4 of 6 pts in varying degrees. Conclusions: These early data suggest that ALLO-501 and ALLO-647 have a manageable safety profile. ALLO-647 may be an effective and selective lymphodepleting agent with CD52 gene editing, and ALLO-501 shows evidence of clinical activity in pts with advanced NHL. Enrollment is ongoing, and updated safety, efficacy, PK/PD data will be presented including pts treated with increasing doses of ALLO-647. Clinical trial information: NCT03939026 .
Epcoritamab (GEN3013; DuoBody-CD3×CD20) to induce complete response in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL): Complete dose escalation data and efficacy results from a phase I/II trial.
Authors: Hutchings Martin , Lugtenburg Pieternella , Mous Rogier , Clausen Michael Roost , Chamuleau Martine , Linton Kim , Rule Simon , Lopez Juanita Suzanne , Oliveri Roberto S , DeMarco Dena , Elliott Brian , Johnson Peter 
Published: May 2020

8009 Background: CD3×CD20 bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have demonstrated promising results for the treatment of pts with R/R B-NHL. Epcoritamab is a novel subcutaneously administered bsAb with a favorable safety profile and encouraging preliminary anti-tumor activity at low doses in both aggressive and indolent B-NHL. Here we present updated safety and efficacy data from the ongoing trial (NCT03625037). Methods: Adults with R/R CD20+ B-NHL received a single SC injection of flat-dose epcoritamab in 28-day cycles (q1w: cycle 1–2; q2w: cycle 3–6; q4w thereafter) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary objectives are determination of maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). Secondary objectives include anti-tumor activity. Results: As of 8 Jan 2020, 41 pts with median age of 66 (range: 21–82) were enrolled. Most pts had DLBCL/HGBCL (73%) or FL (20%) and received a median (range) of 3 (1–6) and 5 (2–18) prior lines of treatment. No DLTs were observed (median follow-up: 4.7 mo; range: 3.7– 5.6). MTD has not been reached. Most common TEAEs (>35%) were pyrexia (71%), fatigue (46%), and injection site reaction (39%; all Gr 1). AEs of special interest included cytokine release syndrome (59%; all Gr 1/2; all resolved) and cytokine release-related decreased CARTOX-10 score (n=1). There was no clinical tumor lysis syndrome or treatment-related deaths. Treatment is ongoing in 13 pts. Anti-tumor activity was observed at minimal efficacy threshold (based on PK modelling) for DLBCL/HGBCL and FL (Table). Complete dose escalation data and RP2D will be presented. Conclusions: SC epcoritamab continues to demonstrate a favorable safety profile across all doses with no ≥Gr 3 CRS and no DLTs. Dose escalation data show improved efficacy as doses reach above the modeled predicted exposure threshold, inducing CRs in heavily pretreated DLBCL pts. All pts achieving CRs remain in remission. Clinical trial information: NCT03625037 . [Table: see text]
Nivolumab and brentuximab vedotin (BV)-based, response‐adapted treatment in children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA) with standard-risk relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R cHL): Primary analysis.
Authors: Cole Peter D. , Mauz-Körholz Christine , Mascarin Maurizio , Michel Gérard , Cooper Stacy , Beishuizen Auke , Leger Kasey J. , Amoroso Loredana , Buffardi Salvatore , Rigaud Charlotte , Puhlmann Markus , Francis Stephen , Sacchi Mariana , Drachtman Richard A. , Harker-Murray Paul David , Leblanc Thierry , Daw Stephen , Kelly Kara M. 
Published: May 2020

8013 Background: Outcomes for younger patients (pts) with R/R cHL are poor, particularly for those without complete metabolic response (CMR) before autologous transplant (auto-HCT). Nivolumab + BV has shown 67% CMR and a high 2-y PFS rate as first salvage in adults with R/R cHL. CheckMate 744 (NCT02927769) is an ongoing phase 2 study for CAYA with R/R cHL, evaluating a risk-stratified, response-adapted approach using nivolumab + BV and, for pts without CMR, BV + bendamustine. In the initial analysis of the standard-risk cohort (R2), the regimen was well tolerated with high CMR rates before consolidation with high-dose chemotherapy plus auto-HCT. We report data from the primary analysis. Methods: Pts were aged 5–30 y and had first-line treatment (tx) without auto-HCT. Risk stratification has been described previously (Harker-Murray, ASH 2018). Pts received 4 induction cycles of nivolumab + BV; pts without CMR by blinded independent central review (BICR) received BV + bendamustine intensification. Pts with CMR at any time could proceed to consolidation off study. Response was per Lugano 2014 criteria. Primary endpoint: CMR rate (Deauville ≤3) per BICR any time before consolidation. Results: At database lock, 44 pts were treated in R2 (median follow up: 20.9 mo); 43 received 4 induction cycles and 11 received intensification. Median age was 16 y (range 9–30); 24 (55%) pts had primary refractory cHL and 20 had relapsed cHL. CMR rates and ORR any time before consolidation and after induction are shown in Table. 1-y PFS rate by BICR was 91% (90% CI 77–96). During induction, 8 (18%) pts experienced grade (G) 3–4 tx-related adverse events (TRAEs); the most common any grade TRAEs were nausea and hypersensitivity (20% each). 1 TRAE led to discontinuation (G3 anaphylaxis). Most tx-related immune-mediated AEs were G1–2 (1 pt had 2 G3 infusion-related reactions). Conclusions: This risk-stratified, response-adapted approach offers a well-tolerated salvage strategy with high CMR rates and no new safety signals for CAYA with R/R cHL. Most pts avoided alkylator exposure prior to consolidation. Further follow up may confirm durability of disease control. Clinical trial information: NCT02927769 . [Table: see text]
Acalabrutinib in treatment-naïve chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Mature results from phase II study demonstrating durable remissions and long-term tolerability.
Authors: Byrd John C. , Woyach Jennifer Ann , Furman Richard R. , Martin Peter , O'Brien Susan Mary , Brown Jennifer R. , Stephens Deborah Marie , Barrientos Jacqueline Claudia , Devereux Stephen , Hillmen Peter , Pagel John M. , Hamdy Ahmed M. , Izumi Raquel , Patel Priti , Wang Min Hui , Jain Nitin , Wierda William G. 
Published: May 2020

8024 Background: The next-generation Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor acalabrutinib was approved in patients (pts) with treatment-naïve (TN) and relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) based on two complementary phase 3 studies, ELEVATE-TN and ASCEND. This report of ACE-CL-001 (NCT02029443), the first phase 2 study of acalabrutinib, provides the longest safety and efficacy follow-up to date in symptomatic TN CLL pts. Methods: Adults with TN CLL/SLL were eligible if they met iwCLL 2008 criteria for treatment, were inappropriate for/declined standard chemotherapy and had ECOG performance status 0–2. Pts received acalabrutinib 100 mg BID or 200 mg QD, later switching to 100 mg BID, until progressive disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoint was safety. Events of clinical interest (ECI) were based on combined AE terms for infections, bleeding events, hypertension, and second primary malignancies (SPM) excluding non-melanoma skin, and on a single AE term for atrial fibrillation. Additional endpoints included investigator-assessed overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), time to response (TTR), and event-free survival (EFS). Results: Ninety-nine pts (n = 62 100 mg BID; n = 37 200 mg QD), were treated [median age: 64 years, 47% Rai stage 3–4 disease, 10% del(17p), 62% unmutated IGHV]. At median follow-up of 53 months (range, 1–59), 85 (86%) pts remain on treatment; most discontinuations were due to AEs (n = 6) or PD (n = 3 [n = 1 Richter transformation]). Most common AEs (any grade) were diarrhea (52%), headache (45%), upper respiratory tract infection (44%), arthralgia (42%), and contusion (42%). All-grade and grade ≥3 ECIs included infection (84%, 15%), bleeding events (66%, 3%), and hypertension (22%, 11%). Atrial fibrillation (all grades) occurred in 5% of pts (incidence: 1% in years 1, 2, 4; 3% in year 3). SPMs excluding non-melanoma skin (all grades) occurred in 11%. Serious AEs were reported in 38% of pts; those in > 2 pts were pneumonia (n = 4) and sepsis (n = 3). ORR was 97% (7% complete response; 90% partial response). Median TTR was 3.7 months (range, 2–22). Response rates were similar across high-risk groups. Median DOR and median EFS were not reached; 48-month DOR rate was 97% (95% CI, 90%–99%), and 48-month EFS rate was 90% (95% CI, 82%–94%). Conclusions: Long-term data from ACE-CL-001 further support the favorable results with acalabrutinib in phase 3 studies and demonstrate durable responses with no new long-term safety issues. Clinical trial information: NCT02029443 .
First-line immunochemotherapy for follicular lymphoma in the GALLIUM study: Prognostic value of PET-CT status after long-term follow-up.
Authors: Nielsen Tina , Barrington Sally , Meignan Michel , Sahin Deniz , Knapp Andrea , Kinkolykh Anastasiia , Herold Michael , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Marcus Robert , Trotman Judith 
Published: May 2020

8025 Background: The prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) response assessment following first-line immunochemotherapy for advanced-stage symptomatic follicular lymphoma (FL) was previously demonstrated for patients (pts) enrolled in the Phase III GALLIUM study (NCT01332968; Trotman et al. ICML 2017). Here, we evaluated the association between PET complete metabolic response (CMR) and survival after longer follow-up in this patient population. Methods: In the GALLIUM study, 1202 pts with previously untreated FL were randomized 1:1 to induction therapy of 1000mg obinutuzumab (G; Days 1, 8, 15 of Cycle 1 then Day 1 of subsequent cycles) or 375mg/m2 rituximab (R; Day 1 of each cycle), in combination with chemotherapy (CHOP, CVP, or bendamustine) (Marcus et al. New Engl J Med 2017). PET-CT scans were mandatory, where available, at baseline and end-of-induction (EOI) for the first 170 pts enrolled, and optional thereafter. For this response analysis, the Lugano 2014 criteria were applied by an independent review committee (IRC) (Cheson et al. J Clin Oncol 2014). Associations between EOI PET complete metabolic response (PET-CMR) status and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated, with hazard ratios (HR) stratified according to chemotherapy regimen and FL International Prognostic Index. Results: Of the 609 pts with a baseline PET scan, 595 (98%) had detectable lesions. Of these, 519 pts had an EOI PET evaluable by Lugano 2014 criteria. At EOI, per IRC assessment, 450/595 (76%) pts had achieved CMR. Pts with non-available scans were considered as non-responders and were excluded from the landmark (LM) analyses. Pts who died or progressed (CT-based progression assessment) before or at EOI were excluded from the PFS LM analysis; pts who died before EOI were excluded from the OS LM analysis. After a median follow-up of 76.5 months, EOI PET status was highly prognostic for both longer investigator-assessed PFS (non-CMR vs CMR: HR 3.40; 95% CI: 2.33–4.97; p < 0.0001) and longer OS (HR 3.34; 95% CI: 1.81–6.17; p < 0.0001). Six-year investigator-assessed PFS from EOI was 62.6% (95% CI: 57.0–67.6) for CMR pts compared with 23.4% (95% CI: 12.2–36.7) for non-CMR pts; the corresponding OS was 91.3% (95% CI: 88.1–93.6) vs 79.6% (95% CI: 68.0–87.4). Conclusions: With more than 6 years of follow-up, this analysis confirms that after first-line chemoimmunotherapy for FL, achieving CMR on PET-CT is an early and strong predictor of increased PFS and OS. Clinical trial information: NCT01332968 .