Abstract: Background: CPX-351, a liposomal formulation of daunorubicin and cytarabine in the fixed molar ratio (1:5), is approved for the treatment of adult patients (pts) with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with myelodysplasia-related changes and therapy-related AML (t-AML). To explore the potential benefit of CPX-351 in a broader indication, we initiated a randomized phase III study of CPX-351 vs "3+7" in pts ≥18 years (yrs) of age with AML and intermediate or adverse genetics according to 2017 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) risk categorization (AMLSG 30-18, NCT03897127). In the younger pts (18-60 yrs) we sought to investigate a higher dose of CPX-351. We here report data from an interim safety analysis for this higher CPX-351 dose. Methods: Pts are randomized to receive first induction cycle (ind 1) with either CPX-351 or daunorubicin + cytarabine ("3+7": daunorubicin 60 mg/m2 on days 1, 2, 3 + cytarabine 200 mg/m2 on days 1-7); in pts aged 18-60 yrs (performance status 0-1) CPX-351 is given at a dose of 55 mg/m2 daunorubicin/125 mg/m2 cytarabine (125 U/m²; 1 U/m2=0.44 mg/m2 daunorubicin/1 mg/m2 cytarabine; days 1, 3, 5); pts & gt;60 yrs receive the standard dose CPX-351 100 U/m² (days 1, 3, 5). There was no age-adapted dosing in the control arm. For induction cycle 2 (ind 2), pts on the CPX-351 arm receive the same dosage on day 1+2 only; pts on the control arm receive intermediate-dose cytarabine + daunorubicin (both in age-adapted dosing). Continuous assessment for safety is performed for two endpoints: 60-day mortality with a maximally tolerated rate (MTR) of 15%; and hematologic recovery times with i) neutropenia 4° and / or ii) thrombocytopenia 3° or 4° after each ind lasting longer than day 42 after start of treatment cycle (without evidence of persistent leukemia) with a MTR of 25%. Median hematologic recovery times were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimates, p-values are mentioned in a descriptive manner (log-rank test). Results: As of July 20, 2020, 36 patients have been randomized to the study (CPX-351, n=19; "3+7", n=17) with following characteristics: de novo AML, n=27, secondary or t-AML, n=9; median age 60.5 yrs (range 47-75; ≤60 yrs, n=18; & gt;60 yrs, n=18); intermediate and adverse risk genetics were found in 7 and 10 pts, respectively (not available yet, n=19). On the CPX-351 arm, 9 of 19 pts were ≤60 yrs of age and received the higher CPX-351 dose. So far, 36 pts received ind 1, 25 pts ind 2. Overall, the median time to neutrophil recovery with absolute neutrophil count (ANC) & gt;0.5 G/l was longer in the CPX-351 arm compared to the "3+7" arm: 39 vs 28 days (p=0.07) after ind 1, and 26.5 vs 19 days after ind 2 (p=0.06; table 1). Time to platelet recovery & gt;50 G/l was significantly prolonged in the CPX-351 arm after ind 1 (40 vs 26 days; p & lt;0.0001), currently not after ind 2 (33 and 18 days; p=0.35). When comparing the higher dose (125 U/m²; pts 18-60 yrs) with the standard CPX-351 dose (100 U/m², pts & gt;60 yrs), the median time to neutrophil recovery after ind 1 was significantly longer with the higher dose (40 and 31 days, respectively; p=0.03); after ind 2 median times were 38 and 20.5 days (p=0.26); platelet recovery ( & gt;50 G/l) was also significantly delayed after ind 1 with the higher compared to the standard CPX-351 dose (median 43 vs 32 days; p=0.002); platelet recovery after ind 2 was after a median of 38.5 and 26.5 days, respectively (p=0.17). There was no treatment-related death (60-day mortality 0%) in both arms. So far, 6 of the 9 pts (67%) treated with the higher CPX-351 dose reached the safety endpoint of persisting neutropenia (n=4) or thrombocytopenia (n=5) during ind beyond day 42. The MTR was exceeded for thrombocytopenia (0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.31; 0.86]), but not for neutropenia (0.50; 95% CI [0.22; 0.78] ). Overall, there were 18 serious adverse events (SAEs); among the most frequent SAEs were infections and fever in neutropenia (n=10). Conclusion: The higher dose of CPX-351 administered in pts 18-60 yrs of age led to significantly prolonged hematologic recovery times during ind 1 and 2 exceeding the MTR for thrombocytopenia without treatment-related death. Based on the prolonged hematologic recovery, the protocol will be amended, in that the CPX-351 dose for ind in pts 18-60 yrs of age is reduced to the current Package Insert for CPX-351 44 mg/m2 daunorubicin / 100 mg/m2 cytarabine (100 U/m²). Data on hematologic response as well as on measurable residual disease using multi-parameter flow cytometry will be presented. Disclosures Kapp-Schwoerer: Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding. Thol:Daiichi Sankyo: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astellas: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Heuser:Karyopharm: Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy; Astellas: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; BerGenBio ASA: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Stemline Therapeutics: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; PriME Oncology: Honoraria. Faderl:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Wagner:JAZZ Pharmaceuticals: Current Employment; JAZZ Pharmaceuticals: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Ganser:Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Döhner:Abbvie: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Agios: Consultancy; Arog: Research Funding. Paschka:BerGenBio ASA: Research Funding; Janssen Oncology: Other; Amgen: Other; Otsuka: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Astellas Pharma: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Travel, accommodations or expenses; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Agios Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; AbbVie: Other: Travel, accommodation or expenses, Speakers Bureau. Döhner:Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sunesis: Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Research Funding; Oxford Biomedicals: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Helsinn: Consultancy, Honoraria; Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria; AROG: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Agios: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Astex: Consultancy, Honoraria; GEMoaB: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: CPX-351 is approved for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with myelodysplasia-related changes and therapy-related AML (t-AML). To explore the potential benefit of CPX-351 in a broader indication, a randomized phase III study of CPX-351 vs 3+7 in patients older than 18 years of age with AML and intermediate or adverse genetics according to 2017 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) risk categorization (AMLSG 30-18, NCT03897127) was initiated. In the younger patients (18-60 yrs) a higher dose of CPX-351 is evaluated.

Abstract: Relapsed AML with NPM1 mutation is genetically related to the primary leukemia and characterized by an increase in high-risk aberrations. DNMT3A mutations show the highest stability and thus may precede NPM1 mutations.

Abstract: Abstract 1600 Poster Board I-626 Background The V-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 (ETS) oncogene family is one of the largest families of transcription factors. ETS transcription factors are characterized by two major functional domains, a transcription domain and an evolutionarily highly conserved DNA-binding domain, also known as ETS domain that mediates binding to purine-rich DNA sequences. Most ETS family proteins are nuclear targets for activation of the Ras-MAP kinase signalling pathway. Therefore, they play a significant role in regulating cellular functions such as cell growth, apoptosis, development and differentiation. ETS transcription factors have been implicated in leukemia by chromosomal rearrangement, and more commonly by gene amplification and/or overexpression. Moreover, overexpression of ERG was shown to be an adverse predictor for clinical outcome in AML with normal cytogenetics (CN). In our recent study on complex karyotype AML, array-CGH (comparative genomic hybridization) analysis identified small genomic amplifications affecting ERG/ETS2 in 21q22 and ETS1/FLI1 in 11q23 in about 10% of the cases. Correlation with global gene expression profiling showed that ERG and ETS2 as well as ETS1 and FLI1 were overexpressed in these cases. Aims: To evaluate expression levels of ERG, ETS2, ETS1 and FLI1 in a large cohort of younger (16 to 60 years of age) adult CN-AML patients (pts) and their impact on clinical outcome. Methods The expression of ERG, ETS2, ETS1 and FLI1 was determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay in 343 CN-AML pts who were entered on 3 AMLSG treatment protocols (AMLHD93, AML HD98-A, AMLSG 07-04). ERG, ETS2, ETS1, and FLI1 were dichotomized into two major groups according to their expression levels. The upper quartile was chosen as the cut point and the set of patients with gene expression above were defined as Q4 group. Univariable as well as multivariable regression models were used to evaluate the influence of ERG, ETS2, ETS1 and FLI1 on induction success, event-free, relapse-free and overall survival. Multivariable analyses were stratified for AMLSG treatment protocols. Results Partial correlation analysis revealed positive correlations of expression levels between ETS2 and ERG (ρ=0.45) being the strongest, followed by ERG and FLI1 (ρ=0.4), as well as ETS1 and FLI1 (ρ=0.31). Correlation of ERG, ETS2, ETS1 and FLI1 with white blood count (WBC) revealed a significant association between high gene expression (Q4) and elevated WBC (ERG, p=0.004; ETS2, p=0.002, FLI1 p 〈 0.001), whereas high expression of ETS1 was associated with a significantly lower WBC (p 〈 0.001). Univariable as well as multivariable analyses on induction success revealed high ETS2 as an unfavourable marker (OR, 0.29, p=0.01). In univariable analysis, there was a significantly inferior relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for high ERG (p=.01; p=.06, respectively) and high ETS2 (p=.002; p=.03, respectively) that was even more pronounced when both ERG Q4 and ETS2 Q4 (ERG Q4 ∩ ETS2 Q4) (p 〈 0.001; p=.001, respectively) were included as one variable and compared with the rest. In multivariable analysis for the endpoints event-free survival (EFS), RFS and OS, a significant effect was found for RFS for ERG Q4 ∩ ETS2 Q4 (p=.002); the only significant variables that consistently appeared in the model were NPM1mut, FLT3-ITDpos and WBC. In subgroup analysis for the genotypes CEBPAmut, NPM1mut/FLT3-ITDneg, and all others (NPM1mut/FLT3-ITDpos, NPM1wt/FLT3-ITDpos, NPM1wt/FLT3-ITDneg) according to the hierarchical model, ERG Q4 was associated with an inferior EFS (p=.04) and OS (p=.03) in the favorable CEBPAmut genotype and became even more significant for the variable ERG Q4 ∩ ETS2 Q4 (EFS, p=.007, RFS, p=.002; OS, p=.06, respectively). For the NPM1mut/FLT3-ITDneg subgroup, again ERG Q4 ∩ ETS2 Q4 was associated with an adverse RFS (p=.04), but not with OS (p=0.07). Conclusions In our study on a large cohort of homogenously treated CN-AML patients, ERG and ETS2 expression were highly correlated. Overexpression of both genes had a significant impact on clinical outcome of CN-AML patients. Moreover, adverse effects of high ERG and high ETS2 expression on prognosis were also shown for the genetic AML subgroups CEBPAmut and NPM1mut/FLT3-ITDneg. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract: Based on their association with certain biological and clinical features as well as their prognostic significance, mutations in the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha (CEBPA) gene have been included as a provisional entity into the 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid neoplasms. CEBPA mutations (CEBPAmut) are mainly found in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with normal cytogenetics, and approximately 60% of the mutated patients (pts) carry biallelic mutations. Several studies showed that in particular pts with double mutant CEBPA (CEBPAdm) have a favorable outcome compared to all others. Recently, mutations in the transcription factor GATA2 were identified as genetic lesions potentially cooperating with CEBPAdm. Both, CEBPA and GATA2 are involved in the control of proliferation and differentiation of myeloid progenitors, and mutations in both genes are discussed as pre-disposing events in myeloid leukemia. Based on functional studies there is an important interplay between the two genes, e.g. through the formation of direct protein complexes. Finally, preliminary data suggest that the genotype CEBPAdm/GATA2 mutated (GATA2mut) is associated with a favorable outcome in AML pts. Aims To evaluate the frequency and the clinical impact of GATA2mut within a large cohort of CEBPAmut AML pts and to further analyze the CEBPAmut/GATA2mutgenotype within the context of other genetic alterations. Methods In total 202 AML pts (age 18 to 78 years) with CEBPA single mutations (n=89) or CEBPAdm (n=113) were analyzed for the presence of GATA2mut. All pts were enrolled on one of 6 AMLSG treatment trials applying intensive therapy [AMLHD93 n=15; AMLHD98A (NCT00146120) n=53; AMLHD98B n=13; AMLSG 07-04 (NCT00151242) n=74; AMLSG 06-04 (NCT00151255) n=25 and AMLSG 12-09 (NCT01180322) n=22]. GATA2 mutation screening was performed using a DNA-based PCR-assay covering exons 2 to 6 followed by Sanger sequencing. Results GATA2 mut were restricted to the cytogenetic intermediate-risk group; in total we detected 42 GATA2mut in 40 of the 202 pts (20.7%); 36 pts had CEBPAdm (36/113, 31.8%), 4 were CEBPA single mutated (4/89, 4.4%). All mutations were heterozygous, with 2 pts having two mutations (in exon 4 and 5, respectively). 31 (73.8%) of the 42 mutations were located in zinc-finger 1 (ZF1, exon 4) and 11 (26.1%) in ZF2 (exon 5). GATA2 sequence alterations included 39 missense and 3 frameshift mutations. The median follow-up of the 202 pts was 64.2 months (95%-CI: 60.1 – 75.1). First, we evaluated the clinical impact of GATA2mut in the whole cohort. Here, we found no differences in overall (OS), event-free (EFS), and relapse-free (RFS) survival as well as for the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) between GATA2mut and GATA2 wildtype pts. Next, the effects of GATA2mut in CEBPAdm pts (n=113) were analyzed without seeing any differences for the clinical endpoints OS, EFS, RFS and CIR. The same was also true when we investigated the impact of GATA2mut with respect to their location in the ZF domains; there were no differences between pts with ZF1 (n=29) and ZF2 (n=9) mutations, respectively. Finally, we evaluated the possible relevance of GATA2mut in the subgroup of CEBPAdm pts 〈 60 years with intermediate-risk cytogenetics (n=94); but again GATA2mut did not impact the endpoints OS, EFS, RFS and CIR. In contrast to recently published data, we also detected GATA2mut in a small number of pts with CEBPA single mutations (n=4); however the low pt number did not allow a meaningful analysis. In addition, in our study GATA2mut occurred in rare cases with NPM1mut, FLT3-ITD or FLT3-TKD mutations. Conclusions In our study on a large cohort of CEBPA mutated AML pts we could confirm the high coincidence of GATA2 mutations, in particular in the subgroup of pts with CEBPA double mutations. However, GATA2 mutations had no impact on clinical outcome neither in the whole cohort nor in distinct pt subgroups. Disclosures: Schlegelberger: Celgene: Consultancy. Germing:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Kindler:Novartis: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Schlenk:Novartis: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Chugai: Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ambit: Honoraria.

Abstract: Abstract 3558 Acute myeloid leukemia with complex karyotype (CK-AML, CK+) is defined as ≥3 acquired chromosome abnormalities in the absence of recurrent genetic abnormalities (WHO 2008). CK-AML account for 10–15% of all AML and are characterized by a dismal outcome. To delineate prognostic markers in this unfavorable subgroup, we performed integrative analysis using genomic profiling (array-comparative genomic hybridization [CGH] and/or single-nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] analysis), as well as TP53 mutation screening in 234 CK-AML. TP53 mutations were found in 141/234 (60%) CK-AML comprising 130 missense, 21 insertion/deletion, nine nonsense, and eight splice site mutations; genomic losses of TP53 were identified in 94/234 (40%). Combining these data, TP53 alterations were detected in 70% of patients, and at least 66% of these exhibited biallelic alterations. TP53 alterations (loss and/or mutation in TP53) were characterized by a higher degree of genomic complexity, as measured by total number of copy number alterations per case (mean±SD 14.30±9.41 versus 6.16±5.53, P 〈 .0001), and by the association with specific genomic alterations, that is, monosomy 3 or losses of 3q (-3/3q-) (P=.002), -5/5q- (P 〈 .0001), -7/7q- (P=.001), -16/16q- (P 〈 .0001), -18/18q- (P=.001), and -20/20q- (P=.004); gains of chromosome 1 or 1p (+1/+1p) (P=.001), +11/+11q (P=.0002), +13/+13q (P =.02), and +19/+19p (P =.04); and amplifications in 11q13∼25 [amp(11)(q13∼25)]. The recently described cytogenetic category “monosomal karyotype” (MK), defined as two or more autosomal monosomies or one single autosomal monosomy in the presence of structural abnormalities, for which a prognostic impact could be demonstrated even in CK-AML, was correlated with TP53 alterations (P 〈 .0001). Clinically, TP53altered CK-AML patients were older (median age, 61 versus 54 years, P =.002), had lower bone marrow (BM) blast counts (median 65% versus 78%, P=. 04), and had lower complete remission (CR) rates (28% versus 50%, P =.01). For multivariable analysis, a conditional model was used with an age cut point at 60 years to address the different treatment intensities applied in the different age cohorts. In this model the only significant factors for CR achievement were TP53altered (OR, 0.55; 95%-CI, 0.30 to 1.00; P =.05) and age (OR for a 10 years difference, 0.67; 95%-CI, 0.52 to 0.87; P =.003). TP53 altered predicted for inferior survival; the 3-year estimated survival rates for CK+/TP53altered and CK+/TP53unaltered patients were as follows: event-free survival (EFS), 1% versus 13% (log-rank, P =.0007); relapse-free survival (RFS), 7% versus 30% (P =.01); and overall survival (OS), 3% versus 28% (P 〈 .0001), respectively. Other variables predicting for inferior OS in univariable analyses were age and MK. Among the cohort of CK+/MK+ AML, TP53altered patients had a significantly worse OS (P =.0004). Multivariable analysis (stratified for age at cut point of 60 years) revealed TP53altered (HR, 2.43; 95%-CI, 1.56 to 3.77; P =.0001), logarithm of WBC (HR, 1.62; 95%-CI 1.17 to 2.26; P =.004), and age (HR for 10 years difference, 1.26; 95%-CI, 1.01 to 1.56, P =.04), but not MK as significant variables for OS. In addition, explorative subset analysis suggested that allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in first CR which was performed in 30 CK-AML did not impact outcome in TP53altered CK-AML. In summary, TP53 is the most frequently known altered gene in CK-AML. TP53 alterations are associated with older age, genomic complexity, specific DNA copy number alterations, MK, and dismal outcome. In multivariable analysis, TP53 alteration is the most important prognostic factor in CK-AML, outweighing all other variables, including the MK category. TP53 mutational status should be assessed in clinical trials investigating novel agents in order to identify compounds that may be effective in this subset of patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract: Background: The runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) gene encodes a transcription factor that is required for hematopoietic stem cell emergence during development and that functions as a key regulator of hematopoiesis at several steps. Mutations in RUNX1 have been identified in sporadic myeloid leukemia through translocations [e.g., RUNX1-RUNX1T1 in t(8;21) or RUNX1-EVI1 in t(3;21)], point mutations or amplifications. In addition, germline mutations in RUNX1 result in familial platelet disorder with propensity for the development of myeloid leukemia. More recent data suggest that RUNX1 mutations are not strongly associated with MDS, secondary AML (s-AML) or therapy-related AML (t-AML) but seem to be more related to distinct cytogenetic subgroups such as trisomy 13, trisomy 21, loss of 7q, and trisomy 8. Aims: To evaluate the incidence and clinical impact of RUNX1 mutations in a large cohort of younger (16 to 60 years of age) adult AML patients who were entered on AMLSG treatment protocol AML HD98A. Methods: RUNX1 mutation screening was performed in 349 consecutive AML patients (de novo AML, n=282; s-AML, n=49; t-AML, n=18) using a DNA-based PCR assay for amplification of exons 1 to 8 followed by direct sequencing. The only criterion to include patients was the availability of a bone marrow or peripheral blood sample from diagnosis for gene mutation analysis. Results: RUNX1 mutations were identified in 32 of 349 (9.2%) AML; mutations clustered in exon 3 (11/32) and exon 8 (11/32), but also occurred in other regions of the gene (10/32). With regard to cytogenetic subgroups, the incidence of RUNX1 mutations was 9.7% (20/206) in AML with normal karyotype, 8.3% (3/36) in core-binding factor leukemia, 14.2% (4/28) in various cytogenetic abnormalites including trisomy 8 in three cases, 7.6% (2/26) in AML with high-risk aberrations, whereas only 1 of 8 pts with t(11q23) and none of 29 cases with t(15;17) leukemia revealed a RUNX1 mutation; in 2 of 16 cases cytogenetics was not available. RUNX1 mutations were significantly associated with MLL-PTD (p=0.003), whereas concurrent NPM1 mutations were less frequent in the RUNX1 mutated group (p=0.0002); there was no association of RUNX1 mutations with FLT3-ITD/TKD, CEBPA, RAS and WT1 mutations. There were no differences in patients characteristics such as age, WBC counts, LDH levels, platelet counts, and distribution of de novo AML, s-AML, and t-AML between the RUNX1 mutated and RUNX1 wildtype group. Compared to RUNX1 wildtype AML, those with RUNX1 mutations had a significantly higher rate of resistant disease following induction therapy (38% and 20%, respectively; p=0.03) which translated into a significantly inferior event-free survival (p=0.004). There was no difference in relapse-free and overall survival between the two groups. Conclusions: In younger adult patients with AML, RUNX1 mutations are found in approximately 10% of cases and are associated with cytogenetic subgroups. RUNX1 mutations appear to be associated with a higher rate of induction failure.

Abstract: To evaluate the prognostic value of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with NPM1 mutation (NPM1 mut ). Patients and Method RNA-based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) specific for the detection of six different NPM1 mut types was applied to 1,682 samples (bone marrow, n = 1,272; blood, n = 410) serially obtained from 245 intensively treated younger adult patients who were 16 to 60 years old. Results NPM1 mut transcript levels as a continuous variable were significantly associated with prognosis after each treatment cycle. Achievement of RQ-PCR negativity after double induction therapy identified patients with a low cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR; 6.5% after 4 years) compared with RQ-PCR–positive patients (53.0%; P 〈 .001); this translated into significant differences in overall survival (90% v 51%, respectively; P = .001). After completion of therapy, CIR was 15.7% in RQ-PCR–negative patients compared with 66.5% in RQ-PCR–positive patients (P 〈 .001). Multivariable analyses after double induction and after completion of consolidation therapy revealed higher NPM1 mut transcript levels as a significant factor for a higher risk of relapse and death. Serial post-treatment assessment of MRD allowed early detection of relapse in patients exceeding more than 200 NPM1 mut /10 4 ABL copies. Conclusion We defined clinically relevant time points for NPM1 mut MRD assessment that allow for the identification of patients with AML who are at high risk of relapse. Monitoring of NPM1 mut transcript levels should be incorporated in future clinical trials to guide therapeutic decisions.

Abstract: Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is widely applicable and prognostic prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). We evaluated the prognostic role of clonal hematopoiesis–associated DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1 (DTA) and non-DTA mutations for MRD monitoring post-alloHCT to refine MRD marker selection. Of 154 patients with AML, 138 (90%) had at least one mutation at diagnosis, which were retrospectively monitored by amplicon-based error-corrected NGS on day 90 and/or day 180 post-alloHCT. MRD was detected in 34 patients on day 90 and/or day 180 (25%). The rate of MRD positivity was similar when DTA and non-DTA mutations were considered separately (17.6% vs 19.8%). DTA mutations had no prognostic impact on cumulative incidence of relapse, relapse-free survival, or overall survival in our study and were removed from further analysis. In the remaining 131 patients with at least 1 non-DTA mutation, clinical and transplantation-associated characteristics were similarly distributed between MRD-positive and MRD-negative patients. In multivariate analysis, MRD positivity was an independent adverse predictor of cumulative incidence of relapse, relapse-free survival, and overall survival but not of nonrelapse mortality. The prognostic effect was independent of different cutoffs (above limit of detection, 0.1% and 1% variant allele frequency). MRD log-reduction between diagnosis and post-alloHCT assessment had no prognostic value. MRD status post-alloHCT had the strongest impact in patients who were MRD positive prior to alloHCT. In conclusion, non-DTA mutations are prognostic NGS-MRD markers post-alloHCT, whereas the prognostic role of DTA mutations in the posttransplant setting remains open.