Abstract: Background: Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) with rearrangements of core-binding factor (CBF) complex genes (CBF-AML), comprising t(8;21) and inv(16) subgroups, are considered as diseases with favorable outcome. Nevertheless, CBF-AML relapse rates remain high, with ~40% of patients (pts) relapsing after standard intensive chemotherapy. Aim: To dissect the biology of relapse in CBF-AML, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) in a large cohort of 101 cases at the time of diagnosis and for 47 cases also at the time of relapse. Methods: All pts were treated either with standard chemotherapy or with standard chemotherapy and kinase inhibitor dasatinib within clinical trials of the German-Austrian AML Study Group (AMLSG). Using the Nextera Rapid Capture Exome kit (Illumina) we performed WES of paired diagnostic (dx), remission and relapse samples of 47 pts, namely 21 pts with t(8;21) and 26 pts with inv(16). RNAseq was performed in 18 of these pts using the Ribo Zero RNA-sequencing kit (Illumina). To better define genomic signatures related to CBF-AML relapse, we included WES data previously published by our group (Faber et al. Nat Genet 2016). This set comprised dx samples of 8 t(8;21) and 10 inv(16) pts who relapsed as well as a control group of 20 t(8;21) and 16 inv(16) CBF-AML pts, who did not experience relapse. Results: For the new cohort, WES sequencing of 47 pts was performed with a mean coverage of 127-fold. In t(8;21), we identified a median of 3.5 mutations exclusively present at dx (range: 0-8), 11.6 mutations persistent from dx to relapse (range: 4-19), and 4.0 mutations gained at relapse (range: 2-7). For the inv(16) subgroup a median of 2.0 mutations were dx specific (0-7), 6.0 mutations persisted during tumor evolution (3-26) and 2.5 were gained at relapse (0-9). As previously reported, the spectrum of genes affected by mutations showed little overlap between t(8;21) and inv(16), except for commonly affected 'signaling' genes such as KIT, RAS, FLT3 and epigenetic players such as TET2. In total, in t(8;21) we identified 94 relapse-specific mutations or mutations displaying a strong increase in variant allele frequency (VAF) at relapse, and 63 of such relapse-specific alterations in inv(16) pts. In addition to the previously reported RUNX1 and cohesin complex gene mutations showing an increase in VAF at relapse, we found recurrent novel relapse-specific mutations in LAMC3, which occurred exclusively in the t(8;21) subgroup affecting 9% of pts. In inv(16), recurrent mutations in the tumor suppressor gene WT1 occurred in 12% of pts, either acquired at relapse or already present at dx as a minor subclone. Remarkably, mutations in relapsed t(8;21) pts often affected genes involved in PI3K-AKT and in cell cycle regulation pathways. In the inv(16) relapse group, in addition to dysregulation of the MAPK signaling pathway, we found several non-recurrent mutations in genes involved in ribosomal RNA metabolism, like in PRNAD1. Conclusion: Our WES sequencing results already provide first insights into the molecular composition and mechanisms underlying relapse in CBF-AML which often affect pathways linked to proliferation, such as PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling. While we are currently validating additional hits, updated results will be provided at the ASH meeting, which will also address combinatorial mutation patterns underlying chemotherapy resistance in t(8;21) and inv(16) positive AML. Disclosures Götze: Celgene: Research Funding. Fiedler:Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; ARIAD/Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: support for meeting attendance, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Other: support for meeting attendance; Gilead: Other: support for meeting attendance; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Other: support for meeting attendance; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Morphosys: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Thol:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astellas: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Daiichi Sankyo: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Heuser:PriME Oncology: Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy; Stemline Therapeutics: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; BerGenBio ASA: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding. Ganser:Novartis: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy. Paschka:Agios Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Astellas Pharma: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Travel, accommodations or expenses; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Otsuka: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; AbbVie: Other: Travel, accommodation or expenses, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Other; Janssen Oncology: Other; BerGenBio ASA: Research Funding. Döhner:GEMoaB: Consultancy, Honoraria; AROG: Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Helsinn: Consultancy, Honoraria; Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Astex: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Research Funding; Oxford Biomedicals: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Agios: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sunesis: Research Funding. Döhner:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy; Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Astellas Pharma: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Agios: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; Arog: Research Funding. Bullinger:Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Daiichi Sankyo: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astellas: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Hexal: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Menarini: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abstract: Progress in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older patients (pts) is still limited with poor complete remission (CR) rate and overall survival (OS). This is attributed to a variety of reasons including an inherently poor biology, especially a higher incidence of poor-risk karyotypes, co-morbidities, and an age-related functional impairment. In our randomized AML HD98B trial, the addition of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to intensive chemotherapy resulted in an increased CR rate, event-free (EFS) and OS (Schlenk et al Leukemia 2004). More recent reports on in vitro studies indicated a synergistic action of the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) when associated with ATRA plus cytarabine and anthracyclines. In the randomized AMLSG 06-04 trial, therefore, VPA was evaluated in combination with intensive induction therapy plus ATRA in older pts ( 〉 60 years) with newly diagnosed AML. In first analyses, the addition of VPA did not provide a significant advantage in OS and EFS after a median follow-up of 47 months (Tassara et al, ASH 2010, abstract #185). This was mainly due to increased hematological toxicity by VPA after the second induction therapy. Here we provide updated analyses especially on survival outcome data based on mature follow-up. Aims To evaluate VPA in combination with intensive induction therapy and ATRA in older patients with newly diagnosed AML. Methods Between August 2004 and February 2006 186 patients were randomized (standard-arm, n=93; experimental-arm, n=93) in the AMLSG 06-04 study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00151255); median age was 68 years (60-84). The first 77 pts were randomized to receive 2 induction cycles (idarubicin 12 mg/m2 i.v. days 1-3, cytarabine 100 mg/m2 cont. i.v. days 1-5, ATRA 45 mg/m2 days 3-5 and 15 mg/m2 days 6-28) with or without VPA (days 1-28; started at 400 mg bid and then adapted in order to obtain a serum level of 60-150 mg/l). After an interim analysis the study was amended; for the following 109 patients idarubicin was dose-reduced to day 1 and 3 and VPA only added during the first induction cycle. All patients were intended for consolidation. Molecular diagnostics were performed as previously published (Schlenk et al, Haematologica 2009) Results Details of the response rate and toxicity of the induction treatment have already been presented (Tassara et al, ASH 2010, abstract #185). To summarize, CR rates after double induction were in trend higher in the standard-arm (52% vs. 40%; p=0.10), and early death rate higher in the experimental-arm (14% vs. 26%; p=0.06). The main toxicities attributed to VPA were grade 3/4 infections and delayed hematologic recovery (leukocytes, neutrophils and platelets) observed after the second induction cycle. Therapy (i.e. double induction and consolidation) was completed by 37/93 (40%) of patients in the standard arm and 19/93 (20%) in the experimental arm (p=0.01) After a median follow up of 84 months, analysis of the primary endpoint EFS revealed no differences between the two arms (EFS at 5 years, standard arm 2.3%, experimental arm 7.6%; p=0.95); similarly OS was not different (OS at 5 years, standard arm 11.7%, experimental arm 11.4%; p=0.57). However, pts in the experimental arm had a significantly better relapse-free survival (RFS at 5 years, standard arm 6.4%, experimental arm 24.0%, p=0.02). In explorative subset analyses superior RFS (p=0.03) and OS (p=0.03) of CR-patients were observed in AML patients with mutated NPM1 randomized into the experimental arm (RFS at 5 years, standard arm 8%, experimental arm 42%; OS at 5 years, standard arm 37%, experimental arm 52%). In contrast no differences were seen in AML patients with NPM1 wild-type for RFS (p=0.13) and OS (p=0.87) of CR-patients (RFS at 5 years, standard arm 7%, experimental arm 20%; OS at 5 years, standard arm 15%, experimental arm 22%). Due to a low frequency of FLT3-ITD (9/72) in this patient subset meaningful analyses were not possible. Conclusion In older patients with AML, the addition of VPA to standard induction treatment was associated with severe hematological toxicity as well as higher rates of infections and did not improve EFS and OS. However, after a long follow-up VPA was associated with a significantly improved RFS, which might be related to the mutated NPM1 genotype. Disclosures: Schlenk: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Ambit: Honoraria.

Abstract: Background: Clofarabine is a second-generation purine nucleoside analogue, which has shown synergistic activity with cytarabine. We determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD, primary endpoint), safety and efficacy (secondary endpoints) of clofarabine in combination with cytarabine and idarubicin in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with high-risk for induction failure stratified in two age groups ( 〈 60 years and ≥ 60 years). Methods: In this prospective, open-label, multicenter phase I/II study (EudraCT 2010-021719-18, CIARA trial), newly diagnosed AML patients with high risk of induction failure (NPM1 wildtype, FLT3-ITD negative), who were eligible for intensive chemotherapy, received two induction courses (cytarabine 750 mg/m2 d1-5, idarubicin 7.5 mg/m2 in patients 〈 60 years or 6 mg/m2 in patients ≥60 years d1+3) with increasing doses of clofarabine (20-35 mg/m2 d1-5) following a 3+3 design with extension cohorts. Consolidation consisted of up to 3 courses of high-dose cytarabine or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Results: Forty-two patients with de novo (n=32) or secondary (n=10) AML were included. Median age was 58.5 years (range 28-73, 24 patients 〈 60 years, 18 patients ≥ 60 years). Intermediate/adverse risk cytogenetics were found in 22 and 12 patients, respectively (karyotype missing in 8 patients). All patients received induction 1, 27 (64%) received induction 2; 4 (10%) patients died during induction courses 1 or 2. Eight patients developed a dose-limiting toxicity (6 patients with grade 3/4 non-hematologic toxicity and 3 patients with grade 4/5 hematologic toxicity) and the MTD was determined at 30 mg/m2 clofarabine for both age cohorts (younger patients: 2 of 6 patients with DLT at 35 mg/m2, no DLT at 30 mg/m2 (n=9); older patients: 4 of 6 patients with DLT at 35 mg/m2 in the extension phase, no DLT at 30 mg/m2 (n=3). The most frequent grade 3-5 non-hematologic adverse events were febrile neutropenia, sepsis, increased liver enzymes, pneumonia, decreased appetite and diarrhea occurring in 55, 24, 21, 21, 10 and 10% of patients. The median time to neutrophils ≥0.5/nl and platelets ≥50/nl after induction 1 was 25 and 24 days, respectively. Sixteen patients (38%) proceeded to allogeneic HCT in first CR and 8 (19%) received at least one course of high-dose cytarabine consolidation. Complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete recovery (CRi) was achieved in 67%. After a median follow up of 2.2 years the 2-year overall survival (OS) was 56% and the 2-year event-free survival was 38% (median EFS 11.4 months). Compared to a matched historical control of 197 younger AML patients (SHG 0199 trial, Schlenk et al. NEJM 2008), the CR rate was 79% in the 24 younger CIARA patients compared to 66% in the control cohort (P=.18), and 2-year OS was higher for CIARA than for control patients (74% vs 49%, P=.021, Figure A). The allogeneic HCT rate in first CR (CR1) was higher in younger CIARA compared to younger control patients (58% vs 27%, P=.002). The CR rate in older CIARA patients was 50% compared to 36% in a historical control of 191 older patients, who were selected using the same genetic inclusion criteria as for CIARA patients (HD98B trial, Schlenk et al. Haematologica 2009, P=.23). Two-year OS in older patients was similar between CIARA and control patients (33% vs 17%, P=.31, Figure B). The allogeneic HCT rate in CR1 was 11% vs 2% in CIARA vs control patients (P=.029). Conclusion: Clofarabine can be safely administered at 30 mg/m2 in combination with cytarabine and idarubicin in younger and older newly diagnosed AML patients. Allogeneic HCT in CR1 was feasible in a high proportion of younger AML patients and likely contributed to the favorable outcome compared to historical control patients. Figure Overall survival in younger and older AML patients of the CIARA trial compared to historical controls. Figure. Overall survival in younger and older AML patients of the CIARA trial compared to historical controls. Disclosures Krauter: Genzyme: Research Funding. Schlenk:Amgen: Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding. Paschka:Novartis: Consultancy; Medupdate GmbH: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Pfizer Pharma GmbH: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; ASTEX Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Lübbert:Ratiopharm: Other: Study drug valproic acid; Celgene: Other: Travel Funding; Janssen-Cilag: Other: Travel Funding, Research Funding. Janning:Teva: Honoraria. Becker:BMS: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Heuser:Tetralogic: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Pfizer: Research Funding; Bayer Pharma AG: Research Funding; BerGenBio: Research Funding; Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc: Research Funding.

Abstract: Background Overall survival (OS) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with intensive chemotherapy has improved over the last 20 year especially in younger adults (18-60 years) but still remains poor in older patients ( 〉 60 years) (Döhner et al. Blood 2010). The German-Austrian AMLSG performed controlled prospective treatment trials since 1993 starting with a risk-adapted approach (phase I, 1993-1997), followed by randomized and risk-adapted treatment strategies based on cytogenetic risk groups (phase II, 1997-2002); since 2003 addition of differentiating agents and HiDAC inhibitors to intensive induction therapy was evaluated (phase III, 2003-2007). Of note, until 2007 younger and older patients ( 〉 60 years) were treated in separate protocols with significantly lower dosages of chemotherapy in older patients. Starting from 2008, risk-adapted therapies were replaced successively by a genotype-adapted approach and the artificial age cut-off at 60 years was abandoned (phase IV, 2008-2012). Aims To evaluate the outcome of adult AML patients within the different time periods. Methods The study included 4705 intensively treated adults (younger, n=3546; older, n=1159) with newly diagnosed AML enrolled on 11 AMLSG treatment trials between 1993 and 2012. Patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia were excluded. All patients received intensive induction and consolidation therapy. Analyzed outcome variables were first complete remission rates (CR1), relapse-free survival (RFS), survival after relapse (SAR) and OS. Analyses were performed according to age groups (18-60 vs. 〉 60 yrs). In younger patients comparisons were performed for the 4 treatment phases (I-IV), whereas for older patients analyses were restricted to phase II-IV. Results In younger patients CR rates did not improve over time (1993-2013) and varied between 72% and 77% (p=0.12), whereas early and hypoplastic (ED/HD) death rates significantly declined from 10% to 5% (p=0.0001). In older patients CR rates significantly improved over time from 44% to 50% between 1998 and 2007 to 67% after 2008 (p 〈 0.0001); ED/HD rates gradually declined from 12% to 8%, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.17). The proportion of younger patients receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) increased from 30% (15% in CR1) in phase I to 58% (29% in CR1) in phase III and remained there in phase IV with 53% (26% CR1), whereas the proportion of patients receiving an autologous HSCT constantly decreased from maximally 16% (15% in CR1) in phase II to 0.4% (0.2% in CR1) in phase IV; the proportion of older patients receiving an alloHSCT steadily increased from 4% (2% CR1) in phase II to 21% (12% CR1) in phase IV; autoHSCT was rarely performed. OS at 4 years in both age groups significantly improved (p 〈 0.0001, each) from 41% to 56% and from 10% to 23% in younger and older patients, respectively. This beneficial effect on OS over time in younger patients was due to a better RFS (p=0.01) and SAR (p 〈 0.0001), whereas in older patients no improvement in RFS (p=0.20) and only in trend for SAR (p=0.07) was noted. In cytogenetically high-risk patients, OS in younger (p=0.001) and in older (p=0.007) patients got better; in older patients mainly driven by increase in CR rates (p=0.001) and in younger patients by an improvement in RFS (p=0.02) and SAR (p=0.05). Nearly the same pattern was identified for cytogenetically intermediate risk patients with a better OS in younger (p 〈 0.0001) and older patients (p=0.01) due to higher CR rates in older patients (p 〈 0.0001), no improvement in RFS in both age groups and a significantly better SAR in younger patients (p=0.0002). In contrast, in low risk patients improvement in OS was only present in older patients (p=0.02), due to a better RFS in older patients (p=0.02) but without any progress in younger patients. Furthermore we performed two subgroup analyses in intermediate risk patients. In the subgroup of patients characterized by the genotype NPM1-mut/FLT3-ITDneg a significant better OS was present only in younger patients (p=0.03); in FLT3-ITD positive AML a better OS was seen in younger patients (p 〈 0.0001) due to a better RFS (p=0.05) and SAR (p=0.01). Conclusions Based on the German-Austrian AMLSG experience the prognosis in younger and older AML patients has improved over time. In older patients this is mainly a result of higher CR rates and in younger patients of better RFS and SAR. Disclosures: Schlenk: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Ambit: Honoraria. Off Label Use: Pomalidomide in Myelofibrosis. Greil:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Abstract: Background: The DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) is one of the most frequent mutated genes in AML with a hot spot mutation at codon R882 in 80% of the DNMT3Amut cases. In most of the studies DNMT3Amut predicts for poor overall (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Recently, DNMT3Amut have been associated with age-related clonal hematopoiesis, and they have been identified in early preleukemic stem cells. These findings suggest that DNMT3Amut represents an early event in leukemogenesis and may be part of the leukemia founder clone in most AMLs harboring a DNMT3Amut. We thought to address the question whether MRD monitoring in DNMT3Amut patients (pts) can be used for prognostic classification and risk stratification in these pts. Aims: We monitored MRD for the most common DNMT3Amut (DNMT3Amut -R882H, n=126 and -R882C, n=55) in a large cohort of adult AML pts entered on three AMLSG treatment trials [AML HD98A (n=14; NCT00146120), AMLSG 07-04 (n=86; NCT00151242), AMLSG 09-09 (n=81; NCT00893399)]. Methods: DNMT3Amut MRD monitoring was performed using a cDNA-based RQ-PCR-assay by TaqMan technology with a sensitivity between 10-3 and 10-4. MRD levels are reported as normalized values of DNMT3Amut transcripts per 104ABL1 transcripts (DNMT3Amut/104ABL1). Results: In total, 1,494 samples [bone marrow (BM), n=798; peripheral blood (PB), n=696] from 181 DNMT3Amut pts were analysed [diagnosis, n=287; during therapy, n=840; follow-up, n=367] . Median age of the patients was 50 years (range, 22 to 78); median BM DNMT3Amut transcript level (TL) at the time of diagnosis was 12690 (range, 1396-54280). There was no significant association of TL with presenting clinical characteristics, such as age, white blood cell count, platelet count, BM and PB blasts, lactate dehydrogenase, or with mutations in NPM1, FLT3 [ITD and TKD], CEBPA and cytogenetics. DNMT3Amut TL as log 10 transformed continuous variable and stratified by study did not impact OS (p=0.29), RFS (p=0.17) and EFS (p=0.28). Comparing TL after double induction (DI) did not show a significant difference between 13 patients without complete remission (CR) and 117 in CR (12983 and 12595, respectively; p=0.52). In Cox regression analyses, BM DNMT3Amut TL as log 10 transformed continuous variable during therapy did not impact the clinical endpoints death and relapse. In general, DNMT3Amut TL during therapy (after induction I, induction II, consolidation I and II) were significantly higher in BM than in PB (p=0.01; p=0.05; p=0.004; p=0.008, respectively). We observed the greatest TL reduction (one log) after induction I, whereas subsequent cycles of therapy did not significantly influence TL. To evaluate the impact of DNMT3Amut MRD monitoring with regard to the clinical endpoints OS, cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and remission duration (RD) after DI and after end of therapy (ET) we used different statistical approaches; all survival analyses were stratified by study. After DI and ET, only 8/90 and 4/88 BM samples became MRD negative. At these two time-points MRD positivity did not significantly impact OS (p=0.99; p=0.74), CIR (p=0.73; p=0.15) and RD (p=0.83; p=0.16). Next, we investigated the MRD DNMT3Amut log10-reduction (compared to levels at diagnosis) after DI and ET using the median as a cut-off. Again, we could not detect a significant correlation for pts with a higher TL reduction compared with pts with a lower TL reduction for OS and RD after DI and ET (p=0.83; p=0.30; p=0.04; p=0.21, respectively). Lastly, we evaluated the BM DNMT3Amut TL as 4 increasing equally sized intervals according to the quartiles of the distribution. There was no prognostic impact after DI on OS and RD (p=0.53; p=0.89) and ET (p=0.76; p=0.53). When combining PB and BM samples for the analyses we could not find significant changes in the results. Conclusion: In our study most pts had persistent DNMT3Amut TL with only a minority achieving MRD negativity, a finding that supports the presence of persistent clonal hematopoiesis in hematologic remission. Using different explorative approaches, DNMT3Amut TL did not impact clinical outcome neither during therapy nor during follow-up. Disclosures Horst: Gilead: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Boehringer Ingleheim: Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding. Schlenk:Arog: Honoraria, Research Funding; Boehringer-Ingelheim: Honoraria; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Teva: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Abstract: Background: Internal tandem duplications (ITD) in the receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3 occur in roughly 25% of younger adult patients (pts) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The multi-targeted kinase inhibitor midostaurin combined with intensive chemotherapy has shown activity against AML with FLT3 mutations. However, toxicity and potential drug-drug interactions with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as posaconazole may necessitate dose reduction. Aims: To evaluate the impact of age and midostaurin dose-adaptation after intensive induction chemotherapy on response and outcome in AML with FLT3-ITD within the AMLSG 16-10 trial (NCT01477606). Methods: The study included adult pts (age 18-70 years (yrs)) with newly diagnosed FLT3-ITD positive AML enrolled in the ongoing single-arm phase-II AMLSG 16-10 trial. Pts with acute promyelocytic leukemia were not eligible. The presence of FLT3-ITD was analyzed within our diagnostic study AMLSG-BiO (NCT01252485) by Genescan-based DNA fragment-length analysis. Induction therapy consisted of daunorubicin (60 mg/m², d1-3) and cytarabine (200 mg/m², continuously, d1-7); midostaurin 50 mg bid was applied from day 8 until 48h before start of the next treatment cycle. A second cycle was allowed in case of partial remission (PR). For consolidation therapy, pts proceeded to allogeneic hematopoietic-cell transplantation (HCT) as first priority; if alloHCT was not feasible, pts received three cycles of age-adapted high-dose cytarabine (HDAC) in combination with midostaurin starting on day 6. In all pts one-year maintenance therapy with midostaurin was intended. The first patient entered the study in June 2012 and in April 2014, after recruitment of n=147 pts, the study was amended including a sample size increase to 284 pts and a dose reduction to 12.5% of the initial dose of midostaurin in case of co-medication with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. posaconazole). This report focuses on age and the comparison between the first (n=147) and the second cohort (n=137) of the study in terms midostaurin dose-adaptation. Results: Patient characteristics were as follows: median age 54 yrs (range, 18-70; younger, 68% 〈 60 yrs; older, 32% ≥ 60 yrs); median white cell count 44.7G/l (range 1.1-1543 G/l); karyotype, n=161 normal, n=16 high-risk according to ELN recommendations; mutated NPM1 n=174 (59%). Data on response to first induction therapy were available in 277 pts; complete remission (CR) including CR with incomplete hematological recovery (CRi) 60%, PR 20%, refractory disease (RD) 15%, and death 5%. A second induction cycle was given in 54 pts. Overall response (CR/CRi) after induction therapy was 76% (76%, younger; 76%, older) and death 6% (4%, younger; 10% older). The dose of midostaurin during first induction therapy was reduced in 53% and 71% of patients in cohort-1 and cohort-2, respectively. Reasons for dose reduction were in 58% and 49% toxicity, and in 9% and 23% co-medication in cohort-1 and cohort-2, respectively. No difference in response to induction therapy was noted between cohorts (p=0.81). Median follow-up was 18 months. Overall 146 pts received an alloHCT, 128 in first CR (n=94 younger, n=34 older; n=92 from a matched unrelated and n=36 from a matched related donor). In pts receiving an alloHCT within the protocol in median two chemotherapy cycles were applied before transplant (range 1-4). The cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and death after transplant were 13% (SE 3.2%) and 16% (SE 3.5%) without differences (p=0.97, p=0.41, respectively) between younger and older patients. So far maintenance therapy was started in 86 pts, 61 pts after alloHCT and 25 pts after HDAC. Fifty-five adverse events 3°/4° were reported being attributed to midostaurin; cytopenias after alloHCT were the most frequent (29%). CIR in patients starting maintenance therapy was 20% one year after start of maintenance without difference between alloHCT and HiDAC (p=0.99). In addition, no difference in CIR was identified in patients after consolidation with alloHCT or HDAC according to dose reduction of midostaurin during first induction therapy (p=0.43, p=0.98, respectively). Median overall survival was 25 months (younger, 26 months; older 23 months; p=0.15). Conclusions: The addition of midostaurin to intensive induction therapy and as maintenance after alloHCT or HDAC is feasible and effective without an impact of age and dose adaptation on outcome. Disclosures Schlenk: Amgen: Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding. Fiedler:GSO: Other: Travel; Pfizer: Research Funding; Kolltan: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Gilead: Other: Travel; Ariad/Incyte: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Teva: Other: Travel. Lübbert:Celgene: Other: Travel Funding; Janssen-Cilag: Other: Travel Funding, Research Funding; Ratiopharm: Other: Study drug valproic acid. Greil:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding; Mundipharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Merck: Honoraria; AstraZeneca: Honoraria; Boehringer-Ingelheim: Honoraria; GSK: Research Funding; Ratiopharm: Research Funding; Cephalon: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria; Eisai: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding. Greiner:BMS: Research Funding. Paschka:ASTEX Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Medupdate GmbH: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Pfizer Pharma GmbH: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Heuser:Bayer Pharma AG: Research Funding; Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Pfizer: Research Funding; BerGenBio: Research Funding; Tetralogic: Research Funding.

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: Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21)(q22;q22) results in the formation of the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion transcript which can be used to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Early identification of patients (pts) with a high risk of relapse will allow pre-emptive therapy including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Recent studies in AML with NPM1 mutation or the CBFB-MYH11 gene fusion revealed that MRD persistence is significantly associated with a high risk of relapse. However, the prognostic impact of MRD assessment in RUNX1-RUNX1T1-positive AML is not well established. Aims: To assess the prognostic impact of qRT-PCR-based MRD monitoring in bone marrow (BM) of pts with t(8;21)/RUNX1-RUNX1T1-positive AML obtained at defined time-points (diagnosis, first and second cycle of chemotherapy, end of treatment). Methods: In total, 120 pts were included based on the availability of a diagnostic BM sample and at least two subsequent BM samples obtained during therapy and at the end of treatment; 106 pts were enrolled in one of six AMLSG treatment trials: AML HD93 (n=1), AML HD98A (NCT00146120; n=13), AMLSG 06-04 (NCT00151255; n=4), AMLSG 07-04 (NCT00151242; n=43), AMLSG 11-08 (NCT00850382; n=31), AMLSG 21-13 (NCT02013648; n=14); 14 pts were treated outside clinical trials. All pts received anthracycline- and cytarabine-based intensive induction followed by subsequent high-dose cytarabine consolidation cycles. For MRD assessment, qRT-PCR from BM specimens was performed using TaqMan technology; RUNX1-RUNX1T1 transcript levels (TL) were reported as the normalized value of RUNX1-RUNX1T1 per 106 transcripts of the housekeeping gene beta2-microglobulin. The maximum sensitivity of the assay was 10-6. Results: The median age of the pts was 47 years (yrs; range, 18-73 yrs); at the time of diagnosis there was a broad range of RUNX1-RUNX1T1 TL (18490 to 14440000) with a median of 227800. RUNX1-RUNX1T1 TL did not correlate with clinical features (age, WBC, platelets, LDH, BM blasts) or associated gene mutations such as KIT, FLT3-ITD/TKD, NRAS or ASXL2. However, pts with additional FLT3 mutation showed higher TL compared to wild-type pts (median, 412955 vs 219052). Cox regression analysis using RUNX1-RUNX1T1 TL as a log10 transformed continuous variable showed that higher RUNX1-RUNX1T1 TL were significantly associated with a higher cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), inferior event-free survival (EFS) and shorter overall survival (OS) for the two time points "after first treatment cycle" and "at end of treatment" (CIR: HR, 1.84, p=0.001; HR, 1.60, p=0.03; EFS: HR, 1.59, p=0.01, HR, 1.74, p=0.01; OS: HR, 1.63, p=0.02, HR 2.13, p=0.009, respectively). In univariate analyses achievement of MRD negativity (n=35) at the end of treatment was significantly associated with a superior 4-yr OS (93% vs 67%; p=0.007) and 4-yr EFS (81% vs 61%; p=0.04) whereas achievement of MRD negativity after the first (1/85) and second (20/89) treatment cycle was low not reaching significance for any of the clinical endpoints. Separation of the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 TL according to quartiles of distribution showed significant differences in OS (p=0.04), and remission duration (p=0.006) "after first cycle" whereas "at end of treatment" significant differences were only found for OS (p=0.009). Finally, we evaluated the impact of concurrent KIT mutations on the kinetics of RUNX1-RUNX1T1 TL. Following the first treatment cycle, the median RUNX1-RUNX1T1 TL were significantly lower in the KIT wildtype group compared with the KIT mutated group (p=0.02); the same was true "at the end of treatment" (p=0.02). Conclusions: In our study, achievement of MRD negativity at the end of treatment was significantly associated with a better outcome in t(8;21)-positive AML. The fact that earlier time points did not allow the identification of pts with a high relapse risk is probably due to the high sensitivity of the qRT-PCR assay which is also reflected by the low number of pts achieving qRT-PCR negativity after first and second treatment cycle, respectively. Further analyses are ongoing including multivariable as well as molecular subgroup analyses. *These authors contributed equally to the work: MA, AC MA was supported by the Else-Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS). Disclosures Paschka: Celgene: Honoraria; Pfizer Pharma GmbH: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Medupdate GmbH: Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy; ASTEX Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Lübbert:Ratiopharm: Other: Study drug valproic acid; Janssen-Cilag: Other: Travel Funding, Research Funding; Celgene: Other: Travel Funding. Fiedler:Amgen: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Teva: Other: Travel; Kolltan: Research Funding; Ariad/Incyte: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Gilead: Other: Travel; GSO: Other: Travel; Pfizer: Research Funding. Heuser:Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Bayer Pharma AG: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Tetralogic: Research Funding; BerGenBio: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding. Schlenk:Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding.

Abstract: Background: Measurable residual disease (MRD), as determined by quantitation of Nucleophosmin 1-mutated (NPM1mut) transcript levels (TL), provides significant prognostic information independent of other risk factors in patients (pts) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This is also addressed by the 2017 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) risk stratification system, which recommends taking into account results from MRD monitoring when selecting the appropriate post-remission therapy. Furthermore, MRD monitoring provides a powerful tool to evaluate treatment effects within clinical trials investigating novel therapies. Aims: To determine the impact of the anti-CD33 immunotoxin Gemtuzumab-Ozogamicin (GO) on kinetics of NPM1mut TL in pts with newly diagnosed NPM1mut AML [18 to 82 years (yrs), median age 58 yrs] enrolled in our randomized Phase III AMLSG 09-09 study (NCT00893399). In this study GO was randomized (1:1) to standard chemotherapy plus ATRA. Patients and Methods: In total, 588 evaluable pts were enrolled in the clinical AMLSG 09-09 study. Standard treatment comprised two cycles of induction therapy with A-ICE (ATRA, idarubicin, cytarabine, etoposide; arm A) followed by three consolidation cycles of high-dose cytarabine (n=371, 63%) or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (n=42, 8%). In the investigational arm (arm B), GO (3 mg/m²) was given at d1 of each induction and in the first consolidation cycle. 296 pts were randomized to arm A and 292 pts to arm B. For this correlative study, outcome analysis was restricted to the clinical endpoint cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) due to study protocol requirements allowing overall survival analysis to be performed only two years after the last pt had been enrolled. MRD monitoring was performed in a total 503 pts for whom at least one bone marrow (BM) sample was available using RQ-PCR technique; the median follow-up (FU) of the 503 pts was 2.8 yrs. NPM1mut TL (ratio of NPM1mut/ABL1 transcripts x 104) were determined by RQ-PCR (sensitivity 10-5 to 10-6). Results: In total, 3711 BM samples were analyzed (at diagnosis, n=415; during treatment, n=1765; during FU, n=1531). Both study arms were well balanced with regard to pts characteristics and pretreatment NPM1mut TL. First, we evaluated the impact of GO on kinetics of NPM1mut TL during treatment. After the first induction cycle, median NPM1mut TL were significantly lower in the investigational arm (p=.001) and this was true for all subsequent treatment cycles [after induction II (p=.008), consolidation I (p 〈 .001), consolidation II (p=.006), consolidation III (p=.009)]. Next, we evaluated treatment effects on NPM1mut TL after two cycles of induction therapy in pts in complete remission (CR, n=378). At this time point, there was no difference in the proportion of pts achieving RQ-PCR negativity (RQ-PCRneg) [arm A 15% (28/192), vs arm B 17% (32/186); p=.57] between the two treatment arms. However, treatment according to investigational arm B with GO was associated with a significantly lower CIR rate (CIR at 4 yrs: arm B 29% vs arm A 45%, p=.02). In multivariate analysis randomization to arm B revealed as an independent prognostic factor for remission duration (HR 0.63, p=.018). At the end of treatment (EOT, n=288 pts in CR) the proportion of pts achieving RQ-PCRneg was significantly higher (55% vs 41%; p=.02) in the investigational arm; pts treated in arm B had a significantly lower CIR rate compared to arm A (CIR at 4 yrs: arm B 29% vs arm A 45%, p=.04). Conclusion: In our randomized Phase III AMLSG 09-09 study, the addition of GO to intensive chemotherapy plus ATRA was associated with a significantly better reduction of NPM1mut TL after each treatment cycle. This better clearance translated into a significantly lower CIR in the investigational arm with GO. Disclosures Paschka: Otsuka: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Meyers Squibb: Other: Travel support, Speakers Bureau; Jazz: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel support, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sunesis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Other: Travel support; Janssen: Other: Travel support; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel support, Speakers Bureau; Astex: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Agios: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astellas: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Travel support; Takeda: Other: Travel support. Krönke:Celgene: Honoraria. Fiedler:Amgen: Other: support for meetíng attendance; GSO: Other: support for meeting attendance; Teva: Other: support for meeting attendance; Gilead: Other: support for meeting attendance; JAZZ Pharmaceuticals: Other: support for meeting attendance; ARIAD/Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, support for meeting attendance; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Amgen: Patents & Royalties; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Other: support for meeting attendance. Schroeder:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Lübbert:Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; TEVA: Other: Study drug; Cheplapharm: Other: Study drug; Celgene: Other: Travel Support. Götze:JAZZ Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria, Other: Travel aid ASH 2017; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Schleicher:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Investigator; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Ipsen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Eissai: Other: Investigator; Astra Zeneca: Other: Investigator; Pfizer: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Schlenk:Pfizer: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Ganser:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Döhner:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Agios: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celator: Consultancy, Honoraria; AROG Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Astellas: Consultancy, Honoraria; AROG Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Astellas: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celator: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sunesis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Agios: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sunesis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.