Kurzfassung: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) after high-dose conditioning regimens imposes prohibitively high risks of morbidity and mortality for patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are older or have comorbid conditions. Here, we examined outcomes after nonmyeloablative allogeneic HCT in such patients. Patients and Methods Two hundred seventy-four patients (median age, 60 years) with de novo or secondary AML underwent allogeneic HCT from related (n = 118) or unrelated donors (n = 156) after conditioning with 2 Gy of total-body irradiation (TBI) with or without fludarabine. A calcineurin inhibitor and mycophenolate mofetil were used for postgrafting immunosuppression. Results With a median follow-up of 38 months in surviving patients, the estimated overall survival at 5 years was 33%. The estimated 5-year relapse/progression and nonrelapse mortality rates were 42% and 26%, respectively. The cumulative incidences of grades 2, 3, and 4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were 38%, 9%, and 5%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD at 5 years was 44%. Patients in first and second complete remission had better survival rates than patients with more advanced disease (37% and 34% v 18%, respectively). Patients with HLA-matched related or unrelated donors had similar survivals. Unfavorable cytogenetic risk status was associated with increased relapse and subsequent mortality. Chronic GVHD was associated with lower relapse risk. Conclusion Allogeneic HCT from related or unrelated donors after conditioning with low-dose TBI and fludarabine, relying almost exclusively on graft-versus-leukemia effects, can result in long-term remissions in older or medically infirm patients with AML.

Kurzfassung: We have shown safety of unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) using nonmyeloablative conditioning with fludarabine (FLU, 90 mg/m2) and 2 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) and post-HCT immunosuppression with MMF (15 mg/kg) and cyclosporine (CSP 5–6.25 mg/kg) both given BID (Maris Blood 2003 Vol 102, No 6). The graft rejection rate in the first 89 pts was 23% and more frequent for marrow (8/18; 44%) than PBSC (13/71; 18%) recipients. Multivariate analysis identified recipients of marrow grafts and those without preceding chemotherapy at highest risk for graft rejection (p=0.006 for each). The t½ of mycophenolic acid, the active metabolite of MMF, was 3 hours, and its binding to IMPDH II rapidly reversible. This led to the hypothesis that exclusive use of PBSC grafts and TID dosing of MMF might result in higher engraftment and lower acute GVHD rates. The current protocol (MMF TID) was identical to the original one (MMF BID) except that all pts received PBSC and were given MMF TID. The protocol’s primary goal was to achieve graft rejection 〈 10% and 〈 20% for pts with and without prior chemotherapy, respectively, and its secondary goal to reduce the incidence of acute GVHD. Pts with malignant diseases (n=103), matched with their donors for HLA-A, -B, -C antigens and -DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles, were entered on study. Median donor T cell chimerism at day 28 was 92% compared to 75% for 71 PBSC recipients given MMF BID on the prior protocol (p=0.02). When BID and TID MMF pts were considered together, donor T cell chimerism 〈 50% was highly predictive for graft rejection (p 〈 0.0001). The durable engraftment rate for pts given MMF TID versus BID was 95% (98/103) compared to 82%, respectively (p=0.004). For pts with and without prior chemotherapy given MMF TID versus BID, rejection rates were 3% compared to 10% (p=0.08) and 17% compared to 53% (p=0.05), respectively. Cumulative probabilities of grades II, III and IV acute and chronic extensive GVHD were 39%, 10%, 2%, and 45%, respectively, and were similar to rates in BID MMF pts, suggesting further improvements in GVHD prevention are needed. For the 103 pts given MMF TID, 1-year overall survival, progression-free survival, relapse/progression, and non-relapse mortality were 64%, 54%, 27%, and 19%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier 1-year survivals were as follows: acute leukemia (n=24) 79%, B cell malignancies (n=47: CLL, n=13; Hodgkin disease, n=8; NHL, n=27) 63%, multiple myeloma (n=11) 55%, CML (n=5) 100%, MDS/myeloproliferative syndromes (MPS) (n=12) 50%, and RCC 50%. Kaplan-Meier 1-year progression free survivals were as follows: acute leukemia 71%, B cell malignancies 61%, multiple myeloma 46%, CML 60%, MDS/MPS 33%, and RCC 25%. The use of unrelated donor PBSC grafts and administration of MMF TID after nonmyeloablative conditioning significantly improved donor T cell chimerism and engraftment rates over the preceding protocol. However, further improvements in immunosuppression after HCT are needed to reduce acute GVHD rates.

Kurzfassung: Background: SL-401 is a novel targeted therapy directed to the interleukin-3 receptor (CD123), a target overexpressed on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts and AML cancer stem cells (CSCs), and a variety of additional hematologic malignancies. While conventional chemotherapy can induce remission in a majority of treatment-naive AML patients, relapse rates remain high. Outcomes are particularly poor when minimal residual disease (MRD), as determined by genetic and/or flow cytometric analyses, remains after therapy, with high rates of relapse and short disease-free survival. Conceivably, a therapy directed at lowering MRD burden may improve long-term outcomes. Given the association of MRD with CD123+ AML CSCs, SL-401 is being evaluated in patients with AML in first or second complete remission (CR1 or CR2, respectively) with high risk of relapse including persistent MRD. Preliminary results are reported here. Methods & Results: This multicenter, single-arm Phase 2 trial of AML patients in CR1 or CR2 with high risk of relapse includes a lead-in (stage 1) and expansion (stage 2). In stage 1, patients (MRD+ or MRD-) receive SL-401 as a daily IV infusion at 7, 9, or 12 ug/kg/day for days 1- 5 of a 28 day cycle in a 3x3 design. In stage 2, patients (MRD+ only) receive SL-401 at the dose determined in stage 1. Presence of MRD for eligibility requires either molecular (by cytogenetics, FISH, PCR, or next-generation sequencing of AML-associated mutations) or multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) evidence of persistent abnormalities in the setting of morphologic CR. In stage 2, MRD assessment will include MFC of bone marrow aspirates conducted at a central laboratory for uniformity. Objectives include characterization of SL-401 safety with determination of the maximum tolerated or tested dose, and preliminary assessment of efficacy including changes in MRD burden and response duration. As of 7/27/16, stage 1 has been completed and stage 2 is open for enrollment. Nine patients (stage 1) received SL-401 (7 ug/kg, n=3; 9 ug/kg, n=3; 12ug/kg, n=3). The median age was 63 years (range: 51-78 years); 6 males and 3 females were treated; 8 patients were in CR1 and 1 patient was in CR2 at enrollment. The 12 ug/kg dose level was the highest tested dose with no DLTs; MTD was not reached. The most common treatment-related AEs, all grades, were thrombocytopenia (3/9; 33%) and hypoalbuminemia (3/9; 33%); the most common ≥ grade 3 treatment-related AE was thrombocytopenia (1/9; 11%); there was no DLT. Patients treated at all doses received 1+ to 5+ cycles (ongoing) of SL-401, including 3 MRD+ patients treated at 7 ug/kg (n=1) or 9 ug/kg (n=2) who received 1-5 cycles, and 1 MRD+ patient treated at 12 ug/kg who is receiving ongoing SL-401 for 4+ cycles. For all 3 patients treated at 12 ug/kg (MRD+, n=1; MRD-, n=2), 2 patients remain on SL-401 and have received 1+ and 4+ cycles (both ongoing); one other patient treated at 12 ug/kg discontinued the study because of infection unrelated to study drug. Notably, the one MRD+ patient treated at 12 ug/kg (ongoing at 4+ cycles) had marked MRD reduction as determined by MFC at the local institution; this patient is being considered for stem cell transplant (SCT). Conclusions: Stage 1 is complete without DLT or MTD, and stage 2 (expansion) is open to enroll AML patients in CR1 or CR2 who are MRD+ at the highest tested dose of 12 ug/kg. The safety profile has been similar to that observed in other SL-401 clinical studies, with no unexpected AEs. Targeting MRD with SL-401 has the potential to reduce this chemo-resistant cell population and offer improved long-term outcomes for AML patients in remission with high risk of relapse. Updated data will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT02270463. Disclosures Lane: N-of-1: Consultancy; Stemline Therapeutics: Research Funding. Sweet:Pfizer: Speakers Bureau; Karyopharm: Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Ariad: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Wang:Immunogen: Research Funding; Incyte: Speakers Bureau. Stein:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Stemline Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Argios: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Carraway:Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Baxalta: Speakers Bureau. Prebet:celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria. Chen:Stemline Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lindsay:Stemline Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Shemesh:Stemline Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Brooks:Stemline Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Stone:Novartis: Consultancy; Juno Therapeutics: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Agios: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Celator: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Jansen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; ONO: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Xenetic Biosciences: Consultancy. Jabbour:ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy. Konopleva:Cellectis: Research Funding; Calithera: Research Funding.

Kurzfassung: Several studies have investigated the feasibility of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantations (HCTs) after reduced-intensity conditioning in patients who experienced relapse after myeloablative HCT. Although most studies showed relatively low nonrelapse mortality (NRM) rates and encouraging short-term results, it has yet to be defined which patients would benefit most from these approaches. Patients and Methods We analyzed data from 147 patients with hematologic malignancies who experienced treatment failure with conventional autologous (n = 135), allogeneic (n = 10), or syngeneic (n = 2) HCT and were treated with HLA-matched related (n = 62) or unrelated (n = 85) grafts after conditioning with 2 Gy of total-body irradiation with or without fludarabine. Results Three-year probabilities of NRM, relapse, and overall survival were 32%, 48%, and 27%, respectively, for related recipients, and 28%, 44%, and 44%, respectively, for unrelated recipients. The best outcomes were observed in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, whereas patients with multiple myeloma and Hodgkin's disease had worse outcomes as a result of high incidences of relapse and progression. Being in partial remission (PR) or complete remission (CR) at HCT (P = .002) and developing chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD; P = .03) resulted in lower risks of relapse and progression. Factors associated with better overall survival were PR or CR (P = .01) and lack of comorbidity (P = .03) at HCT and absence of acute GVHD after HCT (P = .06). Conclusion Encouraging outcomes were seen with allogeneic HCT after nonmyeloablative conditioning in selected patients who had experienced relapse after a high-dose HCT, particularly in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Results with unrelated grafts were comparable with results with related grafts.

Kurzfassung: A randomized 3-arm Phase II trial involving 208 older or medically infirm patients (pts) with hematological malignancies given unrelated HCT after minimal intensity conditioning demonstrated that adding sirolimus to tacrolimus and MMF resulted in less grades II-IV GVHD, less steroid use, and less CMV reactivation (Hematologica 2014; 99(10); 1624). Based on this trial we designed a Phase III multi-site trial comparing triple therapy with sirolimus/MMF/CSP (Arm2) to the standard immunosuppressive regimen of MMF/CSP (Arm1). The primary objective of the trial was to compare the respective incidences of grades II-IV acute GVHD. Secondary objectives included comparing non-relapse mortality, survival, and progression-free survival. Pts in both Arms received CSP 5 mg/kg bid starting on day -3 through day 96 with a taper through day 150. In the first 28 days after HCT CSP was targeted to 400 and 350ng/ml in Arm1 and Arm2, respectively and 120-360ng/ml after day 28 in both arms. Arm 1: MMF was given daily at 15 mg/kg Q8 hours until day +30, reduced to 15 mg/kg Q12 hours until day 150, then tapered through day 180. Arm 2: MMF was given daily at 15 mg/kg Q8 hours until day +30, reduced to 15 mg/kg Q12 hours until day 40, then discontinued (no taper). In addition to the MMF/CSP, sirolimus was administered starting on day -3 at 2.0 mg/day through day 150 with a target level of 3-12ng/ml, with tapering off by day 180. The target enrollment was 300 pts with a built-in interim analysis for futility. At the time of the interim analysis, 158 pts ineligible for high-dose conditioning had been enrolled (Nov. 2010 to Jan. 2016: Arm1 n=74, Arm2 n=84) Their median age was 62 (range 18-79) yrs. The median HCT comorbidity index (HCT-CI) was 3 (range 0-10). Five pts had 6 previous allogeneic HCT and 32 pts (20%) had 36 previous autologous HCT. All pts were matched for HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 at the allele level: 8 had single allele mismatches at HLA-A, -B or -C and the remainder (n=150) were fully HLA-matched. Diagnoses included AML (n=64), MDS/MPD (n=30), NHL (n=23), MM (n=13), CLL (n=13), ALL (n=11), HL (n=2), and CML (n=2). Randomization was stratified by transplant center. Unmodified PBSC grafts contained a median of 8.0 ×106 CD34 and 2.9 × 108 CD3 cells/kg. Conditioning consisted of fludarabine 90mg/m2 and 2-3 Gy TBI. Sustained donor engraftment occurred in 99% of pts. The median follow-up of surviving pts was 24 (range, 1-65) months. Table 1 and Figures 1 and 2 summarize results. The day-100 cumulative incidences of grades II-IV acute GVHD were in Arm1: 53%, and Arm2: 25% (p=0.0001) and the grades III-IV acute GVHD were in Arm1: 8%, Arm2: 2% (p=0.04). The 1-year cumulative incidence of chronic extensive GVHD was similar between Arm1: 49%, and Arm2: 48% (p=0.94). The 1-year cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality was lower in Arm2 (Arm1: 15% and Arm2: 5%; p=0.007), while relapse/progression was similar at 1 year for Arm1: 21%, and Arm2: 19% (p=0.86). The 1-year overall and progression-free survivals for Arm1 vs. Arm2 were: 72% vs. 85% (p=0.03), and 65% vs. 77% (p=0.08); respectively. T-cell (CD3) donor chimerism was lower in Arm 2 on day 28 (median, Arm1 85%; Arm2 80%; p=0.05) with no differences seen in granulocyte (CD33: Arm1 98%, Arm2 95%) or NK cell (CD56: Arm1 96%, Arm2 97%) donor chimerisms. In summary, the interim analysis showed that adding sirolimus to MMF and CSP not only reduced the risks of grades II-IV but also of grades III-IV acute GVHD and of non-relapse mortality without increasing the risk of relapse or progressive malignancy. Based on these findings and the significantly improved survival, the DSMB recommended the trial be closed. This triple immunosuppressive regimen should, therefore, be considered in the future as the standard of care in pts given unrelated donor grafts after minimal intensity conditioning. Disclosures Pulsipher: Novartis: Consultancy, Other: Study Steering Committee; Chimerix: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceutical: Consultancy; Medac: Other: Housing support for conference.

Kurzfassung: Nonmyeloablative allogeneic HCT from both related or unrelated HLA-matched donors after pretransplant conditioning with 2 Gy TBI with or without fludarabine and with posttransplantation CSP/MMF has resulted in initial mixed donor/host chimerism in the majority of recipients. While the risk of rejection of HLA-matched related or unrelated donor grafts was 〈 5% with the regimen, low donor CD3 chimerism appeared to predict rejection. We previously analyzed the outcomes in patients given DLI for either persistent/recurrent disease or low donor chimerism (Blood. 2004; 103:790). Among patients given DLI for low or falling donor CD3 chimerism, success was seen only with pre-DLI CD3 chimerism levels 〉 40%. Among patients receiving DLI for disease, those with disease responses had chimerism levels 〉 90% after DLI, supporting the concept that full chimerism was necessary to eradicate malignant cells and exert graft-vs-tumor effects. Therefore, a protocol was developed to evaluate safety and efficacy of the immunosuppressive drug pentostatin given before DLI to reverse pending graft rejection. Patients considered at risk for rejection had low ( 〈 50%) or declining ( 〉 20%) donor CD3 chimerism and persistent or stable (including CR) malignant disease; they had no ongoing acute grades II-IV GVHD nor chronic extensive GVHD. Eight patients have been treated a median of 100 (range 54–339) days after HCT. They were originally conditioned for HCT with 2 Gy TBI with (n=7) or without (n=1) fludarabine (30 mg/m2 per day x 3 days) and given both donor and host immunosuppression with MMF and CSP after HCT. Donors were HLA-matched related (n=6) or unrelated (n=2). Diagnoses included NHL (n=2), CLL (n=2), AML (n=1), CML (n=1), and multiple myeloma (n=1); median patient age was 54.5 (range 44–66) years. The patients received pentostatin (4 mg/m2) 2 days before DLI (107 CD3 cells/kg); no post-DLI immunosuppression was given. The median donor CD3 chimerism level before pentostatin and DLI was 29.5 (range 5–34)%. Five patients developed neutropenia and the median number of days of ANC 〈 500 was 11 (0–36) days. Four of 8 patients showed increases of donor CD3 chimerism levels ranging from 63–100%. All 4 patients developed acute GVHD (Grades II n=2; III n=2), and two, chronic extensive GVHD. Currently all 4 patients are alive (CR=3; PR=1) a median of 218 (66–293) days after DLI and 305 (127–377) days after HCT. In the remaining 4 patients, donor CD3 chimerism remained at 5–25% following DLI; two patients received second HCT from the original donors for persistent low chimerism and aplasia, one patient died in CR from infectious complications, and the second is alive in CR with persistent low donor chimerism day 141 following the second HCT. The remaining two patients with low donor chimerism are alive in relapse 157 and 395 days after DLI and 255 and 734 days, respectively, after HCT. In summary, preliminary findings suggest that immunosuppression with pentostatin followed by DLI may be more effective for conversion to full donor chimerism then DLI alone for patients at risk for graft rejection after a nonmyeloablative HCT.

Kurzfassung: The HCT-CI stratifies patients into 3 groups for risks of grades 3 to 4 GVHD regardless of conditioning intensity, donor, or graft types. Comorbidity burden and development of grades 2 to 4 acute GVHD have cumulative effects on mortality rates.

Kurzfassung: Idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) is a significant noninfectious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We compared the incidences and outcomes of IPS among patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT after nonmyeloablative (n = 183) compared with conventional (n = 917) conditioning between December 1997 and December 2001. Patients given nonmyeloablative conditioning were older than those given conventional conditioning (median ages, 53 vs 41 years; P = .001). The cumulative incidence of IPS was significantly lower at 120 days after nonmyeloablative conditioning than conventional conditioning (2.2% vs 8.4%; P = .003). In addition, greater patient age (older than 40 years), diagnosis of acute leukemia or myelodys-plastic syndrome, and severe acute graft-versus-host disease were associated with significantly increased risks for IPS. Among older patients (older than 40 years) given conventional conditioning, high-dose total body irradiation (TBI) was associated with an increased risk for IPS than were non-TBI–based regimens (16% vs 5.8%; P = .001). IPS occurred early after transplantation, progressed rapidly, and was associated with a high mortality rate (75%) despite aggressive support. Initiation of mechanical ventilation and the presence of renal insufficiency at IPS onset were associated with increased risks for death after IPS. These findings support the concept that lung damage from the conditioning regimen plays a crucial role in the development of IPS after HSCT.