A phase II study of addition of pracinostat to a hypomethylating agent in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes who have not responded to previous hypomethylating agent therapy.

Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) are standard of care for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, less than half of patients achieve objective responses and most eventually lose their response. Pracinostat is a pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor with demonstrated activity in advanced myeloid malignancies. This phase II study explored the benefit of adding pracinostat to HMAs in MDS patients who did not respond to single-agent HMA treatment. The goal was to estimate the clinical improvement rate [complete remission (CR), marrow CR, partial response (PR) and haematological improvement]. Group 1 included patients with primary/secondary HMA failures; Group 2 included those who did not achieve response but had stable disease (SD) after single-agent HMAs. Forty-five patients (39 Group 1, 6 Group 2) received a median of 3 cycles. Among all patients, 1 (2%) had CR, 7 (16%) had marrow CR and 18 (40%) had SD; disease progression occurred in 3 (7%). Median overall survival was 5·7/5·6 months for Group 1/2. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 38 patients (84%) leading to treatment discontinuation in 12 (33%). Adding pracinostat to HMAs did not improve outcomes in patients previously treated with HMAs. Frequent dose modifications/early discontinuation resulted in suboptimal drug exposure. A reduced pracinostat dose may improve tolerability and efficacy.

Azacitidine in Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Meta-Analysis of Data from Prospective Studies.

BACKGROUND: After erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) failure, lenalidomide and hypomethylating agents are the only remaining treatment options for most patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS). Optimal choice of these agents as front-line therapy in non-del(5q) LR-MDS is unclear. Because azacitidine clinical data mainly describe experience in higher-risk MDS, we performed a meta-analysis of patient-level data to evaluate azacitidine in patients with red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-dependent LR-MDS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched English-language articles for prospective phase II and III azacitidine clinical trials and patient registries published between 2000 and 2015, and Embase abstracts from 2015 conferences. Patient-level data from identified relevant studies were provided by investigators. Meta-analyses followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Efficacy endpoints were RBC transfusion independence (TI) and Clinical Benefit (RBC-TI, erythroid response, and complete or partial remission, per International Working Group 2006 criteria for MDS). RESULTS: Data for 233 patients from 6 clinical studies and 1 registry study met criteria for inclusion in analyses. Overall, 90.3% of patients had non-del(5q) LR-MDS. Pooled estimates from random-effects models of RBC-TI and Clinical Benefit were 38.9% and 81.1%, respectively; for the ESA-refractory subgroup, they were 40.5% and 77.3%; and for patients with isolated anemia, they were 41.9% and 82.5%. In multivariate analyses, planned use of ≥6 azacitidine treatment cycles was significantly predictive of response. CONCLUSION: Azacitidine effects in these patients, most with non-del(5q) LR-MDS, were promising and generally similar to those reported for lenalidomide in similar patients. The choice of initial therapy is important because most patients eventually stop responding to front-line therapy and alternatives are limited. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS) are primarily characterized by anemia. After erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) failure, lenalidomide and hypomethylating agents are the only remaining treatment options for most patients. This meta-analysis of 233 azacitidine-treated red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-dependent patients with LR-MDS (92.3% non-del[5q]) from 7 studies showed 38.9% became RBC transfusion-independent. There is no clear guidance regarding the optimal choice of lenalidomide or hypomethylating agents for patients with non-del(5q) LR-MDS following ESA failure. Clinical presentation (e.g., number of cytopenias) and potential outcomes after hypomethylating agent failure are factors to consider when making initial treatment decisions for LR-MDS patients.

CHAMPION-1: a phase 1/2 study of once-weekly carfilzomib and dexamethasone for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Carfilzomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is approved in the United States as a single agent, and in combination with dexamethasone or lenalidomide/dexamethasone (KRd) for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Under the single-agent and KRd approvals, carfilzomib is administered as a 10-minute IV infusion on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 of 28-day cycles (20 mg/m(2) [cycle 1, days 1-2]; 27 mg/m(2) thereafter). This multicenter, single-arm, phase 1/2 study, Community Harmonized Assessment of Myeloma Patients via an Integrated Oncology Network-1 (CHAMPION-1), evaluated once-weekly carfilzomib with dexamethasone in relapsed, or relapsed and refractory MM (1-3 prior therapies). Patients received carfilzomib (30-minute IV infusion) on days 1, 8, and 15 of 28-day cycles. The phase 1 portion used a 3 + 3 dose-escalation scheme to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of carfilzomib. During phase 2, patients received carfilzomib on the same schedule at the MTD. Patients received dexamethasone (40 mg) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22; dexamethasone was omitted on day 22 for cycles 9+. A total of 116 patients were enrolled. The MTD was 70 mg/m(2), and 104 patients (phase 1/2) received carfilzomib 70 mg/m(2) At 70 mg/m(2), the median number of prior regimens was 1; and 52% were bortezomib-refractory. At 70 mg/m(2), the most common grade ≥3 adverse events were fatigue (11%) and hypertension (7%). Overall response rate at 70 mg/m(2) was 77%. Median progression-free survival was 12.6 months. These findings merit additional evaluation of the once-weekly dosing regimen. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01677858.

Phase 2, randomized, double-blind study of pracinostat in combination with azacitidine in patients with untreated, higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) remains poor despite available therapies. Histone deacetylase inhibitors have demonstrated activity in patients with MDS and in vitro synergy with azacitidine. METHODS: A phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of azacitidine and pracinostat was conducted in patients who had International Prognostic Scoring System intermediate-2-risk or high-risk MDS. The primary endpoint was the complete response (CR) rate by cycle 6 of therapy. RESULTS: Of 102 randomized patients, there were 51 in the pracinostat group and 51 in the placebo group. The median age was 69 years. The CR rate by cycle 6 of therapy was 18% and 33% (P = .07) in the pracinostat and placebo groups, respectively. No significant differences in overall survival (median, 16 vs 19 months, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-2.23) or progression-free survival (11 vs 9 months, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.546-1.46) were observed between groups. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred more frequently in the pracinostat group (98% vs 74%), leading to more treatment discontinuations (20% vs 10%). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of azacitidine with pracinostat did not improve outcomes in patients with higher-risk MDS. Higher rates of treatment discontinuation may partially explain these results, suggesting alternative dosing and schedules to improve tolerability may be required to determine the potential of the combination. Cancer 2017;123:994-1002. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Romiplostim monotherapy in thrombocytopenic patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: long-term safety and efficacy.

Romiplostim can improve platelet counts in about 50% of patients with low- or intermediate 1-risk (lower risk) myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and thrombocytopenia, but its long-term toxicity and efficacy are not known. This open-label extension study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of romiplostim in 60 patients with lower risk MDS and platelet counts ≤50 × 109 /l. The primary endpoint was adverse event (AE) incidence. Secondary endpoints were efficacy parameters, including bleeding events and platelet response. Median (range) treatment time in the extension study and the median observation times thereafter were 25 (2-181) and 57 (11-209) weeks, respectively. Treatment-related AEs and serious AEs were reported in 14/60 (23%) and 4/60 (7%) patients, respectively. Progression to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) occurred in two patients after 44 and 46 weeks. Patients (n = 34, 57%) with a platelet response were further evaluated for length of response. Median (range) response duration was 33 (7-174) weeks; 28/34 (82%) patients had a continuous response. Five of 34 patients (15%) had grade ≥3 bleeding events; three when the platelet count was >50 × 109 /l. There were no new safety concerns and the rate of progression to AML was low; response to romiplostim was maintained for most patients.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Ruxolitinib, a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase (JAK) 1 and 2, has clinically significant activity in myelofibrosis. METHODS: In this double-blind trial, we randomly assigned patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk myelofibrosis to twice-daily oral ruxolitinib (155 patients) or placebo (154 patients). The primary end point was the proportion of patients with a reduction in spleen volume of 35% or more at 24 weeks, assessed by means of magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary end points included the durability of response, changes in symptom burden (assessed by the total symptom score), and overall survival. RESULTS: The primary end point was reached in 41.9% of patients in the ruxolitinib group as compared with 0.7% in the placebo group (P<0.001). A reduction in spleen volume was maintained in patients who received ruxolitinib; 67.0% of the patients with a response had the response for 48 weeks or more. There was an improvement of 50% or more in the total symptom score at 24 weeks in 45.9% of patients who received ruxolitinib as compared with 5.3% of patients who received placebo (P<0.001). Thirteen deaths occurred in the ruxolitinib group as compared with 24 deaths in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.25 to 0.98; P=0.04). The rate of discontinuation of the study drug because of adverse events was 11.0% in the ruxolitinib group and 10.6% in the placebo group. Among patients who received ruxolitinib, anemia and thrombocytopenia were the most common adverse events, but they rarely led to discontinuation of the drug (in one patient for each event). Two patients had transformation to acute myeloid leukemia; both were in the ruxolitinib group. CONCLUSIONS: Ruxolitinib, as compared with placebo, provided significant clinical benefits in patients with myelofibrosis by reducing spleen size, ameliorating debilitating myelofibrosis-related symptoms, and improving overall survival. These benefits came at the cost of more frequent anemia and thrombocytopenia in the early part of the treatment period. (Funded by Incyte; COMFORT-I ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00952289.).

Efficacy, safety, and survival with ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis: results of a median 3-year follow-up of COMFORT-I.

In the phase III COMFORT-I study, the Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib provided significant improvements in splenomegaly, key symptoms, and quality-of-life measures and was associated with an overall survival benefit relative to placebo in patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk myelofibrosis. This planned analysis assessed the long-term efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib at a median follow-up of 149 weeks. At data cutoff, approximately 50% of patients originally randomized to ruxolitinib remained on treatment whereas all patients originally assigned to placebo had discontinued or crossed over to ruxolitinib. At week 144, mean spleen volume reduction was 34% with ruxolitinib. Previously observed improvements in quality-of-life measures were sustained with longer-term ruxolitinib therapy. Overall survival continued to favor ruxolitinib despite the majority of placebo patients crossing over to ruxolitinib [hazard ratio 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.46-1.03); P = 0.067]. Exploratory analyses suggest that crossover may have contributed to an underestimation of the true survival difference between the treatment groups. Ruxolitinib continued to be generally well tolerated; there was no pattern of worsening grade ≥ 3 anemia or thrombocytopenia with longer-term ruxolitinib exposure. These longer-term data continue to support the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis. The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00952289.

Comparison of placebo and best available therapy for the treatment of myelofibrosis in the phase 3 COMFORT studies.

Prior to Janus kinase inhibitors, available therapies for myelofibrosis were generally supportive and did not improve survival. This analysis compares efficacy outcomes of patients with myelofibrosis in the control arms (placebo [n=154] and best available therapy [n=73]) from the two phase 3 COntrolled MyeloFibrosis study with ORal JAK inhibitor Treatment (COMFORT) studies. Spleen volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography at baseline and every 12 weeks through week 72; spleen length was assessed by palpation at each study visit. Health-related quality of life and symptoms were assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 Items at baseline and in weeks 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24 in COMFORT-I and in weeks 8, 16, 24 and 48 in COMFORT-II. The demographic and baseline characteristics were similar between the control arms of the two studies. One patient who received placebo and no patients who received best available therapy had a ≥35% reduction in spleen volume from baseline at week 24. At 24 weeks, neither placebo nor best available therapy had produced clinically meaningful changes in global quality of life or symptom scales. Non-hematologic adverse events were mostly grade 1/2; the most frequently reported adverse events in each group were abdominal pain, fatigue, peripheral edema and diarrhea. These data suggest that non-Janus kinase inhibitor therapies provide little improvement in splenomegaly, symptoms or quality of life as compared with placebo. Both COMFORT-I (NCT00952289) and COMFORT-II (NCT00934544) studies have been appropriately registered with clinicaltrials.gov.

ASCT2-Targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate MEDI7247 in Adult Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Hematological Malignancies: A First-in-Human, Phase 1 Study.

BACKGROUND: MEDI7247 is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) consisting of an anti-sodium-dependent alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 antibody-conjugated to a pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimer. OBJECTIVE: This first-in-human phase 1 trial evaluated MEDI7247 in patients with hematological malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), multiple myeloma (MM), or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) relapsed or refractory (R/R) to standard therapies, or for whom no standard therapy exists, were eligible. Primary endpoints were safety and determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary endpoints included assessments of antitumor activity, pharmacokinetics (PK), and immunogenicity. RESULTS: As of 26 March 2020, 67 patients were treated (AML: n = 27; MM: n = 18; DLBCL: n = 22). The most common MEDI7247-related adverse events (AEs) were thrombocytopenia (41.8%), neutropenia (35.8%), and anemia (28.4%). The most common treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs were thrombocytopenia (38.8%), neutropenia (34.3%), and anemia (22.4%). Anticancer activity (number of responders/total patients evaluated) was observed in 11/67 (16.4%) patients. No correlation was observed between ASCT2 expression and clinical response. Between-patient variability of systemic exposure of MEDI7247 ADC and total antibody were high (AUCinf geometric CV%: 62.3-134.2, and 74.8-126.1, respectively). SG3199 (PBD dimer) plasma concentrations were below the limit of quantification for all patients after Study Day 8. Anti-drug antibody (ADA) prevalence was 7.7%, ADA incidence was 1.9%, and persistent-positive ADA was 5.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia and neutropenia limited repeat dosing. Although limited clinical activity was detected, the dose-escalation phase was stopped early without establishing an MTD. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03106428).

Long-term treatment with romiplostim in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia: safety and efficacy.

Romiplostim was effective, safe, and well-tolerated over 6-12 months of continuous treatment in Phase 3 trials in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). This report describes up to 5 years of weekly treatment with romiplostim in 292 adult ITP patients in a long-term, single-arm, open-label study. Outcome measures included adverse events (including bleeding, thrombosis, malignancy, and reticulin/fibrosis), platelet response (platelet count >50 × 10(9) per litre), and the proportion of patients requiring rescue treatments. Treatment-related serious adverse events were infrequent and did not increase with longer treatment. No new classes of adverse events emerged. Thrombotic events occurred in 6.5% of patients and were not associated with platelet count. Median platelet counts of 50-200 × 10(9) per litre were maintained with stable doses of romiplostim (mean 5-8 µg/kg; generally self-administered at home) throughout the study. A platelet response was achieved at least once by 95% of patients, with a platelet response maintained by all patients on a median 92% of study visits. There was a low rate of bleeding and infrequent need for rescue treatments. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that romiplostim was safe and well-tolerated over 614 patient-years of exposure in ITP patients, and that efficacy was maintained with stable dosing for up to 5 years of continuous treatment.

The clinical benefit of ruxolitinib across patient subgroups: analysis of a placebo-controlled, Phase III study in patients with myelofibrosis.

Myelofibrosis (MF) patients can present with a wide spectrum of disease characteristics. We analysed the consistency of ruxolitinib efficacy across patient subgroups in the COntrolled MyeloFibrosis Study With ORal JAK Inhibitor Treatment (COMFORT-I,) a double-blind trial, where patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk MF were randomized to twice-daily oral ruxolitinib (n = 155) or placebo (n = 154). Subgroups analysed included MF subtype (primary, post-polycythaemia vera, post-essential thrombocythaemia), age (≤65, > 65 years), International Prognostic Scoring System risk group, baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0, 1, ≥2), JAK2 V617F mutation (positive, negative), baseline haemoglobin level (≥100, <100 g/l), baseline platelet count (100-200 × 10(9)/l, >200 × 10(9)/l), baseline palpable spleen size (≤10, >10 cm), and baseline quartile of spleen volume and Total Symptom Score (TSS; Q1 = lowest, Q4 = highest). Mean percentage change from baseline to week 24 in spleen volume and TSS were calculated for ruxolitinib and placebo in each subgroup. Overall survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method according to original randomization group. In ruxolitinib-treated patients, reductions in spleen volume and TSS and evidence of improved survival relative to placebo across subgroups were consistent with those seen in the COMFORT-I population, confirming that ruxolitinib is an effective therapy for the spectrum of MF patients studied in COMFORT-I.

Efficacy, safety and survival with ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis: results of a median 2-year follow-up of COMFORT-I.

COMFORT-I is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the Janus kinase 1/Janus kinase 2 inhibitor ruxolitinib in 309 patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk myelofibrosis. This analysis of COMFORT-I describes the long-term efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib (median follow-up, 2 years). Spleen volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging, and quality of life was evaluated using the EORTC QLQ-C30. Overall survival was determined according to randomized treatment group. At the time of this analysis, 100 of 155 patients randomized to ruxolitinib were still receiving treatment. All patients randomized to placebo crossed over to ruxolitinib or discontinued within 3 months of the primary analysis (median time to crossover, 41 weeks). Mean spleen volume reductions in the ruxolitinib group were 31.6% at week 24 and 34.9% at week 96; improvements in quality of life measures were also maintained. Improved survival was observed for ruxolitinib (n=27 deaths) versus placebo (n=41 deaths) (hazard ratio=0.58; 95% confidence interval: 0.36, 0.95; P=0.03). The incidence of new-onset grade 3 or 4 anemia and thrombocytopenia decreased over time to levels observed in patients receiving placebo. These data indicate that ruxolitinib treatment provides durable reductions in spleen volume and improvements in quality of life and suggest a continued survival advantage for ruxolitinib over placebo.

In-class transition (iCT) of proteasome inhibitor-based therapy: a community approach to multiple myeloma management.

Long-term proteasome inhibitor (PI) treatment can improve multiple myeloma (MM) outcomes, but this can be difficult to achieve in clinical practice due to toxicity, comorbidities, and the burden of repeated parenteral administration. US MM-6 (NCT03173092) enrolled transplant-ineligible patients with newly diagnosed MM to receive all-oral ixazomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (IRd; ≤39 cycles or until progression or toxicity) following three cycles of bortezomib-based induction. Primary endpoint: 2-year progression-free survival (PFS). Key secondary/exploratory endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), safety, quality of life (QoL), treatment satisfaction, and actigraphy. At datacut, in the fully accrued cohort of 140 patients, median age was 73 years with 42% aged ≥75 and 61% deemed frail; 10% of patients were ongoing on treatment. After a median follow-up of 27 months, the 2-year PFS rate was 71% (95% confidence interval: 61-78). ORR increased from 62% at the end of induction to 80% following in-class transition (iCT) to IRd for a median of 11 months. The 2-year OS rate was 86%. The overall safety profile/actigraphy levels were consistent with previous reports; QoL/treatment satisfaction scores were stable with ongoing therapy. iCT to IRd may allow prolonged PI-based therapy with promising efficacy and a tolerable safety profile, while maintaining QoL.

A Phase III trial of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab vs. pentostatin, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled studies comparing pentostatin (P), cyclophosphamide (C), and rituximab (R) (PCR) to fludarabine plus C+R (FCR) suggest similar efficacy with fewer infectious complications with PCR. We compared FCR and PCR in previously-untreated or minimally-treated B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). TREATMENT: FCR (F 20 mg/m(2) Days 1-5, C 600 mg/m(2) Day 1, R 375 mg/m(2) Day 1) (28-day cycles) or PCR (P 4 mg/m(2) Day 1, C 600 mg/m(2) Day 1, R 375 mg/m(2) Day 1) (21-day cycles). Dose 1 of R: 100 mg/m(2) was given on Day 8 Cycle 1 and the remainder on Day 9; in subsequent cycles the entire dose was given on Day 1. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were randomly assigned to each group (N = 184). Groups were balanced; ~20% had received prior chemotherapy. The infection rate (FCR/PCR) was 31%/36%, the infective event rate was 38%/45%; 30 (35%)/37 (44%) patients were hospitalized; total hospitalization days was 271/404. 12 (14%)/6 (7%) patients achieved complete remissions (CR); the overall response rate (ORR) including CR+nodular PR (nPR)+PR was 59%/49%. Grade 3-4 treatment related AEs: neutropenia (69%/57%), leukopenia (34%/17%), thrombocytopenia (13%/6%). Grade 3-4 infections: febrile neutropenia (8%/6%), fever (2%/6%), infection (1%/3%), urinary tract infection (1%/0%), pneumonia (3%/1%), and sepsis (1%/2%); 5 deaths (1 FCR/4 PCR) were treatment-related. CONCLUSIONS: PCR and FCR have significant activity in CLL and can be given safely in the community setting despite significant toxicity. ORRs were lower than expected; the CR rate was higher (NS) with FCR. This trial did not demonstrate a lower infection rate with PCR.

Disease and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With a Clinical Diagnosis of Myelofibrosis Enrolled in the MOST Study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical characteristics and treatment patterns of patients with lower-risk myelofibrosis (MF) are not well described. This analysis from the MOST (NCT02953704) assessed the demographic and clinical characteristics and treatment patterns of patients with the clinical diagnosis of lower-risk MF at enrollment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MOST is an ongoing, prospective, observational study in patients with clinical diagnoses of MF or essential thrombocythemia enrolled at clinical practices throughout the United States. Patients included in the MF cohort (≥18 years of age) had low-risk MF by the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System or intermediate-1 (INT-1) risk MF (by age >65 years only) at enrollment. Patient data were entered into an electronic case report form during usual-care visits over a planned 36 month observation period. RESULTS: Two hundred five patients were eligible for this analysis (low risk, n = 85; INT-1 risk, n = 120; median age, 68 years [range, 35-88]); 166 patients (81.0%) had mutation testing results available. The median time from MF diagnosis to enrollment was 1.8 years. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were below the normal range in 50.5% and 48.7% of patients, respectively. Nearly all (98.0%) patients had comorbid conditions, most commonly hypertension (49.8%). Fatigue was the most common physician-reported MF symptom (30.7%). At enrollment, 55.6% of patients were receiving MF-directed monotherapy, most frequently hydroxyurea (46.5%) or ruxolitinib (40.4%). CONCLUSION: Future longitudinal analyses of data from MOST will help identify unmet needs and characterize how patients with lower-risk MF are managed throughout the disease course.

Safety and efficacy of long-term treatment with romiplostim in thrombocytopenic patients with chronic ITP.

Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by low platelet counts and mucocutaneous bleeding. In previous studies romiplostim (AMG531), a thrombopoiesis-stimulating protein, increased platelet counts in most patients with chronic ITP. This ongoing, long-term open-label, single-arm study investigated safety and efficacy in patients who completed a previous romiplostim study and had platelet counts less than or equal to 50 [corrected] x 10(9)/L. One hundred forty-two patients were treated for up to 156 weeks (mean, 69 weeks). Platelet responses (platelet count > or = 50 x 10(9)/L and double baseline) were observed in 87% of all patients and occurred on average 67% of the time in responding patients. In 77% of patients, the romiplostim dose remained within 2 microg/kg of their most frequent dose at least 90% of the time. Ninety patients (63%) received treatment by self-administration. Treatment-related serious adverse events were reported in 13 patients (9%). Bone marrow reticulin was observed in 8 patients; marrows were not routinely performed in this study, so the true incidence of this event cannot be determined. Severe bleeding events were reported in 12 patients (9%). Thrombotic events occurred in 7 patients (5%). In conclusion, romiplostim increased platelet counts in most patients for up to 156 weeks without tachyphylaxis and had an acceptable safety profile. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00116688).

Efficacy and safety of ofatumumab and bendamustine followed by ofatumumab maintenance in patients with relapsed indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma after prior rituximab.

In indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (iNHL), patients treated with rituximab, alone or in combination with various chemotherapeutic agents eventually relapse. This study evaluated the combination of ofatumumab and bendamustine, followed by maintenance ofatumumab in patients with relapsed iNHL with prior sensitivity to rituximab. Among the 49 patients enrolled, 24.5% achieved a complete response (CR) and 42.9% achieved a partial response (PR), with an overall response rate of 67.3% at the end of the induction therapy. Additionally, six patients with PR during induction phase achieved CR during the maintenance phase. Treatment-related adverse event was observed in 95.9% patients. The most common hematologic and biochemical abnormalities were decrease in lymphocytes (85.7%) and increase in glucose (91.8%), respectively. Overall, 42.9% progressed and 14.3% died during the study. Thus, ofatumumab in combination with bendamustine, followed by ofatumumab maintenance, was effective in the treatment of patients with iNHL with a manageable safety profile (NCT01294579).

Tapering thrombopoietin receptor agonists in primary immune thrombocytopenia: Expert consensus based on the RAND/UCLA modified Delphi panel method.

BACKGROUND: Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are used to treat primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Some patients have discontinued treatment while maintaining a hemostatic platelet count. OBJECTIVES: To develop expert consensus on when it is appropriate to consider tapering TPO-RAs in ITP, how to taper patients off therapy, how to monitor patients after discontinuation, and how to restart therapy. METHODS: We used a RAND/UCLA modified Delphi panel method. Ratings were completed independently by each expert before and after a meeting. Second-round ratings were used to develop the panel's guidance. The panel was double-blinded: The sponsor and nonchair experts did not know each other's identities. RESULTS: Guidance on when it is appropriate to taper TPO-RAs in children and adults was developed based on patient platelet count, history of bleeding, intensification of treatment, trauma risk, and use of anticoagulants/platelet inhibitors. For example, it is appropriate to taper TPO-RAs in patients who have normal/above-normal platelet counts, have no history of major bleeding, and have not required an intensification of treatment in the past 6 months; it is inappropriate to taper TPO-RAs in patients with low platelet counts. Duration of ITP, months on TPO-RA, or timing of platelet response to TPO-RA did not have an impact on the panel's guidance on appropriateness to taper. Guidance on how to taper patients off therapy, how to monitor patients after discontinuation, and how to restart therapy is also provided. CONCLUSION: This guidance could support clinical decision making and the development of clinical trials that prospectively test the safety of tapering TPO-RAs.

Efficacy of romiplostim in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura: a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterised by accelerated platelet destruction and decreased platelet production. Short-term administration of the thrombopoiesis-stimulating protein, romiplostim, has been shown to increase platelet counts in most patients with chronic ITP. We assessed the long-term administration of romiplostim in splenectomised and non-splenectomised patients with ITP. METHODS: In two parallel trials, 63 splenectomised and 62 non-splenectomised patients with ITP and a mean of three platelet counts 30x10(9)/L or less were randomly assigned 2:1 to subcutaneous injections of romiplostim (n=42 in splenectomised study and n=41 in non-splenectomised study) or placebo (n=21 in both studies) every week for 24 weeks. Doses of study drug were adjusted to maintain platelet counts of 50x10(9)/L to 200x10(9)/L. The primary objectives were to assess the efficacy of romiplostim as measured by a durable platelet response (platelet count > or =50x10(9)/L during 6 or more of the last 8 weeks of treatment) and treatment safety. Analysis was per protocol. These studies are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, numbers NCT00102323 and NCT00102336. FINDINGS: A durable platelet response was achieved by 16 of 42 splenectomised patients given romplostim versus none of 21 given placebo (difference in proportion of patients responding 38% [95% CI 23.4-52.8], p=0.0013), and by 25 of 41 non-splenectomised patients given romplostim versus one of 21 given placebo (56% [38.7-73.7], p<0.0001). The overall platelet response rate (either durable or transient platelet response) was noted in 88% (36/41) of non-splenectomised and 79% (33/42) of splenectomised patients given romiplostim compared with 14% (three of 21) of non-splenectomised and no splenectomised patients given placebo (p<0.0001). Patients given romiplostim achieved platelet counts of 50x10(9)/L or more on a mean of 13.8 (SE 0.9) weeks (mean 12.3 [1.2] weeks in splenectomised group vs 15.2 [1.2] weeks in non-splenectomised group) compared with 0.8 (0.4) weeks for those given placebo (0.2 [0.1] weeks vs 1.3 [0.8] weeks). 87% (20/23) of patients given romiplostim (12/12 splenectomised and eight of 11 non-splenectomised patients) reduced or discontinued concurrent therapy compared with 38% (six of 16) of those given placebo (one of six splenectomised and five of ten non-splenectomised patients). Adverse events were much the same in patients given romiplostim and placebo. No antibodies against romiplostim or thrombopoietin were detected. INTERPRETATION: Romiplostim was well tolerated, and increased and maintained platelet counts in splenectomised and non-splenectomised patients with ITP. Many patients were able to reduce or discontinue other ITP medications. Stimulation of platelet production by romiplostim may provide a new therapeutic option for patients with ITP.

AMG 531, a thrombopoiesis-stimulating protein, for chronic ITP.

BACKGROUND: Most current treatments for chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) act by decreasing platelet destruction. In a phase 1-2 study, we administered a thrombopoiesis-stimulating protein, AMG 531, to patients with ITP. METHODS: In phase 1, 24 patients who had received at least one treatment for ITP were assigned to escalating-dose cohorts of 4 patients each and given two identical doses of AMG 531 (0.2 to 10 microg per kilogram of body weight). In phase 2, 21 patients were randomly assigned to receive six weekly subcutaneous injections of AMG 531 (1, 3, or 6 microg per kilogram) or placebo. The primary objective was to assess the safety of AMG 531; the secondary objective was to evaluate platelet counts during and after treatment. RESULTS: No major adverse events that could be attributed directly to AMG 531 occurred during the treatment period; 4 of 41 patients had transient post-treatment worsening of thrombocytopenia. In phase 1, a platelet count that was within the targeted range (50,000 to 450,000 per cubic millimeter) and at least twice the baseline count was achieved in 4 of 12 patients given 3, 6, or 10 mug of AMG 531 per kilogram. Overall, a platelet count of at least 50,000 per cubic millimeter was achieved in 7 of 12 patients, including 3 with counts exceeding 450,000 per cubic millimeter. Increases in the platelet count were dose-dependent; mean peak counts were 163,000, 309,000, and 746,000 per cubic millimeter with 3, 6, and 10 microg of AMG 531 per kilogram [corrected], respectively. In phase 2, the targeted platelet range was achieved in 10 of 16 patients treated with 1 or 3 mug of AMG 531 per kilogram per week for 6 weeks. Mean peak counts were 135,000, 241,000, and 81,000 per cubic millimeter in the groups that received the 1-mug dose, the 3-mug dose, and placebo, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AMG 531 caused no major adverse events and increased platelet counts in patients with ITP. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00111475 [ClinicalTrials.gov].).