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Background: Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is an aging disease that arises on the background of clonal hematopoiesis, commonly involving multiple TET2 mutations or TET2/SRSF2 co-mutations. In a prior study of 1084 CMML patients (Leukemia 2020; 34:1407-1421), we demonstrated a high prevalence of TET2 mutations (56%) in CMML, with approximately 30% of patients having >1 TET2 mutation. The cell-type and allele specific distribution of these mutations remains of great interest and are thus far poorly defined. To visualize the genotypic and immunophenotypic correlates, we performed single-cell DNA analysis and simultaneous protein profiling on 2 CMML patients with multiple TET2 mutations. Methods: After Mayo Clinic IRB approval, two CMML patients with dual TET2 mutations and available peripheral blood mononuclear cells were included in the study. Patient samples were labeled with TotalSeq TM -D Heme Oncology Cocktail (BioLegend, San Diego, CA) consisting of 45 unique oligo-conjugated cell surface markers. The samples were then washed and loaded into a Tapestri microfluidics cartridge, where single cells (3,500 cells/µL) were encapsulated, lysed and barcoded using the MissionBio Myeloid custom amplicon panel consisting of 312 amplicons in 45 genes relevant to myeloid disorders (MissionBio, San Francisco, CA). The individual barcoded DNA and protein for each cell was purified, recovered, and labeled with Illumina i5/i7 indices, quanitifed by Agilent Bioanalyzer and pooled for sequencing. The libraries were sequenced via Illumina NovaSeq by the Mayo Genomics Core, and data was recovered and analyzed using MissionBio Tapestri Insights v3.0.2. Results: Two dual TET2 mutated CMML patients were included in the study, both male, ages 79 and 83, and both with CMML-0. Case 1 had TET2 p.G1172Efs*53 (variant allele fraction/VAF-6%) and p.H1732Tfs*13 (VAF-13%) mutations, while case 2 had TET2 p.Y620Ffs* (VAF-85%), p.G898* (VAF-82%), and SRSF2 p.95H (VAF-45%) mutations, respectively. In both patients, TET2 mutations were found to be preferentially distributed in monocytes (CD11b+, CD14+, CD64+, CD13+, CD33+, HLA-DR+), with very few classically defined granulocyte (CD16+,CD13+.CD33+, HLA-DR neg), B (CD19+,CD22+)/T (CD2+,CD4+,CD5+,CD7+) lymphocytes, NK cells (CD16+/CD56+/HLA-DR neg) and plasma cells (CD38+/CD138+), demonstrating mutant TET2. Among monocytes, TET2 mutations were enriched in classical/M01 (CD11b+, CD14+,CD16-) and intermediate/M02 monocytes and were infrequent in the MO3 fraction, commensurate with monocyte repartitioning seen in CMML. Interestingly, a large number of single cells with TET2 mutations also demonstrated an aberrant surface phenotype, with universal expression of CD14+ and CD11b+, along with a mixture of other markers (CD163+, CD11c, CD4+, CD2+, and/or CD56+). With regards to allelic distribution, while several permutations and combination were seen involving heterozygosity and homozygosity for the TET2 mutations identified on bulk sequencing, data was corroborative for both TET2 mutations being located on trans alleles. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrate that TET2 mutations in CMML are highly enriched in classical circulating monocytes and infrequently occur in classical granulocytes, B/T and NK cells; with multiple TET2 mutations most commonly co-existing on trans alleles. Analyses on additional samples along with copy number variation assessments are ongoing. Figure 1: Lollipop plot of TET2 exons with dual TET2 mutations labeled above and oxygenase domain labeled in green; below are number of cells identified with each genotype for Case 1 (A) and Case 2 (B). Mutations are labeled proximal (yellow) and distal (red) and alleles are in grey. The directionality of the arrows to different genotypes is based on decreasing cell number and genotype. Uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) plot of Case 1 (C) and Case 2 (D) with cells clustered by immunophenotype and labeled by genotype (non TET-2 mutated purple, heterozygous TET2 in green, homozygous TET2 in yellow). Relative protein expression of T-cell phenotype (CD14-, CD3+, CD4+/-,CD8+/-, CD5+, CD7+, CD2+), or classical monocytes (CD14+/CD16-) for Case 1 (E & F) and Case 2 (G & H) overlayed on UMAP. Royal blue represents non TET2-mutated cells, and mutated cells are labeled in pastel blue, green and light orange by mutation type. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Durruthy-Durruthy: Mission Bio Inc.: Current Employment. Arribas-Layton: Mission Bio, Inc.: Current Employment. Patnaik: StemLine: Research Funding; Kura Oncology: Research Funding.

Introduction: VEXAS syndrome (vacuoles, E1 ubiquitin ligase, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) is a newly recognized inflammatory disorder caused by somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene. Bone marrows from these patients reveal a range of morphological changes in hematopoietic precursor cells. In this study, we aim to assess the laboratory indices and morphologic spectrum of bone marrow pathology in VEXAS syndrome. Methods: We identified 16 cases of VEXAS syndrome. All cases had confirmed UBA1 mutation. We reviewed bone marrow biopsies corresponding to the date of diagnosis. This study was approved by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board. Results: All patients were male with a median age of 73 years - associated autoimmune disorders included Sweet syndrome, inflammatory arthritis, relapsing polychondritis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis. 14/16 patients had anemia with median hemoglobin of 10.4 (Range: 6.7- 14.1 g/dL). 15/16 had macrocytosis with median MCV 110.4 (Range: 94.8- 123.1 /fL). 5/16 had thrombocytopenia with median platelet count 174 (Range: 20- 500 x10^9/L). 7/16 had leukopenia with median WBC 3.65 (Range: 2.4- 11.6 x10^9/ L). The ESR and CRP medians were 61.0 mm/hr and 81.5 mg/L, respectively. Karyotype was performed in 12 patients of which 11 were normal and the remaining case showed a complex karyotype. An NGS panel targeting the most frequent myeloid disorder associated gene mutations was negative in 10/15 cases. GS for myeloid mutations revealed pathogenic mutations in 5 patients, involving genes TET2 (2/5), DNMT3A (2/5), and TP53 (1/5). Conclusions: Bone marrow findings in VEXAS syndrome, in this series of 16 patients, are individually non-specific, yet when taken altogether in the overtly abnormal cases, are very suggestive when the clinical index of suspicion is high. In such scenarios, the combined clinical and bone marrow findings should prompt discussion and consideration for UBA1 mutation testing given the significant clinical implications for patient management and prognosis. Disclosures Patnaik: StemLine: Research Funding; Kura Oncology: Research Funding. Warrington: Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Kiniksa: Research Funding.

Introduction: Mutations involving isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH) are known oncogenic drivers in hematological malignancies, conferring neomorphic enzymatic activity to IDH 1/2, resulting in the oncometabolite, 2-hydroxyglutarae (2-HG). 2-HG in turn suppresses TET activity, making IDH and TET2 mutations synthetically lethal and almost mutually exclusive. The frequency of IDH mutations in CMML is Methods: After IRB approval, CMML patients from the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota and the Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC), Tampa, Florida, were included in the study. All patients had bone marrow (BM) biopsies with cytogenetics and molecular genetics done either at diagnosis, or at first referral. Clinical and mutational data were abstracted and retrospectively analyzed. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from date of CMML diagnosis to date of death/last follow, while AML-free survival (AML-FS) was calculated from date of CMML diagnosis to date of leukemic transformation (LT). Patients that had undergone allogeneic HCT were excluded from the study (n=3). Statistical analysis was carried out using the Blue Sky software. Results: Six hundred and forty four patients were included in the study (Mayo Clinic-357, MCC- 287), median age 71 years (range, 20-95 years), 67.8% being male. Forty-three (6.7%) patients had IDH mutations, 35 (82%) IDH2 and 8 (18%) IDH1; of which, 34 (97%) involved the IDH2R140 hotspot and 5 (62.5%) involved the IDH1R132 hotspot, respectively. The median variant allele fractions (VAF) for IDH1 mutations was 41% (range, 8-46%) and for IDH2 mutations was 46% (range, 7-70%). There were no significant demographic or clinical differences between IDH mutant and wild type CMML patients, with the exception that IDH mutant CMML patients were less likely to be thrombocytopenic (p=0.006), were less likely to have TET2 co-mutations (14% vs 53.2%; p At last follow up (median 18 months), 337 (52%) deaths and 119 (18.5%) LT have been documented, with IDH mutant patients having a higher LT rate (30.2% vs 17.6%, p=0.04) compared to wildtype patients. The median OS of the entire cohort was 35 months, with no difference in OS between IDH mutant and wild type patients (34.5 vs 35 months, p=0.12), with IDH1 mutant patients having a shorter OS in comparison to IDH2 mutant patients (31 vs 37 months; p=0.005- Figure 1). IDH mutant CMML patients also had a shorter AML-FS in comparison to wild type patients (36.6 vs 210 months, p=0.005), with there being no differential impact on AML-FS of IDH1 vs IDH2 mutations (p=0.26, Figure 1). Conclusions: IDH mutations are infrequent in CMML (7%), with IDH2 mutations being more common than IDH1 mutations (80 vs 20%). IDH mutations co-occur very infrequently with TET2 mutations (14%), with IDH mutant patients being less likely to have thrombocytopenia and more likely to have SRSF2 co-mutations. IDH mutations negatively impacting AML-FS without a significant impact on OS. Prospective clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy of IDH1/2 inhibitors in CMML are much needed. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Komrokji: AbbVie: Consultancy; PharmaEssentia: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Taiho Oncology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Acceleron: Consultancy; BMSCelgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Geron: Consultancy. Al-Kali: Novartis: Research Funding; Astex: Other: Research support to institution. Padron: BMS: Research Funding; Stemline: Honoraria; Taiho: Honoraria; Kura: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Blueprint: Honoraria. Patnaik: StemLine: Research Funding; Kura Oncology: Research Funding.

Introduction Germline predisposition syndromes (GPS) are inherited disorders associated with germinal aberrations that increase the risk of malignancies. While aberrations in certain genes increase the risk for all types of malignancies (Tp53, ATM, CDKN2A, CHEK2), there is a growing list of genes associated specifically with hematological malignancies (GATA2, RUNX1, DDX41, ETV6, ANKRD26). At our institution, we have established a hematology GPS clinic to diagnose and manage GPS and with this report, detail our experience with 130 patients. Methods GPS were investigated in pediatric and adult patients with one or more first degree relatives with hematological/visceral malignancies or in those with antecedent thrombocytopenia (ANKRD26, RUNX1, ETV6), or with specific syndromic features (short telomere syndromes/STS, GATA2 haploinsufficiency, Fanconi anemia/FA, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome/SDS). Depending on the phenotype, specific functional assays such as flow-FISH for telomere length assessment and chromosomal breakage assays were ordered. After informed consent and genetic counselling, germline testing was carried out on peripheral blood mononuclear cell, skin fibroblast, or hair follicle-derived DNA. A custom-designed marrow failure NGS panel (200 genes) was used in most cases and interrogation of variants, in silico studies, and functional assays were carried out as previously described (Mangaonkar et al MC Proc 2019). Copy number variations were identified by aCGH. At the time of progression/worsening cytopenias, bone marrow/lymph node biopsies and NGS (next generation sequencing) were carried out where indicated. Results 130 patients with germline predisposition have been identified to date. The spectrum of disorders seen include STS 29 (22%), FA 17 (13%), GATA2 16 (12%), Diamond Blackfan anemia/DBA 13 (10%), RUNX1-FPD 12 (9%), ATM deletions/mutations 11 (8%), ANKRD26 6 (5%), SDS 5 (4%), DDX41 4 (3%), MPL 3 (2%), CHEK2, MECOM, Tp53 mutations 2 (2%) each, and CBL, CEPBA, ELANE, NF1, CDKN2A, CSF3R, ETV6, and GATA1 mutations, 1 (1%) each. Evidence for clonal evolution (CCUS) and hematological malignancies were seen in 51 (39%) patients, involving all the aforementioned genes/syndromes with the exception of DBA, CBL, ETV6, MPL, CSF3R, and GATA1. Seven (64%) of 11 patients with germline ATM deletions/mutations developed lymphoid malignancies; homozygous ATM (Follicular NHL-1, Burkitt lymphoma-1, T-ALL-1, T-LPD-1) and heterozygous ATM (T-PLL-1, DLBCL-1, CLL-1). Clonal evolution occurred in 11 (69%) of 16 GATA2 haploinsufficient patients (CCUS-2, MDS-3, CMML-1, AML-5) and in 7 (58%) of 12 RUNX1-FPD patients (CCUS-1, MDS-1, MDS/MPN-3, AML-2). Five of 29 (17%) STS patients had clonal progression (CCUS-2, MDS-2, AML-1), and 5 (29%) of 17 FA patients progressed to MDS-2 or AML-3. JMML was seen in one patient with a germline NF1 mutation, while 1 (20%) of 5 SDS patients progressed to AML. NGS data at progression was available in 24 (55%) of 44 myeloid/CCUS progressions, with somatic truncating ASXL1 mutations being most frequent (29%), followed by RAS pathway mutations (15%). AML/MDS progressions in STS, FA, and SDS were universally associated with complex/monosomal karyotypes, translating to refractory disease. Seventeen (39%) of 44 patients with myeloid predisposition underwent allogenic HCT (GATA2-7, FA-3, RUNX1-FPD-3, STS-2, NF1-1, Tp53-1), with 10 (59%) being alive at last follow up (Table 1). Conclusion We demonstrate the spectrum of germline aberrations associated with predisposition to hematological malignancies and outline the phenotypic heterogeneity of clonal transformation. The advent of NGS allows identification of clonal progression earlier than morphological changes, with mutations in ASXL1 and RAS pathway genes being commonly implicated. This study supports the universal development of dedicated germline predisposition clinics. Disclosures Pruthi: CSL Behring: Honoraria; Genentech Inc.: Honoraria; Bayer Healthcare: Honoraria; HEMA Biologics: Honoraria; Instrumentation Laboratory: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria.

Introduction Clonal cytopenias of undetermined significance (CCUS) is defined by the presence of somatic driver mutations/copy number variations in hematopoietic cells in patients with low blood counts, in the absence of morphological evidence for myeloid neoplasms. Patients with CCUS are often symptomatic and can be transfusion dependent (TD), with high rates of progression to myeloid neoplasms, especially myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In addition, similar to MDS, there are reports of CCUS patients responding to hypomethylating agents. Due to the lack of a formal diagnosis/morphological dysplasia, CCUS patients are often denied therapies or clinical trial enrollment. We carried out this study to validate our hypothesis that CCUS shares similar clinical and survival characteristics with lower risk MDS (LR-MDS). Methods CCUS patients were prospectively identified from the clonal hematopoiesis clinic, whereas LR-MDS patients were retrospectively identified from our institutional database. LR-MDS was defined as very low, low and intermediate risk MDS based on the R-IPSS categorization. Baseline demographics, blood counts, bone marrow (BM) morphology, cytogenetics, and NGS results were abstracted. Transfusion dependency was defined as requiring at least one unit of red cell or platelets every 4 weeks. The Mann-Whitney-U and Fischer's exact test were used to compare quantitative and qualitative data in subgroups. Kaplan-Meier overall survival (OS) estimates were used for survival analysis and compared using the log-rank test. Results 186 patients were included in the study; 74 (40%) with CCUS and 112 (60%) with LR-MDS, median age 66 years, with 63% being male (Table 1). In the CCUS group, 93% had one or more mutations (67% >1 mutation) detected by NGS, while 7% had clonal cytogenetic abnormalities. Common mutations in CCUS included TET2 (30%), SRSF2 (20%), DNMT3A (13%) and ASXL1 (11%); with 28% of patients being red cell TD and 15% being platelet TD. On application of the R-IPSS stratification, 40%, 45%, 12% and 3% were in the very low, low, intermediate and high risk categories, respectively. LR-MDS subtypes included MDS-RS (50%), MDS-MLD (21%), MDS-EB (10%), MDS del5q (7%), and MDS-U (12%). SF3B1 mutations were seen in 67% (95% of MDS-RS), while TET2 and DNMT3A mutations were seen in 29% and 21%, respectively. 60% of LR-MDS patients had >1 mutation. 44% were red cell TD, while 10% were platelet TD. In comparison to patients with CCUS, LR-MDS patients were more likely to have higher white blood cell counts (p=0.002), higher neutrophil counts (p=0.009), higher platelet counts (p The LR-MDS patients had a longer median follow up (53 vs 15 months) and at last follow up 72 (64%) and 11 (15%) deaths had been documented in the LR-MDS and CCUS groups respectively. 13 (18%) CCUS patients progressed to MDS (10) and AML (3) over a median of 15 months, while 9 (8%) LR-MDS patients progressed to higher grade MDS (1) and AML (8), respectively (median follow up 53 months). There was no difference in the median survival between CCUS (median OS not reached) versus LR-MDS (median OS 8.3 years) (p=0.372, Figure 1). Conclusion In spite of subtle phenotypic/molecular differences between LR-MDS and CCUS, both entities had similar prognostication, distribution of high risk mutations and survival outcomes. Within a short follow-up, 18% of CCUS patients progressed to MDS/AML, indicating that regardless of the absence of dysplasia these entities are a continuum of myeloid neoplasms. In order to improve access to treatments and clinical trial opportunities, we recommend that close consideration be given to consider CCUS as a MDS subtype. Disclosures Shah: Dren Bio: Consultancy.

Introduction: Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), an aggressive myeloid malignancy, can be categorized into two subtypes, proliferative CMML (pCMML) and dysplastic (dCMML), based on a white blood cell (WBC) count of ≥ 13 x 109/L for the former (Arber et al. Blood 2016). While this WBC cut off is somewhat arbitrary, patients with pCMML have unique phenotypic features and a shorter survival. We carried out this study to assess the genomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic landscapes of these two CMML subtypes. Methods: Peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells (MNC) were obtained from WHO-defined CMML patients. Next generation sequencing (NGS) using a 36-gene panel was performed on 350 patients with Illumina HiSeq4000 platform with median read depth of 400X. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on 25 patients by bulk whole transcriptome sequencing using Illumina TruSeq. DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (DIP-seq) was performed on 18 patients using 5-methylcystocine (5mC), 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and bridging monoclonal antibodies with subsequent paired-end sequencing using HiSeq4000. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) was performed on 30 patients with Illumina HiSeq2500 to a depth of 25 million for histone 3 lysine 4 monomethylation (H3K4me1) and histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and 50 million reads for histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and Input per sample. Results: Five hundred and seventy-three patients with WHO defined CMML were included; median age 71 years (range 18-95 years), 67% males. 282 patients had pCMML (49%), while 291 (51%) had dCMML. As pre-defined, patients with pCMML were more likely to have higher absolute monocyte counts (p Conclusions: Despite the somewhat arbitrary WBC distinction between pCMML and dCMML, clear phenotypic, genetic, transcriptomic, epigenetic and survival differences exist between the two subtypes, providing strong biological rationale for this distinction. pCMML patients have a higher frequency of oncogenic RAS pathway mutations, a unique transcriptomic profile enriched in mitotic check point kinases and a unique chromatin configuration with global and sequence specific enrichment in H3K4me1, with no significant global differences in 5mC, 5hmC, or H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 occupancy. Figure 1 Disclosures Geissler: AOP: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; AstraZeneca: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria; Ratiopharm: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria. Al-Kali:Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Patnaik:Stem Line Pharmaceuticals.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Background: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T) was formally included as a unique WHO-defined entity in the 2016, iteration of the classification of hematological neoplasms (under MDS/MPN overlap syndromes). Patients with MDS/MPN-RS-T have features of MDS-RS-single lineage dysplasia (SLD), persistent thrombocytosis (platelet count ≥450x109/L), with proliferation of large atypical megakaryocytes. Anemia, including red blood cell transfusion dependency (RBC-TD) is a major problem. While extensive studies have documented erythroid response rates (ERR) to erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) in MDS and MDS-RS-SLD, the data in MDS/MPN-RS-T is less clear. We carried out this study to asses ERR in ESA treated patients with MDS/MPN-RS-T. Methods: After approval by the IRB, patients with 2016, WHO-defined MDS/MPN-RS-T were included in the study. The bone marrow (BM) morphology, cytogenetics and BM RS% were retrospectively reviewed. All study patients underwent next generation sequencing for 29 myeloid-relevant genes, obtained on BM mononuclear cells, at diagnosis, or at first referral, by previously described methods (Patnaik et al., BCJ 2016). Treatment details, including the type of ESA used, dose administered, side effects and reason for discontinuation were retrospectively abstracted. Erythroid responses were assessed using the 2006, international working group (IWG) MDS and the 2015, IWG MDS/MPN response criteria. Results: Forty seven patients with MDS/MPN-RS-T were identified, of which 37 (79%) patients received ESA treatment at any time point during their disease course; median age 73 years (range, 52-93), 46% male.The hemoglobin at diagnosis (HB) and baseline erythropoietin (EPO) levels were 9.1 gm/dL (range, 6.6-12.1) and 39 IU/L (range, 8-500), respectively. Ten (29%) patients were RBC-TD at baseline. None of the 37, ESA-treated patients were on concomitant cyto-reductive therapy for thrombocytosis. Twenty (54%) patients were treated with erythropoietin-a, 13 (35%) with darbepoetin, and 4 (11%) with both sequentially. Median doses were 40,000 IU weekly (range, 20,000-80,000) for erythropoietin-a and 200 mcg every 2 weeks (range, 100-500), for darbepoetin. Median treatment duration was 14 months (range, 1-173) and causes for discontinuation included; ESA failure/loss of response in 20 (54%), sustained HB rise in 1 (3%) and other causes, including adverse events in 4 (11%) patients. With regards to safety, the following events were considered potentially ESA related; treatment emergent hypertension in 2 (5%), venous thromboembolism, ischemic stroke and splenic infarction in 1 (3%) patient each, respectively. All patients with thrombotic/ischemic events had been on low dose aspirin prophylaxis. Erythroid responses by the IWG MDS and MDS/MPN response criteria were assessable in 35 (95%) patients: with 16 (46%) meeting criteria for an erythroid response, by both assessment systems. The median duration of ER was 20 months (range, 2-172). In comparison to ESA non-responders, those that responded were more likely to have baseline EPO levels ≤44 IU/L (ROC analysis; median, 28 vs 112 IU/L; p=0.0080), while there was a trend for inferior responses associated with RBC-TD (p=0.0857). Age, gender, baseline white blood cell and platelet counts, type of ESA used, BM RS %, JAK2V617F, SF3B1, DNMT3A, TET2 and ASXL1 mutational status did not impact ESA response (Table 1). On a univariate survival analysis (OS), survival was not significantly different between ESA responders vs non-responder (median OS, 76 vs 45 months; p=0.2929). After ESA failure, 7 (19%) patients received hypomethylating agents (HMA), while 5 (14%) received lenalidomide. There were no erythroid responses to HMA, while 1 of 3 (33%) assessable lenalidomide treated patients achieved a morphological complete response. Conclusion: Erythropoiesis stimulating agents are effective first line therapies for the management of anemia in patients with MDS/MPN-RS-T, with 46% achieving an erythroid response (median duration of response of 20 months). Low baseline endogenous EPO level ( Disclosures Al-Kali: Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding. Patnaik:Stem Line Pharmaceuticals.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

[Figure][1] A 25-year-old woman presented with diffuse “lumps” under the skin and was found to have peripheral eosinophilia and an atypical circulating lymphocyte population (white blood cells, 10.8 × 109/L; 22% lymphocytes; and 12% eosinophils) (panel A). No history of atopy was noted

Introduction: Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a chronic myeloid malignancy associated with monocytosis, autoimmunity (~30%) & an inherent risk for leukemic transformation. Bone marrow (BM) dendritic cell (DC) populations occur in ~30% of patients, with a poorly defined biological & prognostic role. The malignant immune microenvironment is regulated by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1) expressing DCs, which modulate regulatory T (Treg) cells & block their conversion into proinflammatory T helper (Th17)-like cells. IDO-1 is a known immune checkpoint & functions by catabolizing tryptophan, an amino acid essential for T cell function. We hypothesized that distinct IDO-1 expressing DC populations in CMML modulate Tregs & contribute towards immune tolerance & aggressive disease biology. Methods: Primary diagnostic CMML peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) & BM biopsy specimens were obtained after Mayo Clinic IRB approval. A DC population was defined on H&E stained biopsy sections as focal collections (>10) of cells with characteristic elongated nuclei & cytoplasmic extensions. Transcriptomic & protein expression studies assessing IDO-1 expression were done by previously described methods. In addition, IHC expression of PD-1, PD-L1 & CTLA-4 was also done. IDO-1 promoter methylation studies with DIP-seq were performed. The impact on immune tolerance was assessed using mass cytometry (CyTOF). Results: Cohort: Twenty eight patients with CMML were included in the study, median age 70 (range: 51-80) years; 71% males. Eleven (39%) patients had coexisting autoimmune conditions. Of these, 8 (73%) had detectable DC populations either at diagnosis, or during the course of their disease. At a median follow-up of 46 (95% CI 27, 84) months, there were 14 (50%) deaths & 9 (32%) leukemic transformations.IHC results: Nine (32%) patients were identified to have a DC population at CMML diagnosis. CD123 & TCL1 staining was performed in 5 (56%) patients, with 3 being positive for both, & 2 positive for CD123 only (additional IHC studies ongoing). IDO1 expression by IHC was documented in all 9 (100%) cases (Fig 1A & 1B), while rare populations of PD-1, PD-L1 & CTLA-4 lymphocytes were also seen in all cases. Due to the low DC burdens (median cellularity ≤ 5%) & uniform staining intensity, IHC-based grading was not done. Samples at serial time-points, post-HMA therapy & at the time of blast transformation, were available in 5 & 3 patients respectively. Among the patients who did not have DC populations at diagnosis, 5 (42%) developed them post-HMA therapy, while 3 (50%) developed them at the time of LT. The development of DC populations was associated with loss of response to HMA (50%) & disease progression (50%).Transcriptomic analysis: RNA expression data was available on 7 (25%) patients, of whom only 1 (14%) had DC populations at diagnosis. The IDO-1 RPKM value in the former was higher than the mean pooled value in the latter group (330 versus 74, p=0.05).Methylation studies: DIP-seq was performed on 12 (43%) cases from the primary IHC cohort. Qualitative analysis of IDO-1 promoter hypomethylation was conducted & confirmed in all 9 (100%) cases with 5-mC & 5-hmC marks compared to input as displayed in figure 1C.Immune profiling: CyTOF was performed on 4 CMML samples (3 with IDO-1 expressing DC populations at diagnosis) from the primary IHC cohort & compared to a normal PBMC control. Results confirmed an increase in DC populations (fig 1D& 1E), & reduced % of Th17-like T cells in CMML samples compared to control (1.1 versus 5.07, p=0.05, fig 1F).Clinical correlates & survival analysis: With the exception that CMML patients with DC populations had a higher frequency of NRAS (P=0.007) mutations, the two groups were comparable for cytogenetic & molecular abnormalities. The median OS for the cohort was 45 (95% CI 29, 84) months. CMML patients with IDO-1 expressing DC populations at diagnosis had a shorter median OS, in comparison to those without (median OS 30 vs 45, p=0.03, Kaplan-Meier analysis in fig 1G). Conclusions: In conclusion, we demonstrate that DC populations are seen in ~30% of patients with CMML with a uniform expression of IDO-1 & limited expression of PD-1, PD-L1 & CTLA-4. CMML patients with BM DC populations have a higher frequency of NRAS mutations & DC IDO-1 expression is associated with tumor induced immune tolerance. Additional IHC, genomic & preclinical studies with IDO-1 inhibitors are ongoing. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Al-Kali: Novartis: Research Funding.

Background : The 2016 revision to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid neoplasms has recommended distinction between "proliferative" (WBC ≥ 13 x 10(9)/L) and "dysplastic" (WBC < 13 X 10(9)/L) subtypes of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). In the current study of 261 molecularly-annotated cases, we sought to clarify the prognostic relevance of distinguishing proliferative from dysplastic CMML and also describe differences in the distribution of disease-associated mutations. Methods : 261 patients with WHO-defined CMML were included in the study. All patients had bone marrow (BM) biopsies and cytogenetics performed at diagnosis. Targeted capture assays were carried out on BM DNA specimens obtained at diagnosis for the following genes; TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1, IDH2, ASXL1, EZH2, SUZ12, SRSF2, SF3B1, ZRSR2, U2AF1, PTPN11, Tp53, SH2B3, RUNX1, CBL, NRAS, KRAS, JAK2, CSF3R, FLT3, KIT, CALR, MPL, NPM1, CEBPA, IKZF, and SETBP. The 2016 WHO criteria were used to sub-classify CMML into proliferative and dysplastic subtypes. Results :Among the 261 study patients, 65% were males and median age was 70 years. 154 (59%), 64 (25%) and 43 (16%) patients were classified as CMML-0, 1 and 2, respectively. At a median follow-up of 23 months, 174 (67%) deaths and 37 (14%) leukemic transformations were documented. Mutational frequencies were; TET2 45%, ASXL1 45%, SRSF2 40%, NRAS 14%, SETBP1 13%, CBL 10%, JAK2 7%, RUNX1 6%, U2AF1 6%, DNMT3A 6%, SF3B1 5%, ZRSR2 4%, Tp53 4%, IDH2 4%, KRAS 3%, PTPN11 2%, SH2B3 1%, CSF3R 1%, IDH1 1%, EZH2 1%, SUZ12 1%, KIT 1%, FLT3 1%, and CALR 1%. Risk stratification was based on the Mayo Molecular Model: 31% high, 30% intermediate-1, 28% intermediate-2 and 11 % low risk. i) Dysplastic versus proliferative CMML: phenotypic and molecular differences 139 (53%) patients had proliferative and 122 (47%) dysplastic subtypes. There was no difference between the CMML subtypes in terms of age and gender distribution, hemoglobin level, platelet count or BM blast content. Patients with proliferative CMML had higher absolute monocyte counts (AMC) (p ii) Impact on overall and leukemia-free survival: Median survival for the entire cohort (n=261) was 24 months. In univariate analysis, survival was shorter in patients with proliferative (median 20 months) versus dysplastic (median 29 months) CMML (p=0.008; HR1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.1; Figure 1A). Other variables of significance, in univariate analysis, included hemoglobin (p=0.001), leukocyte count (p=0.001), AMC (p=0.003), PB blast % (p=0.003), IMC (p=0.01), BM blast % (p=0.045), abnormal karyotype (p=0.02), ASXL1 (p=0.01) and DNMT3A (p=0.0003) mutations. In multivariable analysis, the difference in survival between proliferative and dysplastic subtypes remained significant with the addition of hemoglobin level (p=0.01), PB blast % (p=0.02), IMC (p=0.04), BM blast % (p=0.01) or DNMT3A mutations (p=0.01). This was, however, not the case with addition of leukocyte count (p=0.32), AMC (p=0.18) or ASXL1 mutational status (p=0.14); whereas the adverse impact on survival from the latter three parameters remained significant. The prognostic impact of ASXL1 mutations was most apparent in dysplastic CMML (Figure 1B). There was no difference in leukemic transformation rates (p=0.4). Conclusions: In the context of current prognostic models, sub-classification of CMML into proliferative and dysplastic subtypes might not provide additional prognostic value. The apparent difference in survival between the two subtypes of CMML is probably accounted for by the higher prevalence of leukocytosis/monocytosis and of ASXL1 mutations in proliferative CMML. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Background: Myeloid sarcoma is a tumor mass consisting of myeloid blasts occurring at anatomical site other than the bone marrow (Arber et al. Blood 2016;127(20):2391-2405). It is a subgroup of acute myeloid leukemia, which can be localized or disseminated and may involve multiple organs. It can present with or without a positive bone marrow. It may precede or follow bone marrow involvement. It may be identified at diagnosis or relapse, and is not uncommon after stem cell transplantation (Koc et al. Cancer 1999;85(3):608-615; Yoshihara et al. Biol. Blood Marrow Transplant 2012;18(12):1800-1807). Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics, cytogenetics, prognosis and outcome of patients with myeloid sarcoma with or without bone marrow involvement. Methods: The Mayo Clinic database was interrogated using the ICD-9 codes 205.0, 205.2, 205.3, as well as terms "myeloid sarcoma," "chloroma," and "extramedullary sarcoma" in clinical notes and pathology reports. Patients' follow up information was collected until July 2016. Results: Ninety six patients with a diagnosis myeloid sarcoma were identified. The diagnosis was based on biopsy results and in some cases imaging studies in addition to bone marrow biopsy. The median age was 53 (range 17-83) years, and 64 (67%) patients were males. Myeloid sarcoma with de novo (primary) and secondary acute myeloid leukemia (with antecedent hematologic malignancy and therapy related) accounted for 64% (61) and 36% of the cases respectively. The sites involved based on their frequency of occurrence included integumentary system (skin and soft tissues) in 37 (38%), lymphatic system in 17 (18%), the gastrointestinal and genitourinary system in 14 (15%), the nervous system in 9 (9%), the breast in 3 (3%) and multiple and other single sites in 16 (17 %). Bone marrow cytogenetics findings were documented in 74 (77%) patients; favorable, intermediate, and poor cytogenetic abnormalities account for 7 (9%), 45 (61%), and 22 (30%) cases respectively. After a median follow up of 135 weeks, 57 (59%) patients died. The median survival of primary and secondary acute myeloid leukemia with myeloid sarcoma was 52 and 11.5 months (P Twenty six (27%) patients had no bone marrow involvement; and 18 (69%) of them were primary myeloid sarcoma (without antecedent malignancy or therapy). The median (range) age of those with and without bone marrow involvement was 53 (17-83) and 56 (17-81) years (P=0.6). At diagnosis patients with and without bone marrow involvement have a median (range) hemoglobin (gm/dL) (10.3 (6.2-15.4) vs 13.1 (9.9-15.2) P=0.0002), white blood cell count (X109/L) (21.4 (1.1-182.5) vs 5.8 (2.4-23.2) P Conclusion: The treatment outcome of patients with myeloid sarcoma with or without bone marrow involvement seems the same. The conventional risk factors, antecedent hematological neoplasms and cytogenetic findings, have significant impact on survival. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding; Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding.

Background : DNMT3A mutations result in epigenetic dysregulation and impart a negative prognostic impact in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. In chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), DNMT3A mutations are seen in 2-5% of patients. In a large Groupe Français des Myélodysplasies (GFM) study (n=312), DNMT3A mutations were seen in 2% and were not included in further survival analyses (Itzykson JCO 2013). In a prior Mayo Clinic study (n=175), DNMT3A mutations were seen in 5% (n=9) and on univariate, but not multivariate analysis (Patnaik Blood C J 2016), were associated with shortened over-all survival (OS). We carried out this study on a larger CMML cohort (n=261), with more (n=15) informative cases to assess the impact of DNMT3A mutations. Methods : 261 patients with World Health Organization (WHO)-defined CMML were included in the study. All patients had bone marrow (BM) biopsies and cytogenetics performed at diagnosis. Targeted capture assays were carried out on BM DNA specimens obtained at diagnosis for the following genes; TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1, IDH2, ASXL1, EZH2, SUZ12, SRSF2, SF3B1, ZRSR2, U2AF1, PTPN11, Tp53, SH2B3, RUNX1, CBL, NRAS, KRAS, JAK2, CSF3R, FLT3, KIT, CALR, MPL, NPM1, CEBPA, IKZF, and SETBP1. The 2016 WHO diagnostic criteria were used. Results: Among the 261 study patients, 65% were males and median age was 70 years (range, 28-91). 154 (59%), 64 (25%) and 43 (16%) patients were classified as CMML-0, 1 and 2, respectively. At a median follow-up of 23 months, 174 (67%) deaths and 37 (14%) leukemic transformations (LT) were documented. Mutational frequencies ≥4% were encountered in; TET2 45%, ASXL1 45%, SRSF2 40%, NRAS 14%, SETBP1 13%, CBL 10%, JAK2 7%, RUNX1 6%, DNMT3A 6%, U2AF1 6%, SF3B1 5%, ZRSR2 4%, Tp53 4%, and IDH2 4%. i) DNTM3A mutated CMML: phenotypic and molecular correlates DNMT3A mutations were seen in 15 (6%) patients; 64% male with a median age of 64 years. DNMT3A amino acid substitutions included; R882H 50%, R882C 29%, R910P 7%, R598* 7% and R320* 7%. The median variant allele frequency burden was 45%. Concurrent gene mutations were detected in; TET2 43%, ASXL1 21%, SF3B1 21%, U2AF1 14%, RUNX1 14%, SETBP1 14%, NRAS 14%, SRSF2 7%, JAK2 7% and Tp53 7%. There was no difference between DNMT3A mutated and wild-type patients in terms of age and gender distribution, hemoglobin level, leukocyte, monocyte (AMC), and platelet counts, peripheral blood (PB) or BM blast content. Concurrent gene mutations were equally distributed with the exception for a higher prevalence of SF3B1 (p=0.003) and a lower prevalence of SRSF2 (p=0.004) mutations in DNMT3A mutated CMML. Four (29%) patients underwent leukemic transformation. ii) Impact on OS and leukemia-free survival (LFS): Median survival for the entire cohort (n=261) was 24 months. In univariate analysis, survival was shorter in DNMT3A mutated (median 8 months) versus wild-type (median 27 months) patients (p=0.0007; HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.5-5.7; Figure 1A). Other variables of significance, in univariate analysis, included lower hemoglobin (p=0.002), higher leukocyte count (p=0.0009), higher AMC (p=0.0012), PB blast % (p=0.001), circulating immature myeloid cells (IMC, p=0.01), BM blast % (p=0.045), abnormal karyotype (p=0.02), and ASXL1 (p=0.01) mutations. Survival was also adversely affected by the presence of either (n=133) or both (n=3) ASXL1/DNMT3A mutations (0=0.007, Figure 1B). In multivariable analysis (MVA) excluding ASXL1 and DNMT3A mutations, hemoglobin (p=0.03), IMC (p=0.013) and AMC (p=0.02) retained significance. When ASXL1 mutations were added to the MVA, ASXL1 (p=0.01) mutations, AMC (p=0.012) and IMC (p=0.03) retained significance. Similarly, when only DNMT3A mutations were added to the MVA, DNMT3A (p=0.003) mutations, IMC (p=0.01) and AMC (p=0.02) retained significance. When both DNMT3A and ASXL1 mutations were added to the MVA, only DNMT3A (p Conclusions: DNMT3A mutations are seen in ~5% of patients with CMML and impart a negative prognostic impact on both OS and LFS. This finding warrants inclusion of DNMT3A mutations in molecularly integrated CMML prognostic models. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Background: Ring sideroblasts (RS) are erythroid precursors with perinuclear mitochondrial iron accumulation seen in clonal disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and non-clonal conditions, including copper deficiency, lead poisoning, and congenital sideroblastic anemias (CSAs). CSAs involve a broad clinical and pathological spectrum related to mutations in ALAS2, ABCB7, etc. or mitochondrial aberrations (Pearson Syndrome; Myopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Sideroblastic Anemia (MLASA); etc.). MDS-RS is often associated with SF3B1 mutations, which have not been reported in other SAs. This study sought to further describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients with CSAs. Methods: After due IRB approval, we retrospectively identified all patients with a CSA diagnosis seen at our institution from 1990-2014. All bone marrow (BM) slides were re-reviewed to confirm the presence of RS. Secondary causes of SA were excluded. Genetic testing on the BM specimen was carried out when possible through research collaborations with the Boston Children's Hospital. Data was retrospectively extracted and is reported in Table 1. Data was analyzed based on the presence or absence of mitochondrial inheritance. Results: Seventeen patients with CSA were identified, 3 (17.6%) with mitochondrial inheritance. In the non-mitochondrial inheritance group, the median age at diagnosis was 29 years (range, 1-61 years). Six (42.9%) were males. At a median follow-up of 119 months (range, 1-401 months), 1 (7.1%) death was documented. The median overall survival (OS) has not been reached. Six of 14 (42.9%) underwent genetic testing, and a mutation was identified in 4 (ALAS -2, FECH -1, and a novel mutation, currently being validated). Six of 6 (100%) samples analyzed for SF3B1 mutations were negative. Median laboratory values at diagnosis included hemoglobin 9.5 g/dL, MCV 85.8, WBC 6.4, and platelets 297,000. Three (21.4%) patients had splenomegaly. Nine (64.3%) had iron overload; 3 (33%) were treated with iron chelation therapy, with only 1 documented response (≥ 500 µg/L reduction in serum ferritin). Twelve (85.7%) were treated with pyridoxine. Outcomes of pyridoxine treatment are described in Table 1. Three of 14 (21.4%) received red blood cell transfusions, and 3 (21.4%) received erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA). One (7.1%) patient underwent allogeneic stem cell transplant. Three patients had SAs of mitochondrial inheritance; aberrations were identified in 2 (YARS2 and a 4 kilobase mitochondrial deletion). In this group, the median age at diagnosis was 2 years (range, 1-13 years), and all were males. At a median follow-up of 173 months (range, 119-329 months), 2 (66.7%) deaths were documented. Median laboratory values at diagnosis included hemoglobin 9.0 g/dL, MCV 97.0, WBC 5.2, and platelets 175,000. Conclusions: Congenital SAs are rare, and the majority are of non-mitochondrial inheritance. The molecular basis for disease can be ascertained in less than 50% of patients. Unlike MDS with RS, CSAs are not characterized by the SF3B1 mutation, which may be used to establish clonality. With appropriate supportive care measures, survival for non-mitochondrially inherited CSA remains favorable. Table 1. Demographics and Outcomes for 17 Patients with CSA Age at Diagnosis (Years) Gender Molecular Mutation Additional Features Pyridoxine Response Iron Overload Survival (Months) Outcomes Non-Mitochondrial Inheritance 5 M R452H in ALAS2 N Y2 Y 173 Alive3 3 M Mutation being validated Splenomegaly Y2 Y 254 Alive3 6 M Unknown, PTPN11, ALAS 2, ABCB7 negative Splenomegaly N Y 137 Alive, status-post transplant 29 F Unknown1 N N/A N 131 Alive3 41 F Unknown1 N Y2 N 83 Alive4 40 M Promoter mutation in ALAS2 Splenomegaly N N 106 Alive4 31 F Unknown1 N N Y 401 Deceased 54 M Unknown1 N Lost to follow-up Y 1 Alive3 3 M FECH N N/A N 189 Alive3 1 F SCAD -VUS N Lost to follow-up Y 13 Alive3 29 F Unknown1 N N Y 205 Alive3 58 F Unknown1 N N Y 47 Alive, unknown transfusion status 61 F Unknown1 N Y2 Y 58 Alive3 23 F Unknown1 Alpha-thalassemia-2-trait Y2 N 37 Alive3 Mitochondrial Inheritance 13 M YARS2 MLASA N Y 329 Alive4 2 M Unknown, mitochondrial deletions and ABCB7 negative Myopathy, Ataxia N/A N 173 Deceased 1 M 4 kilobase mitochondrial deletion Pearson Syndrome, B cell lymphoma Y2 N 119 Deceased 1No molecular testing performed 2Sustained hemoglobin response of ≥ 1 g/dL over baseline for ≥ 12 weeks 3Transfusion-independent 4Transfusion-dependent Disclosures Steensma: Incyte: Consultancy; Onconova: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy.

Abstract 1086 Poster Board I-108 T-cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is a rare clonal lymphoproliferative disorder derived from cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) associated mostly with lineage-restricted cytopenias. While the clinical course is often indolent, some patients exhibit severe morbidities due to transfusion dependence, infections or thrombocytopenia. Intuitively, the level of the aberrant CTL clone as expressed by high LGL count or TCR Vβ clonal expansion by flow cytometry, the severity of neutropenia, pancytopenia, or the association with clonal myeloid disorders such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) should herald a worse clinical outcome. Moreover, expression of CD56 has been established as an adverse marker for morbidity and mortality in number of hematological malignancies. In addition, rare cases of aggressive T-cell LGL leukemia were reported to display a CD3+/CD56+ immunophenotype. Based on the availability of a large, well characterized cohort of patients with T-cell LGL leukemia (n=86), we studied features associated with a poor clinical outcome and perceived need for aggressive therapy, including histomorphologic parameters, immunophenotype (CD56 expression). Both clinical response and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by means of categorical and survival statistical methods. The median patient age was 64 years (range, 15–80), and 55% were males. Rheumatoid arthritis was present in 14% of patients, 47% of patients had splenomegaly and 43% of those underwent splenectomy. Concomitant hematologic malignancies (5 cases of plasma cell dyscrasia, 8 with B-cell malignancies, and 3 with MDS/sAML) were found in 18% of patients, whereas solid cancers accounted for 15%. Neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia were seen in 63%, 50%, and 24%, respectively. Overall clinical response to a variety of therapies given was observed in 60% of patients. CD56 expression on the LGL clone was found in 15 patients (21%). Cases expressing CD56 were enriched among females (p=.005). CD56-positive cases were less likely to have neutropenia (p=.03) or thrombocytopenia (p=.03). In contrast to aggressive NK-cell lymphoma, the CD56 phenotype in T-cell LGL leukemia did not negatively impact OS (p=.85). However, increasing number of cytopenias (p=.006) were associated with poor survival. A dose-response pattern of association with OS was detected for pancytopenia (hazard ratio [HR]=9.9, p=.002) vs. bicytopenia (HR=4, p=.06) vs. single/none (reference) cytopenia. Similar results were obtained from logistic regression of factors associated with clinical response to therapeutic intervention. Neutropenia (p=.004) and thrombocytopenia (p=.02), but not anemia were associated with poorer clinical responses. All 5 patients with plasma cell dyscrasia had a complete response to the therapies targeting LGL (p=.01). Similarly, patients who underwent splenectomy tended to have a more favorable clinical response (p=.045). Multiple lineage cytopenias adversely affect both clinical outcomes and OS of T-cell LGL leukemia. In contrast to other diseases (T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, AML, and multiple myeloma) a CD56+ immunophenotype was not associated with poor outcome in our cohort. Thus, as opposed to other studies, we would not suggest aggressive systemic chemotherapy in management of patients with T-cell LGL leukemia based purely on CD56 expression. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

C-kit is a tyrosine kinase receptor expressed on more than 10% of blasts in 95% of relapsed AMLs. Signaling pathways, such as STAT3 and STAT5, may be activated downstream of c-kit. Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a potent c-kit inhibitor and has activity in relapsed/ refractory AML. We conducted a Phase 1 trial of IM in combination with cytarabine (A) and daunorubicin (D) in pts with c-kit+ relapsed AML. Methods: All pts were treated at the Cleveland Clinic from 2003–2008. Cytogenetic (CG) risk was defined by CALGB criteria. Eligibility criteria included: age ³18 yrs, AML in first relapse (excluding APL), relapse more than 6 mos from induction therapy, ECOG performance status 0–2, ³20% blasts c-kit+ (CD117+ by flow cytometry). Phosphorylated (P) (activated) STAT3 (nuclear and cytoplasmic) was assessed by immunhistochemistry (IHC) on pre-tx samples. IHC studies for P-STAT5 are ongoing. Cases were defined as positive if any staining was present in blasts. All pts received A 100 mg/m2/d by continuous infusion for 7 days and D 45 mg/m2 IV for 3 days (7+3). IM dose was escalated using a standard 3 + 3 design. Six additional pts were then treated at the MTD. Planned dose levels were: −1 (300 mg), 1 (400 mg), 2 (600 mg), 3 (800 mg). IM was administered with the first dose of chemotherapy and continued daily until disease progression, intolerance, removal from study for another treatment (including alloBMT), or dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). A Day 14 BM was performed; pts with persistent leukemia but ≥ 50% reduction in BM blasts continued IM and received 5 days of A (100 mg/m2/d) and 2 days of D (45 mg/m2/d). Results: Twenty-one pts have been enrolled: median age was 47 yrs (range 24–75) and 48% were male. The median time from CR to relapse was 439 d (range 216–1100). CG risk: poor 14%, intermediate 71%, and good 14%. The median percentage of c-kit+ blasts was 89% in the bone marrow (range 52–98). In patients expressing nuclear P-STAT3, 2–6% of the blasts stained positive. Eleven pts had no nuclear P-STAT3. No pts had cytoplasmic P-STAT3. At 400 mg IM, 2 of 6 pts had a DLT; both were ³ Grade 3 hyperbilirubinemia. Pharmacodynamic/ pharmacokinetic studies to better understand the etiology of the hyperbilirubinemia are ongoing. Subsequent pts were treated with 300 mg IM. One pt died during induction and was not evaluable for response. Eleven of the 19 evaluable pts (58%) achieved CR or CRp . Pts received IM for a median of 23 d (range 9–574+). Three discontinued IM to proceed to alloBMT. Two pts continue on IM and remain in a remission at 52+ and 574+ days. C-kit expression did not correlate with CR. However, patients with no nuclear P-STAT3 expression had a higher CR rate (82%) than patients with P-STAT3 nuclear expression (33%) (p=0.18). Conclusions: The MTD of IM in combination with 7+3 was 300 mg. Since the hyperbilirubinemia appeared to be reversible with discontinuation of IM, it may be possible to escalate IM doses further and re-challenge. The CR rate is encouraging, and merits evaluation in a Phase 2 study. In particular, pts with no nuclear P-STAT3 had a CR rate of 82%; whereas, pts with nuclear P-STAT3 expression had a CR rate of 33%. STAT3 may be activated independently of c-kit; therefore, directly targeting STAT3 in this latter group of patients may potentially improve prognosis. However, these are preliminary data, and will need to be evaluated in a larger study.

Background: The tumor microenvironment is important in the biology of follicular lymphoma (FL). In addition to macrophages, which have been shown to be associated with outcome in FL, mast cells (MCs) have the ability to influence the microenvironment through secretion of numerous biologically active molecules such as growth factors and cytokines/chemokines. Increased numbers of tumor-infiltrating MCs have been suggested as an unfavorable prognostic marker that also supercedes the predictive value of lymphoma-associated macrophages (LAM) in FL patients treated with immunochemotherapy. This study examines the effects of tumor-infiltrating MCs in FL patients at Cleveland Clinic. Design: Tissue microarrays were constructed from 94 newly diagnosed cases of FL from 09/01/1985 to 12/13/2002 that had been previously characterized for CD68+ LAMs and demonstrated that extrafollicular (EF) LAMs (>16.8/high power field) were a poor prognostic marker (Kelley T et al 2007). Immunohistochemistry for tryptase was performed on these microarrays to enumerate MCs per high powered (400x) field. In each core, all available lymphomatous tissue was evaluated (mean of 8.13 hpf/case, range 1–9). The cell counts were compared to the available clinical follow-up data, using overall survival as the measurable outcome. Results: The FL patients (44 women, 50 men) had a mean age at diagnosis of 59 years and a mean follow-up of 95.8 months. The patients were treated heterogeneously; the great majority did not receive immunochemotherapy as initial treatment. MC data was available in 91 patients. The mean MC count was 4.14 MCs/hpf (range 0–17.33). As shown previously, > 16.8 EF LAMs/hpf was a predictor of poor overall survival; hazard ratio of 2.28, 95% CI: 1.22–4.24, P = .009. In the entire cohort, MCs were not associated with overall survival. However, in the subgroup with low LAM (CD68 3.3/hpf) was associated with better overall survival, HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.16–0.99, P = .049. Conclusion: In our data set, increased LAMs in FL are associated with poor overall survival. Overall, MCs do not appear to predict outcome; however, in the subgroup of patients with low LAMs, increased MCs are associated with a favorable overall survival. This suggests a complex interaction between cellular constituents of the tumor microenvironment that affects patient outcome. The application of immunochemotherapy or other immunomodulatory therapies may alter these interactions and outcomes. Further work is needed to better understand these interactions and to validate biomarkers in therapy specific contexts.